52 replies to this topic

[V.T. Eric Layton]

... Scot and others here received a final personal message from Bruno earlier today. In Amsterdam, where Bruno lives, they have the option of "dignified death" (euthanasia by choice). Bruno has reached that point. He will be surrounded by his family as he takes his final journey beyond this existence. The time is set for this Saturday morning (Amsterdam time). Whatever your beliefs or philosophies, please keep our Bruno in your thoughts and prayers. His legacy will continue on as long as there are those of us who knew and loved him still around to remember.One lights dims on earth; another brightens in the night skies.



Good bye, my friend. You taught us well. There's a little bit of you in all of us now.

~Eric

Edited to show the avatar that Li'l Bambi was referring to in Post #5 below:

[réjean]

Good bye Bruno!We love you.

[Ed_P]

[Scot]

I wish the whole world had the "dignified death" option. It's so civilized. I'm so glad for Bruno that he has it. I wish him the final peace he so richly deserves.-- Scot

[LilBambi]

Yes, after seeing the pain and suffering of those with massive cancers first hand, as many of us have, I am so glad that there is a way to help prevent that ... at least in some countries.May Bruno find a pain-free peace ... until we meet again, dear friend!You will be loved, missed and remembered always!Eric, your avatar speaks so well of how we all feel.

[mlangdn]

Godspeed, my friend.

[Urmas]

It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him; and he concurs with their movements rather than takes the initiative himself. His benefits may be considered as parallel to what are called comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature: like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them. The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast; — all clashing of opinion, or collision of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment; his great concern being to make every one at their ease and at home. He has his eyes on all his company; he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd; he can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unseasonable allusions, or topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome. He makes light of favours while he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is conferring. He never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort, he has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets every thing for the best. He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments, or insinuates evil which he dare not say out. From a long-sighted prudence, he observes the maxim of the ancient sage, that we should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend. He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice. He is patient, forbearing, and resigned, on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because it is inevitable, to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death, because it is his destiny. If he engages in controversy of any kind, his disciplined intellect preserves him from the blunder. [John Henry Cardinal Newman: The Idea of a University, 1852]

Vaarwel Bruno, mijn liefste vriend!

[quint]

Bruno,May God be with you and your family ... always.

[muckshifter]

until we meet again ...

[jolphil]

Great Loss.........Words fail me...............One of a kind...........jolphil

[ebrke]

WIth new therapies, I had hoped that Bruno would have a little more time, but it was not to be.  He's at peace now, and I know that's what's important.  He was a kind, generous, knowledgeable man, and he made this world a better place.Urmas, that was an inspired tribute to Bruno--he certainly was a true gentleman.  Eric, as a small memorial to Bruno, could you post a reminder once a year as he did reminding people to log in to their linux counter account to keep it current?

[SueD]

Good-bye dear friend. May those you've left behind celebrate your life after they've mourned your death.Say hello to Kate for me when you meet her.

[ozgeek]

Bruno was one of those special people you meet in life that have an immeasurable impact on you.I will never forget him and his generous spirit.God bless you Bruno.

[Eggdog]

The sheer beauty & eloquence of the words expressed here, and the thoughts behind them, tell me with confidence that while Bruno has left, he isn't gone, just farther along.

Edited by Eggdog, 20 February 2010 - 05:13 PM.

[V.T. Eric Layton]

ebrke, on Feb 20 2010, 08:35 AM, said:

Eric, as a small memorial to Bruno, could you post a reminder once a year...

I would do that anyway, if I remember to. We may have to come up with an "In Memoriam" sub-board around here somewhere, like I have at my Cabin In the Woods board, for the purpose of keeping these threads visible and to have a place to memorialize any of our other friends should that need arise.

[Rons]

God speed. You will be missed.

[onederer]

I just lost a friend this morning.  He's a man from Amsterdam. His name is Bruno.  And no, I had never met him, but along for me, he's affected hundreds of lives.  When I came back home from the hospital, I learned that Bruno had terminal cancer, and he's stepped down from his admin position from Scot's Forums, (Everything Linux).  His knowledge of Linux was vast and seemed bottomless.  His patience was that of an angel.  His willingness to share his knowledge, was boundless.  He never browbeat someone because of lack of knowledge, when being asked for help and a question about his favorite topic. He was always there to offer a solution, and had many admirers.  His leadership set the tone for the forum, and always conducted it in a quiet and gentlemanly fashion.  Civility was(is) the norm on that forum, and everyone was(is) welcomed with open arms.  Being European, Bruno was a man who could speak several languages.  I used to write to him in French.  Although I don't believe in that, in his country, euthanasia (death with dignity) is legal. He had reached the progressive stage in his cancer where he knew it was time, and he chose this mode to die, with his family around him.  He had said his good-by to his family and friends, the day before, and was ready to meet his fate.Thank you Bruno for your vast contributions, may you rest in peace.

[angeldust]

Quote

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? -Kahlil Gibran

Bruno is now at Peace & continues to exist in the Heart of All who knew him. May we all be so loved and remembered when our time comes to depart this mortal coil.

[Peachy]

Godspeed.

[goretsky]

Rest easily now, Bruno.  I am not sure what happens to any of us after we die, where we go, or whom or what we come in contact with, but I do hope you have the opportunity to share your knowledge, passion for teaching and advice with some really interesting folks.

[Frank Golden]

You will be sorely missed Bruno but you will live on in our hearts. May we meet again.

[Wamukota]

Bruno,dat je in vrede moge rusten. In deze moeilijke tijden gaan mijn gedachten ook uit naar je familie en al wie je lief hadmay you rest in peace.  In these difficult times my thoughts go out to your family and all those who you loved.Alain

[katy98]

I am so grateful to have experienced Bruno's knowledge, his patience and generosity, and that he was allowed to pass with dignity. May his family and friends find solace in having known such a wonderful human being. He will be in our minds and hearts for a very long time!!  God bless you Bruno!

[Urmas]

Dear Friends,Please take a moment to read these touching farewells:Corrine: To Bruno Knaapen: God SpeedRons: The World Is Mourning The Loss Of Bruno Knaapen – Linux AdvocateKen/Helios: The Last Act of Courage...

[SueD]

Urmas, on Feb 21 2010, 04:03 PM, said:

Dear Friends,Please take a moment to read these touching farewells:Corrine: To Bruno Knaapen: God SpeedRons: The World Is Mourning The Loss Of Bruno Knaapen – Linux AdvocateKen/Helios: The Last Act of Courage...

Beautiful!