Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

The Inn of Last Home...(^'o'^) => Old Otik's Table => Topic started by: Dracos on January 18, 2014, 01:48:11 AM

Title: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 18, 2014, 01:48:11 AM
Brian Randall, dear friend to many of us, is no longer with us. 

I received a phone call earlier tonight that in depression, he took his life today, January 17th, 2014.  He was a talented author, a friendly gamer, and a close friend.  I don't know what to say.  He left several messages for many of his friends, and I'll try and reach out to all of you to get them to you privately.

In his will, he left a general message:

"All the other Soulriders and Kitago...jin: Most of you were pretty cool.  Thanks for putting up with me as long as you did."

---

On February 1st, his family will be having a tribute to his life/sendoff.  This is planned to be a morning/early afternoon event.  If you are going to be traveling out, please let me know.  I've given a base count to his old man who's handling all of that, but just in case.

This will be held at Sneha restaurant in Sunnyvale (near Lawrence and Central expressways) from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, February 1st 2014.  Please pass this along to anyone who might be able to make it.  It's booked for 60, and has room for twice that, so anyone who can come to remember him, please feel free to.

Additionally, Rez and I are working to get photos up on Brian's site.  They're linked from his front page: http://soulriders.net/brian/photos/


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


All,

I'm not going to dwell on what a kind and gentle person Brian Randall was. That was clear to anyone who had the privilege to know him. He was a wonderful son, a talented and prolific writer, an exacting QA engineer, and a generous and caring friend.
He was the best, and everyone has moved up a rung with his passing.

A Celebration of Life for Brian is going to take place at Sneha South & North Indian Restaurant Saturday, February 1st, from Noon until 3 PM. The address is 1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale, CA, and is near the intersection of Lawrence and Central Expressways.

This invitation is open to everyone, so if Brian touched your life in some way, please take advantage of this opportunity to have some food and mingle with others lucky enough to call him family, or coworker, or friend.

Brian was not a formal person, so casual attire is preferred. And in lieu of flowers, I think Brian would have liked you to instead to reach out to someone you love. Tell them you love them. Give them a hug. Any goodbye might be the last goodbye. Make it count.

Thanks, Marlon
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 18, 2014, 04:44:07 AM
Moved here so people can talk and mourn in their own way.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Anastasia on January 18, 2014, 04:44:56 AM
God rest and help his soul. Condolences to all his friends and family.

Wish there was something better to say when things like this happen.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Carthrat on January 18, 2014, 05:12:33 AM
RIP, Brian. I hope you found what you were looking for.

Condolences to all those who were close to him. I admired his imagination and wit, and wish I'd known him better.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: GeshronTyler on January 18, 2014, 05:25:57 AM
Reading his stories gave me hours of pleasure, and some favorites will now remain forever unfinished.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: CyMage on January 18, 2014, 05:26:42 AM
Rest in peace, Brian.  We will keep you in our memories.

My condolences to all his friends.

Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: samuez on January 18, 2014, 05:37:55 AM
A lot of people never knew the man personally but that doesn't mean he didn't amazed us all with his stories. I email to him once and he was kind and good-nature about my request, and that was enough for me.

I will miss him and what he contribute to the world.

RIP Brian Randall. May you find happiness in the next world than you did in this one.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Napping_Cat on January 18, 2014, 05:53:11 AM
Years ago I was extremely depressed over a nasty breakup and none of my family or friends really did anything. Brian's story "Process of Elimination" was often the only thing I had to look forward to, and I sometimes worry what might have happened if I didn't have the distraction.

I can only wish that he'd could have had a similar distraction to help avoid this unhappy end to his life story. He will be severally missed.

Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Ergoemos on January 18, 2014, 06:47:33 AM
I didn't know Brian very well, but I will miss him. His work is a testament to his skill, and I will be forever grateful to have around to enjoy, complete or not.

My condolences to all those who feel his absence even more.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Empyrean on January 18, 2014, 07:06:33 AM
I really don't know what to say. His writing is what brought me here in the first place, and any fandom he wrote for was better for his contributions. There are far too few great writers, and with this, we lost one of my favorites.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Ebiris on January 18, 2014, 07:27:03 AM
RIP Brian. You won't ever hear this, but we didn't just put up with you, we were better off for your presence.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Folcon on January 18, 2014, 08:20:21 AM
I saw this only half an hour ago, and it's only just hit me. I first came here to tell Brian that I loved his work Motivation and hoped he would complete it. I exchanged a few emails with him and was pretty happy someone I saw as such an wonderful wordsmith was also such an approachable person.

