the Kephra tribute thread

[KG]

a more good natured, helpful and fun DUer never graced this board.

he will be missed.



i'm sorry i never got to meet him.

he never had a bad word to say about anybody.

and if you got a bad word about him, keep it to yourself.

[Rowdyboy]

1. Unimagineably stunning and horribly sad....

He will be missed greatly

[KittyWampus]

13. A Candle For Frater Kephra

You were a beacon of light.

You have gone ahead of us.

[Rowdyboy]

32. Somehow that seems incredibly appropriate. Mind if I join you?

[newsguyatl]

41. and i join in

[CatWoman]

158. me, too

[tom_paine]

170. And I as well.

You will be missed, kef.

Condolonces to his family.

[GreenPartyVoter]

73. Amen

[calimary]

168. Me, too. Don't know how to post a photo, but I lit a candle.

One with a very sweet fragrance.

Seemed fitting.

[mzmolly]

178. .

[Wat_Tyler]

2. We had a good few exchanges about Doctor Who and Freemasonry.

He shared many of my odd esoteric tastes - a very interesting and creative guy. I don't really want to say anything about Khephra's death, as words are essentially redundant at this point.

[Lorien]

53. He had many interests and was very knowledgeable

he cared deeply about the Democratic party and was truly an ACTIVIST,which is sadly rare on the left. He was very well read. He helped me when I needed to know about artists or authors in the comic books community (I have several friends who work in that industry, but I know little about it myself). He's one of the only people here who had read my dear friend's graphic novel series, Bone. He was truly a gentleman and a friend to all, and he will be deeply missed. :cry:

[LeftCoast]

3. This is just so shocking and sad

I hope Mama Keph has someone with her right now. This is just terrible. :cry:

[roguevalley]

4. A good person, it was clear. Fun and funny, wise and knowledgeable.

You knew his posts were always worth reading. This is so sad. I am so sorry. I never met him but he felt like a brother. Take care, Mrs. K and family. Your son will be remembered and loved always in this place.

[Calanus]

5. A prayer in the language of my forefathers

COICH-ANAMA
Bho Athair cubhraidh na trocaireachd,
Cuartachadh caon na Cro-Naoimhe
A dheanamh air mo choich-anam a nochd,
O air mo choich-anam a nochd.
Fuadaich uam gach cuar is cunnart,
Cuartaich mi air cuan na corach,
Iarram thu dheanamh solus ur tomham,
O ainghil aoibh-ghil, air an oidhche nochd,
O ainghil aoibh-ghil, air an oidhche nochd.
Bi fein a d' reuil-iuil os mo chionn,
Sorchair orm gach foirche is fonn,
Stiuir mo bharc air bharr an liuinn,
Chon cala tamh an samhchair thom,
Chon cala tamh an samhchair thonn.

[Taverner]

22. Pardon my igrnoance, but is that Kaddish?

Poor Kheph...

[Calanus]

29. No, lad, that's Scots Gaelic. Here's a translation

SOUL-SHRINE
From the fragrant Father of mercifulness,
The gentle encompassing of the Sacred Heart
To make round my soul-shrine this night,
Oh, round my soul-shrine this night.
Ward from me every distress and danger,
Encompass my course over the ocean of truth,
I pray thee, place thy pure light before me,
O bright beauteous angel on this very night,
Bright beauteous angel on this very night.
Be Thyself the guiding star above me,
Illume Thou to me every reef and shoal,
Pilot my barque on the crest of the wave,
To the restful haven of the waveless sea,
Oh, the restful haven of the waveless sea.

[Taverner]

82. Beautiful man

RIP KEF

[MisterP]

6. I can't even wrap my brain around this

oh God oh God

[blm]

7. I adored him. Didn't matter one whit when we didn't see eye to eye,

we always had plenty more to agree on, privately and publicly. He was a very easy person to love.

[hippiechick]

8. My 'lil DU bro' was a hero

He battled some of the ugliest demons anyone can imagine, always with his unique sense of humor and his contagious giggle.

I will miss 'the happy dance', our discussions of Lovecraft, the kittys ...

DU will not be the same.


:(

:hippie:

[Renew Deal]

9. Khephra on 9/11

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=4274&forum=DCForumID35&archive=yes

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID35&mm=3920&archive=yes

[Renew Deal]

15. More Khephra on 9/11

LBN

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=3985&forum=DCForumID5&archive=yes

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID5&mm=3440&archive=yes

[Renew Deal]

20. Khephra's first known Lounge post

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=32&forum=DCForumID40&archive=yes

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID40&mm=40&archive=yes

[Renew Deal]

31. Khephra DU Article

http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/02/04/19_doctrine1.html

[WilliamPitt]

38. I remember helping him edit that

[Renew Deal]

39. I've never seen that before.

But I have never forgotten his and your posts from 9/11. I read them later on in the archives, but it's very powerful.

[Renew Deal]

84. Recent 50,000 post thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=2228111

[Dees]

113. There are only a dozen or so

here that have inspired me to read their every post. He was one. Rest in Peace Scott. I believe you rode the storm out.

[scubadude]

156. I was there with you on that post Keph.

I'm still with you. Please save a place at the table for me. Say hello to all those who have gone before and thank you for your greatness. You will be remembered.

Scuba

[Mel]

77. Thank you!

I will never forget how Khephra was here for us at DU that day 9-11. That's the day I gave him my own private name 'The Rock'

I so loved those Senate threads he was so good at articulating what was happening.
W. Pitt is right the man could write he was good at it!

It may seem weird to some (and frankly I don't care) to love someone you never met but I loved that guy! I still have my last email from him signed :loveya:

I was so hoping this news was not true but I know I can trust Will Pitt.

[Pithlet]

85. Yes. I remember that.

I remember his presence and his many posts on that day were a comfort.

[mike_c]

10. khephra is disproportionately responsible for my joining...

...the DU community. During 2001 and 2002 Khephra and a small handfull of other dedicated posters made DU one of the best news summary sites on the internet. He will be sorely missed by everyone in this community.

RIP Scott. Sleep well, my brother.

