It's with a very sad heart that I have to inform everyone that Randy Ripoff passed away. This wasn't recent, occuring in February 2023. But I just recently found out about it in a conversation with Robinka.
Randy was a founding member of these forums, as well as a member of the moderating and Admin team.
I'm leaving a link to his obituary, and after I've had time to gather my thoughts, try and post a memorial post about him.
https://www.chicagolandcremationoptions.com/obituary/armand-jackson
So as has become all too common, we (apparently) lost another of the old guard. Armand Frank Jackson, known to many here as Randy Ripoff, passed away from natural causes on Feb 22, 2023.
https://www.chicagolandcremationoptions.com/obituary/armand-jackson
I'm... at a loss for what to even say. I didn't really know Randy that well personally (I believe I reached out to him about including his avatar in something I did, but that's about it) but it'd be hard to miss the impact he left on the board and the community as a whole.
Sadly, that's our reality now. None of us are getting younger and living is getting harder. The last time I spoke with Randy or any of the old guard other than Mikey was at least 15 years ago. Unfortunately, some of us are going to fade away without any way of informing anyone.
What sad news, my respects to his loved ones and friends
Thanks for letting us know, Nyte. The old guard indeed... This community may not have been possible without him. Thanks for all the work and general zaniness (https://www.freedomreborn.net/forums/index.php?board=19.0) you brought here, Randy. Thanks, Armand. :randy
I only had a couple of interactions with him in the forums. He wasn't very active by the time I started asking questions. The mesh of his avatar was one of the first I remember downloading though.
I am truly saddened by his passing. Rest peacefully Armand.
Jeez. :wacko: I remember meeting Randy in Chicago (at Pizzeria Due?) at an FR get-together many moons ago. Very smart guy, with a great sense of fun. It's sad to hear of his passing.
Thank you for letting us know, Nyte. He was so young. After I found out about MJB, I started a list of usernames with contact details and websites (and real names if they're public) so I can periodically check in on people. Makes me feel a little better somehow.
We traded barbs occasionally but he taught a few things on the side particularly about attaching static mesh pieces. He was a lynch pin of the Freedom Force modding communities of course. I do feel like a dope for just learning he was behind Four Color Explosion which not long ago was a really big reference site in comic book fandom circles. Not surprised to read he was ambitious nor grappling with health issues. Those things go hand in hand. It is a good thing that he did appear to try and hold the time he did have and be productive in ways that brought him fulfillment and to whatever community he found himself in. There is something to learn from that.