To quote Hector from the History Boys, "The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out, and taken yours."

I'm not sure when I'll be back here, but though I didn't know him well, he made an appreciable impact in a personal way. He certainly was to echo Ebiris, more than someone I put up with.

RIP Brian.

Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Jason_Miao on January 18, 2014, 10:09:49 AM
I woke up, saw this, and sat an hour trying to think of what to write.  Still haven't quite figured it out but don't want to put this off for much longer, so this may be a bit disjointed.

I first knew Bri through the FFML in the end of the 90s-early 2000s, when it was the main fanfic writing venue on the internet.  His writing was easily distinguished from many others on the mailing list even back then.  As the internet expanded from a network that mainly college students and techy people joined to something everyone joined, many of the great writers faded into obscurity, but Bri continued to make a name for himself.

I never had the opportunity to meet him in real life, having only chatted through email, IRC, and this forum.  But of the parts of him that I knew, much like many of his stories, there were was a great deal that I liked, a few parts that I was ambivalent about, but still felt better off having experienced the whole.  Also like many of his stories, I regret that there wasn't a bit more.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Yuthirin on January 18, 2014, 10:12:01 AM
GOD DAMMIT
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Iron Dragoon on January 18, 2014, 10:59:06 AM
Met him in Austin for a few days. He was a nice guy, if a little nervous/shy around others. Seemed like he would have made a great friend. I regret not having engaged him more often.

Regardless, I hope he's in the right place to find what he needed.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Rogh-sensei on January 18, 2014, 11:13:05 AM
I think I'm still in shock. I don't know if the full import of this has hit me yet, but already it's weird thinking I won't see him logged into G+ or see any inbox notifications from his fanfic page again. I talked to him just the other day, he said he was changing jobs, getting out of the morass at his old gig. I said hi to him the morning he died.

Oh god. I might have set him on this path. Monday I posted him a link to an article that I thought he could work into Big Damn Hero.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftruthseekerdaily.com%2F2014%2F01%2Fscientists-claim-that-quantum-theory-proves-consciousness-moves-to-another-universe-at-death%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFfxBZhjbjMDYhh4w3zX9Q-fZkzuQ


I'm sorry Brian. You helped me more than you can know. I'll miss you.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Halbarad on January 18, 2014, 11:16:58 AM
I've been holding off on posting for a while, since I haven't really known what to say.

I'm mostly angry, at least at the moment. Angry at myself for missing the hints that he's been dropping for a while, angry at him for doing it at all. I want to smack him crosseyed for being so short-sighted and selfish, and then I just wish he was still here to smack around.

Brian, it was never, -never- a burden to 'put up with you'. Who am I going to spin ideas with now?

Seriously going to miss you, man.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Bjorn on January 18, 2014, 11:25:45 AM
Brian and I had drifted apart since I moved away from the States; no falling out, just the problems of finding time to speak.  For all the times we had together, I couldn't tell you the last time we had a chat.  Now I know we'll never speak again.

Goodbye, Brian.  I hope you find the peace you always deserved.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Larry F on January 18, 2014, 11:42:29 AM
Man, this is depressing. I'd always had a thought in the back of my mind that I'd finally getting around to automating the Lost Library of Florestica, and he'd be able to post his stories there again.

As it stands, I fully intend to keep the site running until either I run out of money to pay for it, or I die myself. That way, he can live on through his fan fiction in the Library for as long as I do.

--Larry F
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Shukuen on January 18, 2014, 12:42:18 PM
I didn't know Brian as well as I might have, but I enjoyed his work over the years. He will be missed by his friends and remembered for the legacy he left behind.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Lufio on January 18, 2014, 12:48:03 PM
--'{@

My condolences
To family and close friends.
He is being missed.