[papau]

11. God Bless and keep you Khephra -

peace be with you -and all that knew you.

God's peace be with you

[Webster Green]

12. Very sad news.

He will be missed by everyone on this board.

[slor]

14. Rest in peace Kephra...

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

[dolo amber]

16. Wow...amazingly sad news

Keph was the main reason I finally started posting on DU after lurking for ages. :(

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

21. Details here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2924776

:cry:

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SOteric]

28. What a funny, deep and sensitive man was Scott.

What a horrific loss to us all.

[Red State Rebel]

68. Absolutely stunned....Godspeed Keph

[sleipnir]

23. Sounds like it was.

sounds like it was...

[Taverner]

18. A fellow Mason and a good DUer

He will be missed

[amandae]

19. Khephra will be missed very much on DU ...

my thoughts are with his family now at this sorrowful time .... :cry:

:hug:

[CatWoman]

25. I'm so shocked

can't type with the tears streaming down my face.

I can't stay on this computer.

I can't think. Completely speechless.

[KG]

44. sorry, Midori.

gone too soon, had lots to offer this world.

[Bake]

166. Me too, Cat. Me too.

Bake

[jonnyblitz]

26. I will miss yapping about Marilyn Manson concerts with him

as foolish as that might sound. damn. :(

[burned]

27. Long time lurker

Late joiner.
Khephra was the first 'trusted name in news' for me here.
I guess he'd been on a posting frenzy, but his posts were everywhere
whenever I logged in.

And sometimes he'd disappear and I'd have to do a search.
This is really really sad.

[Kahuna]

149. For lurkers and newbies, Khephra was a poster who make you

want to come back and visit. I know he made that impression on me.

[Tweed]

30. How tragic and how sad

My heart goes out to his family.

[Magrittes Pipe]

33. He was one of the first DUers whose name I recognized after I joined.

One of my first Lounge conversations was with Keph, about going to see Rocky Horror in Dayton back in the day.

He was a talented writer, a fun presence, and most importantly, he had a good heart.

He also personally deserves a great deal of the credit for bringing somebody I love very deeply into my life, and for that I will forever be grateful.

I'll miss Scott. May he find the peace that so often eluded him in life. :(

[FarLeftRage]

34. He was one cool dude

I remember he posted something about a reich-wing nut tellyvangelist and I kidded him about it... It was kinda funny, tho.

[Cheswick2.0]

35. I think he was the first person to reach 20,000 posts a couple of years

ago. I remember thinking how amazing that was.
I remember how his hands hurt really bad sometimes.
I remember how often he talked about his mother and how you could tell she is so important to him.
Kephra WAS Latest Breaking News. The forum should be named after him in memorium.

Damn

[Tweed]

47. He had 50,561 posts

What a great DUer we have lost.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

36. Khephra was my favorite DU poster

I always read his posts, and loved his insights. He was a good man, a great Dean supporter, and I'm sure a wonderful son and friend to many.

A tragic loss for us. DU will not be the same.

[merh]

37. May you rest in peace Kheph

:hug:

He posted this afternoon in this thread. Still concerned, still an anti-war activist.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2912418

[flamingyouth]

40. I love you, Kef

I know Ma'at will treat you kindly and fairly, as you so righteously deserved.

Rest in peace, dear fellow Capricorn and brother.

[Zomby Woof]

42. Such a gentle soul

I loved him to no end, and I always hoped he knew it, under my gruff persona.

To me, he WAS the LBN forum, a voice of kindness, good humor, and slow-burning passion for all the causes we believe in.

:cry: Goodbye Scott. I loved you like a brother, I hope you know that...

[Cheswick2.0]

46. Just what I said...he WAS latest breaking news

I wonder if we could get admin to name the forum after him.

[Demonaut]

51. Great idea!, He deserves formal acknowlegdement of his contributions

[Robbien]

55. Yes, he was. I always checked to see if he was around

because if he was I knew he was catching all the best articles for us. He kept LBN uptodate and set the tone of the discussion. LBN will not be as interesting or the discussion as reasonable without him.

So sorry Mama Khep. You raised a good son.

[Voltaire]

80. That is one HELL of an idea

I'm down with that one

[Bat Boy]

99. That is very appropriate.

Count me behind that.

[brainshrub]

127. Great idea!

[saigon68]

132. He will be missed by me

He was a very righteous person, who often chided me about my sarcasm-- but who at the same time had a remarkable sense of dignity, honor and conviction.

He stood for all the best this place has to offer-- especially in LBN he was tenacious at following a breaking story.

[blondeatlast]

136. That is a marvelous idea.

If it wasn't his when he started posting there, he made it his.

Add my name as a supporter of this idea.

[supernova]

43. Kphephra

I'll join in the candle vigil. Khephra please know your journey was not in vain here. You meant so much to me.

edit: We talked several times about how hard we found it to fit in, to feel like we belonged. He was one of the first people at DU I felt like I had an understanding and empathy with. We also laughed at all the fake, poseur goths when we knew we were the real ones where it matters. In our hearts and in our souls.

Travel safe, my dear friend. And know that you are loved.

[johnnie]

45. I am very sad to hear all of this

I never had the pleasure of talking to him one on one, but I always liked what he had to say. My deepest sympathies to his family and Friends.

[mitchtv]

48. Kephra, I will miss you

whenever I saw his name , it was a worthwhile read. My thoughts are with his family in their time of grief.

[Dead_Parrot]

49. Damn, damn, damn.

We'll miss you, Keph.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

50. This is heartbreaking.

He was one of the first people to be nice to me here on DU. I never forgot that. I was doing some floundering on a point I was trying to make and he jumped in dusted me off and sent me back in fighting.

This is a such a tragic loss I can't begin to put it in worlds.

[Longgrain]

52. I never got a chance to know him...

Here's to you friend...:toast:

[Avalon Sparks]

54. You will be missed Scott~

Here's something he wrote that I saved because it was cool:


"Conservatism: A Liberal's Primer"


"A" is for Ashcroft, a Fascist at play.

And

"B" is for Bork, still sore to this day.


"C" is for Cash, the Republican God.

And

"D" is for Dubya, the GOP cod.


