A Memorial for Monte

[Bruce Cohen]

Fellow Members,

I've been trying to come to terms accepting Monte's passing and how this forum could pay tribute for all the joy he's brought to us.

I like to propose that we (this forum) start a memorial fund in his name. Whether it be used to further the usage of BT3 Central or possibly a way to further Kyle's woodworking, I think maybe Sam or a concensus of the moderators make that decision.

To start this off, I'm mailing a check to Sam (I refuse to deal with PayPal) in the amount of $50.00. And hoping to shame the rest of you to donate, I've been either underemployed or unemployed for the last four years. Currently, I'm in the latter situation. So if I can come up with some bucks, I know the rest of you can do it, Even one dollar will count.

Additionally, as a few members have already suggested, I feel that the screen name be reserved for Monte, as I'm sure he's still logging in to us somewhere. And the title of "Forum Windbag" be removed from use unless Kyle would like to "carry the torch" in Monte's memory.

Any thoughts on this people?

Bruce

[Ken Weaver]

I'm in and I'll match you.

Sam - you ok handling the funds? Same address and payee?

[BobSch]

Sam,

If you're OK handling the funds can you tell me how I can use PayPal? If not, I'll mail a check.

[LarryG]

Bruce, these are wonderful suggestions, and overnight I was thinking along the same lines myself.

I have two distinct memories of Monte. The first dates to last fall, when he and I split an order of several Bessey K-Body clamp sets during the anniversary sale. I placed the order from Lee Valley, took out the 12" size clamps when they arrived, and sent the 24" size clamps on to Monte. When I told him how much the clamps cost, he sent me a PayPal payment for a few dollars additional. When I later told him how much the shipping was, same thing. He basically rounded each amount up to the next five dollars, I guess because he wanted to give me a little something for my trouble (although it was no trouble at all). It wasn't a lot of money but it was an example of what a class act he was.

The second memory is of the recent thread about his "Forum Windbag" title. A few members wondered (and rightly so) whether some might see it as insulting even though it was clearly meant in jest. Monte thought it was funny and, even though he was a Patron and could have changed it, he didn't. He chose instead to wear his "Forum Windbag" title proudly. To my knowledge we've only ever had one person reach that status, and that person was Monte. So yes, that user title should be retired.

I can scarely believe this is all happening. It's only been about ten days since we helped him celebrate his 58th birthday, and now he's gone.

[Thom2]

Additionally, as a few members have already suggested, I feel that the screen name be reserved for Monte, as I'm sure he's still logging in to us somewhere. And the title of "Forum Windbag" be removed from use unless Kyle would like to "carry the torch" in Monte's memory.

I thought about this almost immediately after reading the post, but neglected to bring it up due to the controversy that the title started originally. I'm glad to see that a few other members brought it up and I feel that this would only be right since currently he is the only member with that status.

My dilemna with making this change is that we need a new title for anyone hitting the 5000 mark, and I just can't quite think of one. I'd certainly like to see something that would remind us of Monte each and every time a member made it to that mark. Some sort of an ongoing memorial to the man that helped make this forum what it is today.

I'd like to hear some other members views and suggestions here as I think we'd all like to keep the memory alive of one of our most helpful and prolific members.

[AlanJ]

How about

'Following Monte's footsteps'

or 'Walking with Monte'

Donation on the way Sam.

[rickd]

...
The second memory is of the recent thread about his "Forum Windbag" title. A few members wondered (and rightly so) whether some might see it as insulting even though it was clearly meant in jest. Monte thought it was funny and, even though he was a Patron and could have changed it, he didn't. He chose instead to wear his "Forum Windbag" title proudly. To my knowledge we've only ever had one person reach that status, and that person was Monte. So yes, that user title should be retired......

hi everyone,

first, count me in on the memorial for monte - i'll paypal mine in.

secondly, i also immediately thought about the 'forum windbag' title as i was the one who originally posted the suggestion that it might be considered less than 'positive'. i knew then that it was in jest but never realized at the time that he could have changed it if he had wanted to.

now, and especially after the way monte reacted to it, the title seems extremely 'honourable' and i agree it should always belong to monte. he taught me a lesson for sure, and maybe many of you as well, about not taking ourselves too seriously in this world because none of us has any idea of how much time we have left so we'd best enjoy it.

although i didn't know monte personally, i will miss him for sure.

[Ken Massingale]

How about

'Following Monte's footsteps'

or 'Walking with Monte'

Donation on the way Sam.

I like Walking With Monte, or Woodworking With Monte. I'm in too as soon as Sam o.k.'s it.
ken

[ndj]

Hey all! As a newbie and a quiet newbie at that, I've wrestled with this. As for some reason (I believe that they've mostly been covered by others), this news hit me hard as it obviously did for all of you who have been here for awhile.

I guess I'm at the 'sponge" stage of woodworking and BT3Central so I've been taking in as much info as possible. Monte certainly was prolific and I guess, in my short time here, I'd already grown accustomed to his posts in so many threads. As everyone has said they were always positive, encouraging, insightful, instructive and often amusing. He posted over 5000 messages but in looking at his profile, he only started 44 threads. This tells me that he clearly rarely needed help (relatively speaking) but was more than willing to take the time to contribute and help out others. Unfortunately a very rare quality anymore.

To get to the point, I would like to suggest that maybe the Chatroom be renamed in his honor. As a newbie, I don't know the "in's and out's" of the forum nor the decision makers or their philosophies. However, as I understand it, there is "The Neighborhood Bar" and then the "Shop Talk" sides of the chatroom. Would it not be a fitting tribute to rename one of those in Monte's name? Just my 2 cents worth.

[Mrs. Wallnut]

What about "Following Monte's Sawdust" or Saw Tracks...but what ever is decided will be a great tribute no matter what is used. Just my opinion.

[just4funsies]

How about a yearly "Monte Award" to the most prolific poster(s)?

[woodrowB]

I'd certainly like to see something that would remind us of Monte each and every time a member made it to that mark. Some sort of an ongoing memorial to the man that helped make this forum what it is today.

Makin' like Monte

[Stormbringer]

How about "The Monte Milestone" for whoever hits his number of posts?

[Pappy]

Loring and I are the closest to hitting the 5000 mark and I agree that the title should be retired. No suggestions as to what to relace it with.

As to the fund, I'm waiting to see what Sam has to say. He will have to tell us if it is practicle, or if it could cause some financial/tax problems for the forum. That being the case another way will have to be determined. It is a great idea.

[bigfoot15]

Loring and I are the closest to hitting the 5000 mark and I agree that the title should be retired. No suggestions as to what to relace it with.

As to the fund, I'm waiting to see what Sam has to say. He will have to tell us if it is practicle, or if it could cause some financial/tax problems for the forum. That being the case another way will have to be determined. It is a great idea.

I agree it's a great idea, this fund. Sam or someone who knows the family should likely pass it by them (Kyle's dad likely, as I believe he is Monte's son from the obit) as far as what to do with the funds raised.
WW classes for Kyle if the interest is there?