Will someone be able to add this last update to his webpages?  One last blog or change to his profile description.  Not everyone who has interacted with him uses this forum.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Anastasia on January 18, 2014, 12:49:48 PM
Drac mentioned he'd be looking into updating Brian's webpage.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: DY on January 18, 2014, 01:02:25 PM
I'm really not sure what to say. You will be greatly missed Brian.
May you rest in peace.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: VySaika on January 18, 2014, 01:49:25 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 18, 2014, 10:12:01 AM
GOD DAMMIT

About all I can manage to say here.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 18, 2014, 02:11:35 PM
To those wondering, yes when I can I'll update his webpage.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Music-chan on January 18, 2014, 03:25:45 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 18, 2014, 10:12:01 AM
GOD DAMMIT
I was having troubles figuring out what to say, but I think Yuth pegged it pretty well. :(

Sadfaces.  Lots of sadfaces.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Slacker on January 18, 2014, 04:00:43 PM
Quote
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 18, 2014, 10:12:01 AM
GOD DAMMIT

Yes, that seems to sum up my reactions perfectly.

God damn it, Brian. We're gonna miss you, you great brilliant moron.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Ragnar on January 18, 2014, 04:11:47 PM
Fuck.

I never really knew Brian other than mainly just talking with him on IRC, but he was a very talented and creative man and I will miss him.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: MonCapitan2002 on January 18, 2014, 04:58:11 PM
It is a shame that he died.  My condolences to his friends and family.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Figment on January 18, 2014, 05:09:28 PM
Well, that's a thing.

While I'm sad to see he's gone I really hope he finds what he's looking for.

Brian, you will be missed.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Grahf on January 18, 2014, 05:16:50 PM
Dammit. Just. Dammit.

I think all I can really say is that I hope that he's found the peace that he didn't find here.

I wish that I could have gotten the chance to know him better.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Ranma_007 on January 18, 2014, 07:17:04 PM
I got the email, and checked the boards. Damnit. Man, that hurts.

I really enjoyed reading Brian's fics and hanging out with him on IRC. I'm not around as much these days (full time job, full time school, and a kiddo will do that to you), but man, every time I would log in, it would seem that he would be one of the folks to greet me. Back in the earlier part of the last decade, I was on more frequently, and would chat with the IRC regulars, including Brian. I even vaguely remember the Delphi forums (man, was it that long ago? Geez.).

I hate it when folks make that decision to commit suicide rather than get the help they need. Reflecting on myself, I was in such a bad spot 10-12 years ago. I practically wanted to sleep my life away. Comparing the prior self to now, I'm a completely different person. There is hope. Life is meant to be lived.

I saw a video recently that reminded me of the old times - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc . I would hope that folks who are in similar situations (depression) take note, and realize that there is hope and alternatives to suicide. Help is out there.

Damn, man. This sucks. Godspeed, Brian.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Silver on January 18, 2014, 07:57:10 PM
I only exchanged a few emails or forum posts with Brian, so I mostly only knew him as an author, not as a person. But, he had an impact on me.

I read "Bridge of Birds" because Brian kept name-dropping it in his stories. I stayed up all night reading that book, and cried at the end.

"Cut wood, carry water" has become one of my favorite bits of wisdom from any source after I ran across it in "In Your Dreams." I don't know if putting that anecdote in was Brian's or Halbarad's idea, since that story was co-authored, but it's helped me more than a few times and I'm grateful it's there.

I love how Brian could write meditative, philosophical pieces that make you think about how to live well. "Later," "memento mori," and "Ephemeral" (co-authored with Sarsaparilla), for example. These sorts of Brian's work strike me as some of the most thoughtful, worthwhile fanfiction I've come across, and I feel like I became a little better as a person for reading them.

I love how he wrote the grownup Hinamizawa crowd and their peaceful lives in the countryside. I discovered Higurashi at a particularly bad time in my own life, when I was just looking for some bloody entertainment to feel numb to. Instead, I found an inspiring story about struggling onward against impossible odds, and it became one of my favorites. When I found Brian's stories about those characters as people who overcame, grew up, built a life together, and found peace, it made me feel like any wound can heal.