"E" is for Economy, tanking each speech.

And

"F" is for Foreigners, locked up out of reach.


"G" is for G-Man, reading your mail.

And

"H" is for Hate, the Conservative's wail.


"I" is for Impeach, the bragging Bush fool.

And

"J" is for Justice, no longer our tool.


"K" is for Karren, leaving this fall.

And

"L" is for Liberty, but not for us all.


"M" is for Marriage, instead of the pill.

And

"N" is for Nationalism, forget your free will.


"O" is for OPEC, who is handsomely paid.

And

"P" is for Peace, through blood we will wade.


"Q" is for Quayle, who makes Bush look smart.

And

"R" is for Rush, who sounds like a fart.


"S" is for Safety, taking our freedoms away.

And

"T" is for Taxes, why should Republicans pay?



"U" is for Uniter, divided we stand.

And

"V" is for Victory, put into Osama's hand.



"W" is for War, to keep the Demos at bay.

And

"X" is for X-treme, the Right's only way.



"Y" is for Yellow, leaders like sheep.

And

"Z" is for ZZZ, the sound of a Nation asleep.



He was a beautiful, intelligent person and he touched and informed many people on this forum. I will miss his threads and posts very much. My deepest condolences to Mama Kheph and family, I hope it in some way helps to know how much we loved him too.

[rbnyc]

56. Scott and I had many late-night conversations...

...on the phone. Especially when I was still using a wheelchair from my accident. He was such a help and inspiration, but mostly a dear, loving caring friend.

I loved to talk to him about music and movies. I loved to joke about how many DU women he's slept with at various hotels at various gathering, and how glad I was to be one of them.

Mostly, I just loved him.

Scott, I'll miss you. You touched my life in a meaningful way. I'm proud to have been your friend.

[Ramsey]

153. I slept with him!

Poor dear Kheph!

I am so heartbroken.

:cry:

[rbnyc]

167. Hi Sweety,

I hope Lynne was able to reach you and tell you personally. It is heartbreaking, and Lynne was worried about you.

I keep saying it, but I wish we could all be together. We need to have a series of regional memorials or something, so that people can gather.

Well, I've got to get to work. I'll check in at lunchtime.

Love,

Rene

[necso]

57. From the prison of our mortal bonds, may his spirit soar.

[NewHampshireDem]

58. Find Peace, Friend

You will be missed.

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." --Buddha

[Amaya]

59. Khephra (Scott)

I loved his posts, he always made me laugh or made me think. I don't think I can't get used to not seeing him around here. Khephra, was one of first DUer who said 'hi' to me. He was a very kind man and I'm sorry I never got to meet him.

I don't know his family circumstances, is there anything we can do for his family? Does anyone know?

[underpants]

60. I met him at the DC march a week before I got married

a harmless soul I really do not know what to say. Empty feelings in my spine. Nothing don't know what to say.

Peace to that soul.

[Generic Other]

61. Kheph, we will miss you

[Taverner]

62. RIP Kef

I did talk with him on occasion...he was a Mason and I was going through the degrees - so he wished me luck. We both had a Lovecraft fascination, and we were both on DU....

I would easily say he was the *pulse* of DU...

[XNASA]

63. Kephra was the first DU'er I ever PM'd.....and he responded immediately.

We talked about him coming up here to Chicago for a visit. We were so close to meeting in person, but it never happened for one reason or another.

Such a kind and gentle person.

This is so sorrowful.

We all love you Keph. May you find Peace.

[greatauntoftriplets]

64. Khpehra was probably the first DU member I remembered.

He was always here, posting news stories.

What a loss to all of us.

[mhr]

65. Fare Thee Well Kephra

eom

[NoPasaran]

66. Terrible, terrible news

We have all lost a friend

[hippiechick]

67. Kef Meets Howard Dean - A photo

http://www.iuploads.com>


Kef and I were organizers for Hoosiers for Dean.
Scott worked his ASS off and put in countless hours & lots of his own money to make it a memorable event when Dean was guest speaker for the Indiana Jefferson Jackson Dinner in May, 2003.


This was probably the moment when he truly glowed.

:hippie:

[Voltaire]

72. That was a great night

You and Scott worked your butts off to make that happen. I remember sitting in Fountain Square a few days before marvelling at all the work that had gone into that visit that Scott had done. Great picture and an even greater memory. Every time I go by that spot downtown, which is often....I smile.

[Guaranteed]

112. OH my fucking God...

>>>>>>

[sundog]

69. Safe journey to you Keph

[jus_the_facts]

70. a song for him....Thank You ~ Led Zeppelin....

....he was all heart...I can't stop cryin' :cry:

*if the sun refused to shine,
I would still be loving you.
When mountains crumble to the sea,
There will still be you and me.

Kind man, I give you my all,
Kind man, nothing more.
Little drops of rain whisper of the pain,
Tears of loves lost in the days gone by.
My love is strong, with you there is no wrong,
Together we shall go until we die.
My, my, my, an inspiration is what you are to me,
Inspiration, look see.
And so today, my world it smiles,
Your hand in mine, we walk the miles,
Thanks to you it will be done,
For you to me are the only one.
Happiness, no more be sad,
Happiness....I’m glad.

[porkrind]

71. I think we should all post to DU more

as a tribute. He had 50,000+ posts. That's impressive. R.I.P. Kephra.

[Redneck Socialist]

74. Rest in peace Kephra

You will be missed.

[davsand]

75. That picture brings back memories of a happy time.

That was taken in my family room at the first ever DU gathering. Scott rode over with 5thGenDemocrat and Dr.Gonzo and Polly. Scott got out of the car, walked up to my front door, and gave me a big hug. That warmth and sweetness shining in his writing was very real in every aspect of Scott's life.

He spent the entire night talking openly about his life and his views. He said more than once that he felt that he'd found his calling in politics and in his activities that came thru DU (and later other on line projects like his work with Will.)

Scott didn't have an easy life. He was open about his struggles with alcohol and food. (He DID love his Pepsi!) He had grown up with some adversity, but it was clear in all he said and did that he cared a great deal for his Mom. She was his bedrock, he knew she was there for him every step of he way.

