In Memoriam: Bobby Palkovich of Merlin Music

I fell off the audio merry-go-round "cold turkey" about 7 years ago and haven't even looked at any audio sites for almost as long. This morning while surfing the internet, for no particular reason I stopped off at the Merlin Music website just thinking about the great VSM-MX that I bought directly from Bobby 10 years ago (I live a 3 hour drive away and have visited him and Bill 2-3 times). I read the headline on the website and it took my breath away. I am a bit in shock over this. Bobby was such a passionate and larger than life guy. He made me feel that even I was part of the process when he would play some music over his new speaker system in his plant (he had changed something or other) and would proceed to ask me how it sounded and then he would describe what he was hearing... Always trying to make something outstanding that much better. After the purchase of the VSM-MX, he was tremendously helpful in suggesting the equipment that sounded the best with it. Again, with his recommendation, I bought from him the little ARS integrated amp and it sounded and still sounds great as I continue to have both the speakers and the integrated. The VSM was so good I also bought the TSM-MM from him for another system.
The idea that I now can't get the latest upgrade for my VSM-MX or purchase a new VSM speaker system, or just the knowledge that if I got back into the foray of high-end audio, that I can't just drive the 3 hours to the lovely little town of Hemlock to see my buddy again makes me very sad. I know that I would be welcomed back with a wide grin and open arms.
I am glad that I at least got to meet and interact with such a bright light. You are sorely missed.