I love how he wrote Kyon as a burgeoning sage, a calm and stoic person whose strength is in his friendships and who seeks good with a minimum of fuss or wasted motion, though with inevitable snarkiness. From how he kept returning to Haruhi stories and this characterization of Kyon, I've wondered in the past if this Kyon is Brian's idealized self, someone he had the seeds of and wanted to become. I have no idea whether that's the case, since I didn't know Brian. But his Kyon is an admirable person, and has become someone I aspire to be more like.

I sent him fanart of his stories a few times. He is one of only two fanfiction authors I've done that for. I don't have any real artistic talent, to the point that even giving him the pictures was massively embarrassing, but I wanted to show some gratitude somehow for his stories. He seemed to appreciate the pictures, and thanked me for sending them.

The first review on my favorite piece of my own fanfiction was from Brian, just to let me know that he really liked and enjoyed the piece. Since Brian said many times that anyone who wants his critique should come here to the Soulriders, I kept telling myself that I'd drop in with a rough draft or two to get some writing workshopping with these folks he seemed to enjoy so much--just as soon as I had something really worth working on. It was silly of me to keep holding off.

Rest in peace, Brian. I don't know if Yrne really does await, but it damn well better. I wish I could have let you know how much of an impact you've had on people you've hardly spoken with.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: hga on January 18, 2014, 08:28:10 PM
Quote from: Ranma_007 on January 18, 2014, 07:17:04 PM
I saw a video recently that reminded me of the old times - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc . I would hope that folks who are in similar situations (depression) take note, and realize that there is hope and alternatives to suicide. Help is out there.

True.  But a few notes on this World Health Organization video and commentary and depression et. al.:

It seems to be the case that depressed people by and large don't exercise, there's a chicken and egg problem there.

The featured sufferer of depression Matthew Johnstone says if you do the right things, "black dog days can and will pass" and while quibbling a bit after that, also says it can essentially be made rather small.

The WHO comment that "[...] depression is largely preventable and treatable." is a lot more accurate.  Some people have refractory cases of it; I know this the hard way, it's even genetic, a maternal uncle preceded me in my path to eventually disabling anxiety and depression.

In my case, we've concluded I don't have standard "unipolar affective disorder" (normal "depression") but depression of a bipolar nature (I never go manic unless prescribed the wrong medicine).  Cognitive therapy (http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-The-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336/), which Johnstone touched upon can make a lot of difference (and for me ironically ended the effectiveness of talking therapy), and I keep copies of the current edition of that book to give to people who are having problems.  Drugs can also make a big difference, and nowadays there are a wide variety to chose from, many with little to essentially no noticeable side effects.

But that doesn't mean there's going to be a cure for everyone: there is at this time no reasonable hope things will get markedly better for me (e.g. no drugs in the pipeline, no form of therapy untried); much of what I do and have done was expressed so very well by the creator of Evangelion, "Living by not dying" (describing the four years between Nadia and Eva, and if you want to understand the TV ending of the latter, among other things study cognitive psychology).

My alternative to suicide seems to be some form of bloody-minded stubbornness, it's simply unthinkable, and I maintain the will to look both ways before crossing the street no matter what.  Which obviously isn't the case for everyone....

- Harold
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Arkytal on January 18, 2014, 08:29:03 PM
I never spoke to Brian, only read from afar as many others have, and with my own rough patches in life appearing in the past few weeks, this terrible news, more than anything else, jerked me awake. I am deeply saddened that he is no longer with us, and I give my condolences to those that knew him. I waited with bated breath for the next chapter of KBDH, always so sure of its' coming. Now that I know this will remain an unfinished tale, it just shows how temporary just about anything is, even life.

I just hope that he's in a better place now, or possibly reborn onto this very planet, ready to make his time alive that much better.

Thank you for informing us, and though it may become just a passing bad memory to some of us, those of whom it will affect the rest of your lives, I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and hope that all of you will not fault him for his choice.

-Arkytal
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: KLSymph on January 18, 2014, 10:05:15 PM
At this moment I know that however much pride I take in my eloquence, that eloquence won't measure up to what Brian deserves.  I've always admired him, though I don't remember ever telling him so.  Thank you, Brian, for the fun we've had and the stories we've enjoyed over the years.  We'll all miss you.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Edward on January 18, 2014, 10:53:33 PM
I have lost another friend and the world has lost a great writer.


No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.