My husband and Scott really hit it off. Kevsand really enjoyed all the DUers, but he and Kef really enjoyed talking about SF and movies. I rode all the way to a FunDay at 5thGen's house listening to those two talking! They sounded more like old buddies than two men brought together by a woman's on line activities...

We did love Scott, and our hearts are saddened by his passing. It is my hope, however, that Scott is now walking in a place where money is never an issue and love is something he encounters with every step of his journey. May his demons have been laid to rest along with his burdens.

Brightest Blessings on you, Scott. May the wind carry your soul gently.


Laura

[jpgray]

76. Khephra knew who Jet Jaguar was

Seriously, besides the obvious bonus of his being a Godzilla fan, he was one of the best DU had to offer. Very reasonable and never overly snarky, always willing to listen with an open mind.

[ikojo]

78. I always looked for a Khephra post..

I knew it would be interesting and informative.

He is among the angels now....

May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life
z'l (zichranon livra-cha)

Mourner's Kaddish:

Transliteration
Yit-gadal v'yit-kadash sh'may raba b'alma dee-v'ra che-ru-tay, ve'yam-lich mal-chutay b'chai-yay-chon uv'yo-may-chon uv-cha-yay d'chol beit Yisrael, ba-agala u'vitze-man ka-riv, ve'imru amen.

Y'hay sh'may raba me'varach le-alam uleh-almay alma-ya.

Yit-barach v'yish-tabach, v'yit-pa-ar v'yit-romam v'yit-nasay, v'yit-hadar v'yit-aleh v'yit-halal sh'may d'koo-d'shah, b'rich hoo. layla (ool-ayla)* meen kol beer-chata v'she-rata, toosh-b'chata v'nay-ch'mata, da-a meran b'alma, ve'imru amen.

Y'hay sh'lama raba meen sh'maya v'cha-yim aleynu v'al kol Yisrael, ve'imru amen.

O'seh shalom beem-romav, hoo ya'ah-seh shalom aleynu v'al kol Yisrael, ve'imru amen.

* Add on Shabbat



English
Magnified and sanctified be G-d's great name in the world which He created according to His will. May he establish His kingdom during our lifetime and during the lifetime of Israel. Let us say, Amen.

May G-d's great name be blessed forever and ever.

Blessed, glorified, honored and extolled, adored and acclaimed be the name of the Holy One, though G-d is beyond all praises and songs of adoration which can be uttered. Let us say, Amen.

May there be peace and life for all of us and for all Israel. Let us say, Amen.

Let He who makes peace in the heavens, grant peace to all of us and to all Israel. Let us say, Amen.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

79. oh my god

no... wow...

I still have PMs from Kef about random things in my DU inbox. We were not friends (only because I didn't get to know him before he died, maybe I should have), but we were not enemies. I knew of Kef because of the great intelligence and wisdom he has displayed in his threads. He has, like I have, been here since 2001 - a very long span of time to be active on a message board. There are times when I wonder what I am doing on a message board filled with people twenty thousand times more intelligent than I. Kef was one of those people. Not a day went by when I didn't come upon one of his posts in LBN or GD. I'm still sort of in a state of shock right now, at an almost loss of words for how deep this cuts into the DU family.

Peace be the journey, Kef. <3

Here I am
I am sitting at the bend of a deep river
Do I take it downstream or fight?
You have been here before
But I, I am still learning

As you go,
Don't get caught up in the rapids
Don't let your arguments die
As you battle the current, look up
Cause I have been here before
But we are all still learning

[hlthe2b]

81. I refuse to be selfish and give in to the pain of our loss. Khephra has

long deserved to be at peace and I truly must believe that he is. I'd be lying if I did not hope for Kheph's (Scott's) continued "presence and guidance." I strongly suspect if he can that he will.

One of our truly most prolific, thoughtful, dedicated, and most enjoyable DUers. RIP, my dear!

[ikojo]

83. Mourner's Kaddish

Someone said something about the Kaddish in an earlier posting. I posted it as part of another Khephra post, but thought that those who were interested may not see it, so I am posting it alone....The English follows the Aramaic transliteration.

Peaceful journey Khephra.....

Mourner's Kaddish:

Transliteration
Yit-gadal v'yit-kadash sh'may raba b'alma dee-v'ra che-ru-tay, ve'yam-lich mal-chutay b'chai-yay-chon uv'yo-may-chon uv-cha-yay d'chol beit Yisrael, ba-agala u'vitze-man ka-riv, ve'imru amen.

Y'hay sh'may raba me'varach le-alam uleh-almay alma-ya.

Yit-barach v'yish-tabach, v'yit-pa-ar v'yit-romam v'yit-nasay, v'yit-hadar v'yit-aleh v'yit-halal sh'may d'koo-d'shah, b'rich hoo. layla (ool-ayla)* meen kol beer-chata v'she-rata, toosh-b'chata v'nay-ch'mata, da-a meran b'alma, ve'imru amen.

Y'hay sh'lama raba meen sh'maya v'cha-yim aleynu v'al kol Yisrael, ve'imru amen.

O'seh shalom beem-romav, hoo ya'ah-seh shalom aleynu v'al kol Yisrael, ve'imru amen.

* Add on Shabbat



English
Magnified and sanctified be G-d's great name in the world which He created according to His will. May he establish His kingdom during our lifetime and during the lifetime of Israel. Let us say, Amen.

May G-d's great name be blessed forever and ever.

Blessed, glorified, honored and extolled, adored and acclaimed be the name of the Holy One, though G-d is beyond all praises and songs of adoration which can be uttered. Let us say, Amen.

May there be peace and life for all of us and for all Israel. Let us say, Amen.

Let He who makes peace in the heavens, grant peace to all of us and to all Israel. Let us say, Amen.

[JohnLocke]

180. Amen.

[catzies]

86. Khephra was part of the soul of DU

and we're all the better for him being here. He will be missed.

May all those who know and love him find some comfort in his being at peace.

