About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone


Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
Growing up, my brother would queue up songs for me on his stereo, have me sit in what you would call the "Sweet Spot" and tell me to close my eyes and listen. I loved that. The base would thump in my chest, stronger then my heartbeat. The high guitar and vocal parts were nearly painful, but just perfect. At the end of a song I'd just sit there, still feeling it, silent. Then we'd laugh at being silly.

But life gets in the way. I didn't meet Pat until I was 20 years old. Our story is sad, because neither one of us really got to know the other properly when we had the time. And in the end, we were willing but there just wasn't enough time. So, recently he introduced me to artists I'd never heard of before like David Roth, Cowboy Junkies, and Eleanor McEvoy and we were pleasantly surprised to find that we already liked many of the same artists such as Neil Yound and Eva Casady. Pat respected my unreasonably strong, long-term, undying love affair with Billy Joel, probably not an easy thing for him to do!

Pat had other influences in my life, and without knowing it, he let me see my own strengths. We look a lot alike, especially when he was heavier and I was skinnier! We have similar mannerisms. But he went after his interests with such a passion! I'm more laid-back about things. If something gives me pleasure enough the way it is then I don't question it or try to improve it much. He was the type of person to learn it, master it, and advise others on it with the utmost authority. He was so knowledgable about so many things!

I miss him, but mostly I miss the Pat I'll never really know. Clearly, he was special to many people for many different reasons. I'm so thankful that, through Pat, I've been lucky enough to get to know Barb. She's really something!

So, to specifically to answer your question:

I have an appreciation for music, and can say with experience that music heard properly is so different then just flipping on the radio. But I have only old childhood records and record player. The rest is CD's. My stereo was the best we could justify at the time, but is sadly out of date. I have many cd's, and often put in 5 to the changer and shuffle play. I enjoy it, I sing with it, I dance to it with Aidyn. I don't know anything about the science of it.

Kirsten
Hi Everybody,

Since we are getting close to a 1,000 posts, I thought I would bump it up a little.

My wife and I sent Barb and her family a hard copy of this thread along with six cdR copies and a memorial afghan representing our interpretation of this tread and Pat. We do plan on sending her updates from time to time as long as this thread continues to have life.

For everyone who reads and contributes to this thread may you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Festivas,Â…and a safe Happy New Year's celebration.

L
Sunday, the 18th,Barb had an open house to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary and to celebrate Pat. It was a great time--good food, good friends and good music. Gracie the pup and Scott the grandson were the highlights of the afternoon. I think Barb is doing well and I know she appreciates all of your support.

Bill
Thanks, Bill, for the update, Lngbruno for the commemorative to Barb & family, and finally to Kirsten, for that special insight. I know how it is to grow up with someone and not truly know them. You've inspired me to seek him out and get to know him better.

Merry Christmas to all!
M
Good luck! It is terrible to live with regret and "What if?". You'll be in my thoughts and I'd love it if you'd tell me how it goes for you.

Have a warm and happy holiday season, Everyone! Thanks for listening.