                    - John Donne
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Rezantis on January 19, 2014, 02:13:25 AM
I haven't been speaking with Brian of recent times as much as I used to, though we still make a point of catching up and talking at times.

This news hurts, and I'm going to miss him.

Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Kaldrak on January 19, 2014, 04:17:19 AM
I don't know most of you.

Brian kept trying to get me involved on here, but I kept putting it off. He was always trying to get me to meet the rest of his online friends, to get me introduced to his buddies.

I first met Brian back in 2006. We worked at the same bookstore. He was my supervisor, one of the most laid-back, cool people I've ever met. We would spend most of our shifts just chatting with each other about this and that and everything. We went out to lunch and saw movies together.

I moved away in late 2007 and I never saw him in person again. Thought it was just circumstances. I moved away. I never had enough money for a flight down there. I was always broke.

I wish I could've seen him one more time.

Over the years we talked regularly. We played games online and skyped. I shared my life with him and he shared his with me. I don't have many good friends. It takes me a long time to form real relationships with people.

He was one of my truly close friends. And now he's gone.

I chatted with him the day before he died. I've been terribly sick the last few weeks. Fluid in my lungs. Case of pneumonia. Had a bad day and was complaining to him about how hard it was to breathe. He told me that we've all got our problems, but that things would get better.

Now this? Really man? REALLY???

We loved you. We told you that, didn't we? I told you that. You were one of my only friends.

I miss you already.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: sarsaparilla on January 19, 2014, 04:46:32 AM
I miss you Brian ;_;
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Liddo-kun on January 19, 2014, 11:21:32 PM
I'll be honest, I was not expecting this kind of news when I saw the e-mail suddenly pop up.  Going by the innocuous title I had assumed it was a birthday announcement, congratulations on Brian making it as a professional writer, or happy news of nuptials when I clicked on it.

I didn't chat with him on as frequent a basis as some of you, but I did get to know him and even spoke with him infrequently for quite a long time going back to his days on the FFML and the Ranma Delphi Forum.  I found his online personality to be an odd mixture.  He had strong, passionate opinions about the practice of writing fanfiction and what the relationship with readers should be like that was very idealistic and a type of charisma that made him somewhat magnetic.  At the same time he had a self-deprecating humility that was a mile long, which made him easy to converse with.  I didn't necessarily agree with all of his views, but I could at least say that I respected him as an individual and the point of view he took.

Through his efforts he has carved out a niche and made himself a name on the internet that won't soon be forgotten.  As long as people keep reading fanfiction the name Brian "Durandall" Randall will perpetuate and live on and that's an accomplishment that not many individuals can ever claim.

To all his family and friends, in real life and online, you have my condolences.

Sweet dreams, Brian.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 19, 2014, 11:58:43 PM
Spent much of today walking his family and friends through the will and his things.

I'll be getting some pictures soon hopefully, and will let folks know when the funeral is for any who can come. :(
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Arakawa on January 20, 2014, 12:13:33 AM
Quote from: sarsaparilla on January 19, 2014, 04:46:32 AM
I miss you Brian ;_;

I can only echo that statement. I thought these two days about what to write about Brian, but I'm still drawing a blank. It's one of those things... I did not know him well enough to understand what he was going through, but his death out of the blue like this hit me hard.

Like a bunch of other people here, I only found this place because of Brian (essentially, because he mentioned the site on his profile page when he was leaving ff.net). Even though he did not like my writing or my ideas, he still encouraged me to keep trying, and even though I gave him barely any reason to like me as a person, he was always polite and forgiving of my faults.

I hope at least the community he's gathered will keep things going on the writer's forum. I'll do my best; it really sucks that one of my reasons to make more of an effort is now going to be the untimely death of a good person.

Also, I want to thank Dracos for handling all of the mundane details... updating the websites, etc.. Many of us are just mourning remotely, but Drac actually has to pick up some of the pieces firsthand... the will, the family, the computer still logged onto IRC in the other room....

What a sucky turn of events :-(

Quote from: Dracos on January 19, 2014, 11:58:43 PM
I'll be getting some pictures soon hopefully, and will let folks know when the funeral is for any who can come. :(

Will not be practical for me, but I'll certainly keep an eye on when it is and down a glass of vodka in sympathy....
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Xsen on January 20, 2014, 01:53:38 AM
When I saw the email I really thought that it was a birthday announcement or maybe a notice on some officially published book of his. And then I read it.