[NewJeffCT]

87. wow, may he rest in peace

what sad, tragic news. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

[Skittles]

88. a great guy

whenever people were talking about stuff on DU and I felt out of the loop I'd PM Kef because he was nice and would not make me feel like a fool. I often said I could not imagine DU without him; now we will all have to realize it. *sniff*

I hope he is at peace, whatver that peace is.

[da_chimperor]

89. Rest in peace, Kephra

You will be missed.

[Catchawave]

90. Sincerest sympathy to friends and family for your loss....

I hardly knew ye, you will be missed.

[JCMach1]

91. Shit Shit Shit

This REALLY sucks... :(

[Elidor]

92. A highly original human being

God bless, Scott. You were taken too soon. But rather than count the cost of our loss, we can only tally the benefits of your presence among us for that short time that we were privileged to have you.

He would have been overwhelmed by this incredible outpouring of love. And perhaps he is.

[BurtWorm]

93. I wish I'd known him

I didn't have much dealing with him at all. I still feel the loss of him. I'm shocked and sad for his family and friends here. May he rest in peace.

[BrklynLiberal]

94. I am sorry that I did not have chance to get to know Scott. I have only

been a member since October, and sadly, it is my loss.
All the loving tributes indicate he was a man of great gentleness and empathy. He will most certainly live on in the hearts of the many people who treasured his kindness and wisdom.
If there is a heaven, he is there.

[IndianaGreen]

95. I just posted my comments in the Indiana forum

I am just shocked and devastated. His untimely death is a great loss to the DU community, but particularly hard for those of us that knew him personally and had worked with him.

As I said in the Indiana thread by hippiechick, I will recite the Kaddish for Scott tonight before I go to bed.

[wickerwoman]

96. He had a huge heart and he stood up for what he believed in.

Is there really any higher compliment you can pay?

I remember his post about the sacking of the museums in Baghdad and how distraught he was about the burning of libraries and maybe the only intact copy of the Epic of Gilgamesh. He cared so much about people, art, history, literature...

And I remember meeting him at one of the protests in D.C. before the war. His knees were killing him but he stood up through four hours of speeches so he could march at the end. I was so impressed by his bravery and commitment.

RIP Scott.

[DBoon]

97. From a one-time Catholic

Dies irae, dies illa
solvet saeclum in favilla,
teste David cum Sybilla.

Quantus tremor est futurus,
quando judex est venturus,
cuncta stricte discussurus.

Tuba mirum spargens sonum
per sepulchra regionum,
coget omnes ante thronum.

Mors stupebit et natura,
cum resurget creatura,
judicanti responsura.

Liber scriptus proferetur,
in quo totum continetur,
unde mundus judicetur.

Judex ergo cum sedebit,
quidquid latet apparebit,
nil inultum remanebit.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix justus sit securus?

Rex tremendae majestatis,
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
salva me, fons pietatis.

Recordare Jesu pie,
quod sum causa tuae viae,
ne me perdas illa die.

Quaerens me sedisti lassus,
redemisti crucem passus,
tantus labor non sit cassus.

Juste judex ultionis,
donum fac remissionis
ante diem rationis.

Ingemisco tanquam reus,
culpa rubet vultus meus,
supplicanti parce, Deus.

Qui Mariam absolvisti,
et latronem exaudisti,
mihi quoque spem dedisti.

Preces meae non sunt dignae,
sed tu, bonus, fac benigne,
ne perenni cremer igne.

Inter oves locum praesta,
et ab hoedis me sequestra,
statuens in parte dextra.

Confutatis maledictis,
flammis acribus addictis,
voca me cum benedictis.

Oro supplex et acclinis,
cor contritum quasi cinis,
gere curam mei finis.

Lacrimosa dies illa,
qua resurget ex favilla

judicandus homo reus -
Huic ergo parce, Deus.

Pie Jesu Domine,
dona eis requiem.

Amen.

[Bat Boy]

98. He made me laugh.

For me there is no greater gift one person can give another. A genuine, heartfelt, joyous belly laugh.

Thanks, buddy. In your memory, I'm going to keep laughing.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

100. We were mods at the same time back in the early days

and at one point Kef sent a note to my individual e-mail account, asking what I thought about a certain poster.Of course, it came under his real name, not his screen name, and we had a bit of a back-and-forth exchange, with me not knowing why this stranger was sending me e-mails about DU, until he finally wrote, "Lydia, it's Kef!"

There was confusion about his gender in the early days, too, until he explained the source of his screen name.

I also remember how he and Joanski kept us all up to date on the Senate and Congressional hearings through their monitoring of CSPAN, and his taking charge of the threads on that horrible, confusing morning of 9/11 was masterful.

His Lounge posts were a delight, off-the-wall, but in a nice, intelligent way. You could almost envision the twinkle in his eye. The Lounge will be a less interesting place in his absence.

As someone said on another thread, Khephra was LBN. I was just over there and looked, and about 3/4 of the posts on the front page were his.

When my grandmother died at the age of 100 a few years ago, the minister (a member of the extended family) looked out over the mourners assembled for the funeral and remarked, "None of us have ever known a time when Elsie was not here."

I feel the same about Khephra and DU. I don't know which of us joined earlier, but he was a part of this board for so long that it felt as if he had been here forever. DU without Khephra is going to feel odd and empty.

May light perpetual shine upon him.

Deepest sympathies to Mama Kef and Khephra's other relatives and friends.

[ulysses]

118. I remember that he was the only source

of news available to many on 9/11. It was masterful, yes. He grounded us that day.

Dear god. Fair winds and following seas, Scott.

[bloodyjack]

101. I didn't know him as well as I would have liked

but he struck me as a very kind, very gentle and unassuming person

We shared interests and I always enjoyed my exchanges with him.

I don't know what else to say. This is very shocking, and there are no appropriate words I can find to address his passing.

So I'm very, very, very sorry.

[jdots]

102. very sad what can we Duers do to help.

[RandomKoolzip]

103. Oh shit.

Jesus, I'm sorry I got into some flamewars with you, Khephra...I can be a real dick.

Man, I'm sorry. You were all right.

[fujiyama]

104. A kind and decent person

May he rest in peace...

[Kahuna]

105. A truly nice person. His spirit should be an example for us all..

You can disagree without being disagreeable.

