I really didnt know the guy on a personal level - but I admired his work as a morpher and respected his stature here at the BEA.
He seemed to be able to discuss all the hot-point issues fairly, judiciously, and most of the time he kept his own shields up. Not to ward off flames directed at him, but to keep his own replies temperate.
Its not like he attracted fiery responses, instead he was more apt to help put out the fires when the BEA erupted.
I think he was one of the most intrinsically valuable people around this site. He contributed to our visual delights, he contributed to our community by offering harmony instead of a hammer, and his eloquence was not made up of fancy words but by forthrightness and directness.
He shall be missed.
From New York, this is ...
JustMeMike