Can't really say I knew him all that well, after all, I've just been translating his fanfics into Russian, but judging by those few emails we exchanged he seemed like a nice person. And his writing always found it's way into my heart.

Goodbye, Brian, and may your soul rest in peace. Sos-dan.ru community and the world will miss you and your talent.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Altes on January 20, 2014, 11:45:06 AM
What the... This isn't a joke?

The man who inspired me to begin writing my own Haruhi fanfic, whom I wanted to surpass one day... ended like this, and so soon? I never even got to chat with him. This isn't fair.

God have mercy on his soul.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: beege on January 20, 2014, 12:16:38 PM
I used to have regular contact with Brian online, way back when The Lost Library was still being updated, but I fell out of touch with him years ago.  I've always regretted that - conversing with him was never less than entertaining and thought provoking and I always came away from our conversations feeling as though my mind had broadened a little.  The world needs all the people like that it can get.

Brian's legacy is one not only of bringing joy and delight into the world, but doing so in a way that provoked deep thought and contemplation.  His passing does not take this away.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 20, 2014, 12:29:44 PM
I'm sorry about those who got surprised by the header of the email.  I really didn't know what to put there :\

Also to those worried about him, Shami and his toys made their way to Wally's place last night.  He was being pretty freaked out the last day, so he realizes something is pretty wrong.  He's gonna have a tough time for a while, but they'll look after him.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: VySaika on January 20, 2014, 01:08:01 PM
For any of his friends here, or those who were inspired by him, if you want me to read something short on your behalf at his funeral just PM it to me and I will do so. I'm expecting to get a few of these, so for the sake of not dragging the service out I'll ask that we refrain from epics, but I'm willing to pass on any personalized goodbyes if anyone wants to send one.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: tabyk on January 20, 2014, 01:25:40 PM
Farewell friend, and though I hardly knew ye, I will always remember you as a part of the Soulriders.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Zephyrus on January 20, 2014, 02:20:54 PM
I didn't know Brian well. I only knew him from our small gaming circle on Elysium. Be that as it may, I always had a good time hanging out with him and playing with him. Words are never enough to express our dismay or sadness when learning that a friend has passed away. They always seem hollow and trite, somehow.

Still, I will miss him and while I don't agree that suicide is ever the answer to anything that you're going through, I hope it brought him some measure of peace.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: OmegaZato on January 21, 2014, 02:41:06 AM
I "never" would have thought that I would be writing something like this for a person that I didn't know personally.
I "never" would have thought that I couldn't keep reading Mr. Randall's works because of circumstances like these.
I "never" would have thought that someday it would be too late for me to send him one quick e-mail thanking him for writing such heartfelt and exquisitely inspiring literary works.
I "never" would have thought that someone who wrote such insightful and deep pieces of literature could be so grossly overwhelmed by his problems as decide to take his own life.
I "never" would have thought that I could feel regret for not thanking a man I never met for sharing his work and giving me the opportunity to see things from a different perspective,to feel things that the usual dull interactions with people can't convey.
I "never" would have thought that news like these would make me stop in my tracks and rethink what I've been doing until now.
I "never" would have thought that,someday,I would be writing for others to see.
But guess what? Too much "nevers" and "would haves"for my taste.
I apologize for the language but:FUCK "nevers" and "would haves".
Even if you can't read this I just have to write it: THANK YOU Mr. Brian Randall,for sharing with us a little piece of your soul,of your world...and for(yet again)teaching me an important lesson(through these grim circumstances): Memento Mori,remember that you will die,although Ephemeral as our existences may be,although At a Glance life may seem just a pointless struggle,an inevitable Descent to the deepest pits of desperation,sometimes all it takes are some Silent Moments of reflection to see that Later things may be a bit better.That even if the day-by-day life seems to be the definition of Miss/Fortune you may still find peace and solace In Your Dreams,and there you may find the Motivation to Pick Your Own Battles,to cross the Bridges that seemed to lead to Our Inevitable Fate...yet all it was needed for us was a bit more of hope and courage to Rise Up to the Challenge and become the Big Damn Heroes of our own story....for me Mr. Randall that's your Legacy,and I can't help(even though you will never read this)but to feel that I owe you an Apology,for never truly thanking you for all the good and inspiring moments your stories gave me.
I can only hope that,wherever you are,you get the peace I'm sure you longed for,but unfairly,didn't got in life.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 21, 2014, 08:28:35 PM
I've updated the topic.