R.I.P. Scott :cry:

[ornotna]

106. This is so sad

I didn't know Khephra but I always enjoyed his posts. Rest in peace. You will be missed.



In memory of Kephra.

[Lorien]

107. A kick for Kephra

:kick:

Light a candle, friends.

[AlienGirl]

108. Some things I liked about Keph

He was the first person I told about my cancer, and later on, about my divorce, and then after *that*, about my adventure in Texas. He counseled me wisely every time.

Once, I half-seriously asked Keph to marry me, and he said yes. If he hadn't wanted to stay in the Midwest, I would've.

Keph liked the way-out-there stuff as much as I do. We DUmailed about Robert Anton Wilson, about Phil K. Dick, and about the Infolded City.

Keph's roommate was Cthulhu, who kept turning up the thermostat.

Keph was wise and kind and sweet. I believe he is still somewhere, still himself, continuing his journey. The horizon is only the limit of our sight, and I think Keph is now somewhere he can see farther than we can.

See you in the Infolded City, Scott.

Tucker

[Rhiannon12866]

109. We are all still in shock and we will be for quite some time

While I didn't know him, personally, I just cannot imagine DU without Khephra. He was one of the very few who was the heart and soul of DU. He brought us the world through his posts, monitoring it for us, and now I know how hard he worked at this. I wish that I had been more grateful. DU will miss his intelligence, his understanding of what is important in this world, and, most of all, his dedication to this.
:grouphug:

As I said on another post, when some people leave us, they leave a very big hole, as in "It's a Wonderful Life." Khephra leaves a huge hole on DU and will never be replaced. Godspeed, Khephra. We will miss you. DU, and the world that you embraced for us, will never be the same.;(

[lazarus]

110. Kef was my first DU friend

I've been here since summer of 2001, and Kef was the first person I got to know as a person through PMs, chat, etc.

He made LBN. He was the moderator forever, and was also the most prolific poster. Without Kef, I would never have been the LBN mod I've been for most of my time on DU, and LBN wouldn't be nearly the resource it is.

More importantly, I counted Scott as a true friend. We had a lot of the same problems and interests, and I remember lots of fun late night chats.

We were hoping he'd be able to come out here this year for San Diego Comic-Con. That'll never happen now.

I'll miss him more than I can say.

[Piperay]

111. Kef

was the heart & soul of DU, it is going to be so hard without him. :cry:

[NorthernSpy]

114. a few things remembered

Can't say I actually knew Khephra, really, but I was an avid reader of his contributions to the LBN forum, and did join in a few discussions with him.

Remembered:

Khephra said that he avoided the sun, because it didn't agree with him. Once last spring, he'd had too much sun, and posted about it in the Lounge. A bunch of us advised him on sunscreen. Then he said that his mom had given him some leather curtains. I figured he might be the only person in the world with leather curtains. It seemed original and cool, and just kind of stuck in my mind.

Another time, Khephra posted about having to go to the dentist for a procedure that sounded daunting. But he was feeling pretty confident, he said, because his dentist was good and skillful with anesthesia. Even so, it still seemed like quite an ordeal to go through, and I made one of those little benedictions that you say to yourself privately: Let everything turn out okay. That time, I believe, it did.

The Late Breaking News forum won't be remotely the same. Khephra was unsurpassed at finding news. A lot of us relied on that forum to keep us up-to-the-minute about all that was going on in the world. I know I appreciated his work. Just wish I'd thought to say so once or twice...

Good bye, Khephra. I didn't really know you, but I sure liked reading your stuff.

[terrya]

115. I didn't know him.

But seeing these posts, I can tell he was loved. To read these posts, he seemed like a very good, kind, decent man.

My condolences to his family and his many friends.

T

[woofless]

116. I always paid attention to the post when it was Keph writing.

I will miss him sorely. May he be in peace. God bless his family and all who loved him.

[soleft]

117. A DU Luminary

WHen RBNYC and I went to the DU gathering in Philadelphia in 02, we went spotted Khephra across the room, we both exclaimed, "OMG, look, it's Khephra!" like a couple of starstruck kids.

My thoughts and wishes for comfort and peace go to his family and friends. Kheph - I hope your journey continues you take with you all the love DU feels for you.

[clyrc]

119. I've read thousands of his posts with pleasure

and I'm so shocked he's gone. I woke up this morning with my husband telling me the news. I've cried all day. I never talked to him or anything, but I read his posts and I thought he was great. DU will not be the same.

[VolcanoJen]

120. Sweet, sweet, sweet Khephra.

I just saw this thread, and therefore just learned the news.

I am absolutely heartbroken.

Rest in peace, my friend, Scott. :-( :-( :-(

[nuxvomica]

121. Not the same without him

:cry:

[Suziq]

122. A Sad Day

I do not post much, but I read this board for hours every day. Scott will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family.

His sig line will stay in my mind forever.

:cry:

[blondeatlast]

123. A sad, sad day. Goodbye, dear friend.

Your light will live on.

[Bunny]

124. What terrible news to wake up to today.

God rest your soul, Kef. You were one of a kind. :cry:

[amazona]

125. I am stunned

He will be missed.

[latebloomer]

126. He was an extraordinary person

We are all diminished by his loss.

[oneighty]

128. Smooth sailing Kephra

180

[Bonhomme Richard]

129. Here's to you Keph. We'll miss you.

[theycanbiteme]

130. You can now be at Peace...and know the Truth.

Although we've never met, your posts and comments came through as of a
friend. Your up-to-date posts were second to none.
You'll be missed.

[WyLoochka]

131. Keph's always kind and gentle persona

was so obviously genuine. I admired him immensely and will miss him - always.

[jobycom]

133. You touched a lot more lives than the average hero, Kephra

I never knew the person, but I've been on DU a long time, and I knew the poster. The name Kephra on a post automatically meant we took it seriously. I'm not the type who holds grudges, and that's good, but the negative side of that is I don't often remember specific details on the good side about a person, either. Now, I find myself searching for one story or post or encounter with Kephra that would sum up the incredible sense of loss I'm feeling, we all are feeling. But my memory of him is so much more general, of a name on board, of an Egyptian eye that became the face that snapped into my head when I read his name, of a warm, comfortable, even proud feeling when I saw his name on the thousands upon thousands of posts. He was the argument against all of those who paint us as whackos. He was the hero of DU, and one of the glories of our DU family.