His family has found some pictures they'll be scanning, and they're looking for more.  Got a cd as well, I'm gonna start going through.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Edward on January 22, 2014, 02:04:34 AM
Quote from: Rogh-sensei on January 18, 2014, 11:13:05 AM
I think I'm still in shock. I don't know if the full import of this has hit me yet, but already it's weird thinking I won't see him logged into G+ or see any inbox notifications from his fanfic page again. I talked to him just the other day, he said he was changing jobs, getting out of the morass at his old gig. I said hi to him the morning he died.

Oh god. I might have set him on this path. Monday I posted him a link to an article that I thought he could work into Big Damn Hero.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftruthseekerdaily.com%2F2014%2F01%2Fscientists-claim-that-quantum-theory-proves-consciousness-moves-to-another-universe-at-death%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFfxBZhjbjMDYhh4w3zX9Q-fZkzuQ


I'm sorry Brian. You helped me more than you can know. I'll miss you.

Don't guilt yourself like that.  We all miss him and if anyone had had the slightest hint Brian was going to do this, they would have acted.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Edward on January 22, 2014, 02:17:23 AM
Quote from: Dracos on January 20, 2014, 12:29:44 PM
I'm sorry about those who got surprised by the header of the email.  I really didn't know what to put there :\

This isn't the kind of thing where anyone knows what to say or write.  The header didn't give me false expectations; it had a feeling of finality that was confirmed by the body of the email. Brian was bipolar, not always able to afford medication, and depression seemed to be the stronger side of the cycle.  I was shocked that it had happened, but not truly surprised.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Oroboro on January 22, 2014, 01:54:15 PM
Back in the tail end of 2011, I read K:BDH, and eventually desired to try my own hand at writing fanfic. I did, and later found myself stumbling into the Kitago chatroom seeking advice. Brian was welcoming, friendly, and all around a pretty decent guy.

I spent most of 2012 hanging out in that chatroom - Getting to know Brian, making new friends, and learning a hell of a lot about writing, character analysis, and various obscure topics of discussion. While I eventually drifted away, and wish now that perhaps I hadn't, I'm glad I spent the time there I did. It was another chapter in my life that I'm happy to look back on.

To good memories, and time well spent.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 22, 2014, 03:02:17 PM
He liked having more folks write.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Halbarad on January 22, 2014, 03:43:16 PM
That he most definitely did. I know I never would have attempted to write again if it hadn't been for his encouragement.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 23, 2014, 05:59:03 PM
Hey All,

Updated with when his life celebration will be held.

Additionally some pictures are added to his website.  Adding more as we can.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on January 23, 2014, 06:31:56 PM
I've added a note from Marlon, who was always Brian's Old Man.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Kaldrak on January 23, 2014, 06:42:49 PM
Thank you for everything Drac. I know this must be really hard on you.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: VySaika on February 02, 2014, 12:39:45 PM
What served as the memorial was held yesterday. I read off what those from here sent to me, and his family and the others there were very glad to have words from Brian's friends who couldn't be there.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on February 03, 2014, 03:33:13 PM
Thanks to Gate for doing so.

Also, the pictures we have are up on Brian's site.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Serafita on February 04, 2014, 07:27:27 PM
I only just found out about this a few hours ago, and debating back and forth about posting condolences.  I first knew of Brian's works from the Ranma/lots of other anime fanfic Process of Elimination way back in the day, encountered him on Delphi forums, and in IRC.  Sadly with life and work becoming busy, I found less and less time to get on IRC until I stopped altogether.  He would always be friendly and polite in IRC, and amused when I told him I still re-read PoE every few months from start to end.  I got back heavily into his works when he started work on the Haruhi fanfics, of which I have read every single one.

I only wish I could have talked to him more.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on February 05, 2014, 02:32:43 PM
You know, he had three of those old Soulriders shirts with your art on them. 
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Yuthirin on February 06, 2014, 11:29:13 AM
Quote from: Dracos on February 03, 2014, 03:33:13 PM
Thanks to Gate for doing so.

Also, the pictures we have are up on Brian's site.

Somehow I do not have the link for this. Could you post it?
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: VySaika on February 06, 2014, 12:11:28 PM
The link was edited into the first post in the thread.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on February 06, 2014, 12:37:07 PM
His site also for those that didn't know was http://www.soulriders.net/brian/

http://www.durandall.com/brian also works, but I have no idea how far in the future it will.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Serafita on February 06, 2014, 02:40:06 PM
Quote from: Dracos on February 05, 2014, 02:32:43 PM
You know, he had three of those old Soulriders shirts with your art on them. 
Wow.  I never knew people even made use of the drawings I did way back then.  I did do a t-shirt design but didn't think anyone would get it printed onto a shirt...
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Merc on February 07, 2014, 09:16:07 PM
Quote from: Serafita on February 06, 2014, 02:40:06 PM
Quote from: Dracos on February 05, 2014, 02:32:43 PM
You know, he had three of those old Soulriders shirts with your art on them. 
Wow.  I never knew people even made use of the drawings I did way back then.  I did do a t-shirt design but didn't think anyone would get it printed onto a shirt...
Drac, Brian and I all had the shirt on at some point during the last SR Gathering. Your design totally saw print and use.

For Drac: Speaking of the gathering, I did find a few photos with Brian, four from the cave and two from the arcade. I'm sending you a PM with those photos if you want to toss them into the website and send to his family some more recent pictures. Sorry I didn't dig around earlier when you'd asked before.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on February 08, 2014, 12:29:17 AM
I give you cred for having the second viable picture of modern Brian, the Hatted.  Before Wally's find, we just couldn't find any of him in his hat.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Music-chan on February 14, 2014, 12:11:57 AM
Quote from: Serafita on February 06, 2014, 02:40:06 PM
Quote from: Dracos on February 05, 2014, 02:32:43 PM
You know, he had three of those old Soulriders shirts with your art on them. 
Wow.  I never knew people even made use of the drawings I did way back then.  I did do a t-shirt design but didn't think anyone would get it printed onto a shirt...
CyMage and myself both have that shirt design too.  I've packed mine away because it was starting to wear out but Cy still wears his occasionally.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on February 14, 2014, 12:02:50 PM
I should mail you one of Brian's.  Then you can have an extra up there.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: CyMage on February 24, 2014, 07:18:40 PM
I think we still have the key chain or two as well.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: XenOutbreak on April 12, 2014, 05:51:44 AM
I never knew Brian personally, but I can tell you that he was one of the best writers that I have read. He was one of the people who made me realise that I wanted to be a writer myself. I thought if I could write half as well as Brian, then I'd be pretty damn good. I've read almost all his stuff, and I've had the Kyon: Big Damn Hero page open for over a year, waiting for updates.

I toyed with the idea of contacting him to tell him how much I liked his writing, but I thought I would just annoy him or something. I wish I had.

I wish you'd finished KBDH, because it was one of my favourite pieces of fiction ever, but I thank you for writing it in the first place. Thank you for everything you wrote Brian, and thank you for inspiring me. I hope you're in a better place.

- Anonymous fan you never knew existed.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on April 15, 2014, 12:41:06 AM
*pats* :\ Missed opportunities.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Ginrai on April 18, 2014, 03:34:35 PM
I was meaning to check the forums again for a while now but kept putting it off due to real life issues or because of some stupid fear that I had been away from the community for too long.

Today morning I decided to finally catch up on what I've missed. Dammit :(

I first chatted with Brian in late 2000 after I read The Unbroken Circle and wanted to find out more about the story. We spent a lot of time back then discussing story ideas, favorite pairings, anime, etc. I wasn't able to talk with him the past few years and was hoping to reconnect some time this year :(

RIP old friend.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Dracos on April 18, 2014, 03:44:55 PM
Been a while, Ginrai :\

Sorry you're just now hearing.
Title: Re: Brian Randall - 1/2014
Post by: Anastasia on April 20, 2014, 03:38:10 AM
Yeah. Good to see you again, wish it was under better circumstances.