I'm so proud at this moment to be part of this incredible family, and I know how much of that family feeling came from Kephra, and the warm sense of identity he gave to DU. One of our DU family is gone, and not just anyone, but the most prolific, and one of the most beautiful, insightful, and thorough. No tribute can do him full justice, but the number of tributes, the number of posts acknowledging Kephra, mourning him, is a tribute in itself. He touched a lot of people. He truly lived a great life, influencing thousands upon thousands. He wasn't a celebrity, though, he was just family, and we all miss him and love him.

We must all remember his mother in our thoughts. She has lived the worst nightmare of any parent. Our grief is nothing compared to hers.

[The Doctor.]

134. It fills me with noble tears to know...

That he died with his sword in hand.

[Coventina]

135. Kef was my first friend here

I'm not the first on this thread to say this, and I'm sure I won't be the last.

It's who he was. Loving, welcoming, sweet, kind and caring.

He made me want to be a better person.

I'm devastated. Kef you will be so missed. But I'm happy for you, that you are at peace.

I just can't believe this. I can't wrap my brain around it.

[ZombieNixon]

137. There are no words.

[Rich Hunt]

138. how very sad

I didn't know him personally, but I always read his posts and valued them.

My condolences to his family and all those who knew him.

[SayitAintSo]

139. Keph - you will be truly missed...

RIP... DU won't be the same without you....

[mitchum]

140. A gentle, witty, and caring soul

Rest In Peace, Scott

[salin]

141. Thank you Keph

you have left an indelible print on this place - commitment, passion, and dignity. Many a newshound has been inspired by you - the broader scope of news sought and brought to the lbn forum - is due to, imo, you. The broader number of people involved in covering unfolding news from congressional hearings, to press conferences, to course-altering unfolding news - is due to your work, your lead, your inspiration.

I am glad to have met you in person and on line. I am glad to have had several phone conversations with you - though I regret that it had been awhile.

I will strive to represent well the forum nic that we quickly found could have suited you as well as I (first, middle and last initial followed by state abbreviation), in your honor I will work to always live up to the dignity that you brought to DU.

Peace be yours, Scott, peace be yours.

[Darth_Kitten]

142. I never met him either

:hug:

[chefgirl]

143. I'm also sorry not to have 'known' him

But thats not exactly right, because we all 'knew' him , didn't we?

Khephra was THE reason why DU became known as a reliable, dependable news source so early on.
I remember in the very first days, we were all so amazed, and became spoiled, by his superhuman ability to find ALL the news we needed to make this place a haven for truth.

I will always remember Khephra, and his contributions here.
There will never be another one like him.

The Lord bless you and keep you, Khephra.

-chef-

[Beetwasher]

144. "Scott had now 3 televisions, Air America going, 3 computers going and was

"Scott had now 3 televisions, Air America going, 3 computers going and was downloading CDs and DVDs. We had just fixed up his room with a U-shaped area so he could view everything at one time."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2383394&mesg_id=2383394&page=

I can imagine him in Zen-like bliss, with the information pouring in...

When "A Feast for Crows" comes out, I will read it with you in mind, friend.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

145. What can I possibly say?

How can I express the sense of loss I feel for losing this compatriot?
I can't recall a day when there wasn't a Khephra post there for us to read. And while he spent a great deal of time researching news articles; he was also there for us when we suffered loss and rejection. He took the time to send condolences to those of us who needed them.

I'll miss you, Khephra. If there's a heaven, it's an even better place now.

[NEOBuckeye]

146. Rest in Peace, Kephra

Although I never really knew you personally, it's hardly difficult to understand why you were so well liked and loved here by so many. You were always insightful, fun and entertaining, even amidst the the doom and gloom we see and feel too much and too often. With the world being the very troubled place that it is today, you offered a much needed contrast. For that, and for so much more, you are and will be very sorely missed by all whom you touched.

[KoKo]

147. Kick for Keph...

[yardwork]

148. In the desert of the heart, let the healing fountain start

In the prison of his days, teach the free man how to praise.

-- W. H. Auden

Khephra did this for us at DU. It's our job to continue the fight that he began - let's all make a commitment to spend a few minutes each day scouring the news and posting in LBN.

LBN is a tremendous resource. We can't let it die. That would be to let Khephra's work wither on the vine. We must nurture what he planted.

[tmooses]

150. I am very sad to hear the news of Kephra...I do not post that much..

but recognized him for his humor and striking insight into issues which seemed to cut right through to the essence. He seemed a very caring person-someone who had a genuine concern for others and a true patriot.
I would always look for his posts for true information and help in understanding late-breaking news. He will be very much missed-it is a sad time for DU. I hope his spirit will live on through all of us and help us to renew ourselves to the cause he felt so deeply about. Godspeed my friend, may peace be with you on your journey through eternity.

[Bouncy Ball]

151. I always noticed him, knew his screen name on sight

and noticed I was always drawn to the stories he posted in LBN.

Reading all this about him, I am saddened that I did not take the opportunity to know him better when I could.

But I am certainly glad for the ones who did. And for the friendship all of you gave to him.

I will miss him greatly. My husband doesn't even post or lurk on DU and when I gasped last night and told him the news, he said even HE knew the screen name from me saying it so often.

Wow.

For Scott, may you rest in peace.

[DinahMoeHum]

152. Didn't know him personally, but I gather he was one of the originals

on DU from its early days in 2001.

Via con Dios, friend.

O8)

[fortyfeetunder]

154. Another Khephra LBN fan

A posthumous thank you to Khephra for his diligence in bringing the news to us via LBN. I always check LBN for the latest news and Khephra was one that could find just about anything.

Now I look at LBN more than the TV news. Some of the things I read in DU I don't see in the local paper for days or even weeks.

I never knew Khephra, but felt I knew him by reading the many posts he authored on LBN. His sudden departure from this mortal world will be a void for all of us.

In Khephra's memory, the best thing we can do is fight the good fight and continue the DU activism that is the spirit of this bulletin board.

[recovering democrat]

155. Rest in Peace

While I have not been around DU long enough to appreciate him as much as others, I do honor and respect his contributions to DU and to our world. I join in the expression of thanks for his life and his love for his fellow citizens, so eloquenly expressed in his posts on this site.

I also join in the expression of sympathy to his family and extend my support to those who grieve for him. May the pain of his passing grow dim quickly, while the memory of his extraordinary life glows brightly forever in our hearts.

[Mandate My Ass]

157. I died for Beauty

Poem lyrics of I Died For Beauty
by Emily Dickinson.

I died for beauty but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb,
When one who died for truth was lain
In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed?
"For beauty," I replied.
"And I for truth, the two are one;
We brethren are," he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night,
We talked between the rooms,
Until the moss had reached our lips,
And covered up our names.

[Lex]

159. When I was new-ish here, Kef posted in one of my threads and

I felt like I was the shit!

I'm not kidding!

I respected and liked him alot and I'm still stunned about his death.

[cedahlia]

160. Miss you already Khephra

"Disappearer" by Sonic Youth

it's been a way too long
it's been the way I gone
it's a-coasting on
to the west star

looking out I thought I - saw it blink
coming on to me - like a silver eye
pick it up and - turn it on and
head on out to a - western starland

it's been a man and gone
now it's a singing song
like a western star
it's going my way

looking out I'm back in - time to stay
into the eastern - silent way
comes alive through - through and clearer
ghost arise to - dirty mirror
you've been away too long
it's been way too long
an eastern star is on
a disappearer


Rest peacefully, out in the starland, or wherever you may dwell, Khephra.

I didn't know you personally, but I was, like many others on this board, personally affected by your amazing presence here at DU. This place won't be the same without you.

[Voltaire99]

161. Condolences

Very sorry to learn of this. My condolences to all.

[PittPoliSci]

162. ah, Kef...

When I was posting about Bubba Ho-Tep when it first came out on DVD, you were the only person who had any idea, or any concern what I was talking about. Thanks for the memories bud, you will be sorely missed.

[Name removed]

163. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LearnedHand]

164. Thank god he was ours for a short (TOO short) a while!

My god, the loss is incredibly painful. Goodbye, Kephra. Thank you for the truth and humor you brought us. I'll miss your posts a whole lot.

(Why do we lose the GOOD ones like Kephra while the idiots prosper forever!?! :mad:)

[Bake]

165. I've been here since close to the beginning.

Kheph was always the most energetic, tireless member of this community. Always informed. Always generous with help to newbies. Always on point.

I'd been offline for a few days and came on tonight to catch up. I had no idea that this was what I'd learn tonight. Horrible, horrible news. The loss is not only DU's. The progressive cause has lost a great individual. A great American is gone.

Words fail me. This is a terribly sad day.

Bake

[plcdude]

169. a good

and gentle soul who provided positive contributions to this place. He will be missed and not forgotten.

[StaggerLee]

171. You will be missed

I always payed attention to his threads. They always carried weight and I always walked away from his posts with a little extra insight.

Whenever someone I care about leaves I always think of the Smiths and their song Asleep.


Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
I’m tired and i
I want to go to bed

Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
And then leave me alone
Don’t try to wake me in the morning
’cause I will be gone
Don’t feel bad for me
I want you to know
Deep in the cell of my heart
I will feel so glad to go

Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
I don’t want to wake up
On my own anymore

Sing to me
Sing to me
I don’t want to wake up
On my own anymore

Don’t feel bad for me
I want you to know
Deep in the cell of my heart
I really want to go

There is another world
There is a better world
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well ...

Bye bye
Bye bye
Bye ...

:cry: Farewell Kephra

[David Zephyr]

172. Only Now Discovering This Awful News. I Miss Him.

Kephra.

What can I say that everyone here doesn't already know about this great human being?

I have come to work and logged in at the DU only to find this heartbreaking news.

I felt such kinship with his soul these years and when he wrote, it was as if he were speaking for me.

I miss you Kephra greatly.

You were loved.

[V Lee]

173. A cold one in his honor ...

Tonight I'll raise a toast to a life too short and drink a cold one in remembrance.

I believe everything happens for a reason and we're all here in these bodies on this planet to fulfill a purpose, whether we realize it or not.

His body may be gone but his spirit lives on. He showed us that one small voice can be heard by many, that one "ordinary" person really can make a difference in the world. That is part of his legacy, let us not forget it.

Peace.

[TrogL]

174. I'm so sad

God bless Khephra

[UCLA Dem]

175. My sincerest condolenes go out the the family

and all those hurting here on DU. May all have love, comfort and peace.

~Katie

[myrna minx]

176. We were so blessed to have such a gentle spirit

in our midst. Kheph, you will be missed. I still can't believe you are gone. :cry:

[DemoTex]

177. I just got back to town and this news. I will miss Kephra. Keph rocked.

RIP Scott.

No you're never to old to rock and roll,
If you're too young to die.
No you're never to old to rock and roll,
But he was too young to die.

Jethro Tull (from Too Old to Rock and Roll (and Too Young to Die)).

[norml]

179. A song for Kephra, Ramses The Second Is Dead

Ramses the Second is dead, my love
He's left from Memphis for heaven
Ptah has taken him in the Solar Barge
And walked him to Nut's celestial shores

Ramses the Second is dead, my love
He's wandering the plains where the blessed live
Ptah and Ra and Sokaris too
Are taking him on th' Celestial Boat

Ramses the Second, Ramses the Second
With the Savior
He walked to his bier
Where his pylons did wave
With the flags of his victories

Ramses the Second is dead
He died and he lies in the boat
He's floating down those cool grey waters
To his tomb by the Nile's surging shore

Standing in the harsh harsh grey granite
Standing my Ramses forever!
With a coffin of gold and the pretty pale carvings
Lifting you to heaven

Heaven was waiting for Ramses II
He's gone to great Ptah's huge side.