Rest in peace NS (NSpbs), a member here from years past

[Renegade]

Today I have the privilege of talking about someone who was a wonderful part of a close knit community. I wish that privilege didn't come with the pain and sorrow and grief of having to say goodbye to him far too early. 

NS (NSpbs on AIM) passed away in November 2018 at just 26 years old. Many people here today will not have had the pleasure of knowing him, a regular member years ago, and a big part of the old AIM chats.

For those who did, I know you also only have good memories of a good friend. What little memorial we can offer him will never come close to the affection and care he showed his friends.

NS stood out even amongst the many amazing people who have passed through ProBoards over the years. He was always friendly, always kind, and always considerate. He was exceptionally open minded, and often attributed this to his time spent at ProBoards, but his willingness to listen to and understand other points of view was part of a caring, thoughtful personality that we cannot take the credit for.

He enjoyed reading, and was a good writer, frequently found on fantasy roleplaying forums. He took an interest in almost anything he could read about, but particularly enjoyed learning about politics, history, and cars. He naturally looked to support his friends, always striving to improve his own skills to better help others, and especially admired the many designers here who took the time to share tips and techniques. Of course, this care and support of his friends wasn't limited only to forums, but many here can relate to the feeling of starting a new board and struggling with design.

Funny without being unkind, friendly without being overbearing, and intelligent without needing anyone to know it, NS was someone everyone liked without reservation. He was genuinely happy with himself, and wanted everyone else to feel the same way. He is similarly described by friends and family - a truly bright light in the lives of those who knew him.

-

On a personal level, Scott was a close friend and this is heartbreaking. I keep trying to persuade myself it isn't him - that maybe someone else could share the same unique last name, the same date of birth, the same location. It's hard to believe he's gone. I hate goodbyes. I hate writing all this knowing he'll never see any of it. I hate having to write this at all. I've struggled to find the right words for him for days, still can't. It hurts so bad. Every quote is too cliched, every anecdote too impersonal; so many good memories of him yet so little I can put into writing. And knowing how few people are still here to remember him with me makes it that little bit harder.

Scott died two years ago. I wish I'd known sooner, and yet it feels like we last talked only weeks ago, nevermind that it was years. His family describe the same person I knew all that time ago, the sassy yet kind personality, the quick wit and intelligence, the way every conversation with him felt like it mattered. Everyone remembers the same person we all knew and liked here.

I spent so many hours with Scott back in those old days, in the AIM chat, or playing games, or passing the time in GT. I always knew he'd be back one day to reminisce about old times, relive shared memories, retell all the stupid jokes, and talk about how much has changed since then.

But he never will.

Every reminiscence will be in his memory. The shared memories are now only my memories. Nobody else will ever understand or laugh at our jokes. And the things that changed include the passing of a dear friend.

All that's left is a small obituary and a few posts from his family on Facebook. A profile here and there that will never see another login. A couple of people with scattered memories of a much loved friend from years past. He deserves more of a legacy but nothing would be enough.

Rest in peace Scottie. You didn't go alone, a little piece of me went with you. I promise I will never forget you.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

May he rest in peace good to see you again Renegade

[wildmaven]

Oh such sad news, and the best memorial post I have ever read! I have also found out late when someone passed and I completely understand that uniquely awful feeling.

From what I saw of him here, NS was an amazing person. There were a couple of times we had opposing views, but our debates were always respectful and interesting. Even when he was a new member, he impressed me with his willingness to compliment the members and he always had something nice to say.

He used to call me Pirate, LOL.

I remember when you interviewed him. I think he was new then. Is that when your friendship began?

I think we all worry about our legacy, and we can only hope for such an amazing, honest, heartfelt tribute as you have given here. I am so sorry you are hurting, but that pain created part of his legacy, and that is beautiful.

(((((((((((Hugs my friend))))))))))

[daniel]

RIP NS.

Condolences, Rene, and to those that knew him well. Cheers to the friends we've lost along the way, as well as to the ones we still have.

[HoudiniDerek]

I didn't know him well, but I always enjoyed our interactions. Sorry to hear of his passing.

[Shady]

When we spoke briefly about him the other day, I hadn’t realised you were so close. So sorry Rene. I also felt awful that I didn’t instantly remember him. Those times in the AIM chat seem so long ago now. I did know him as soon as I saw his posts (and even more so now you’ve said his real name was Scott) and remember him as being part of the fun we had back then. It’s so sad that he’s gone so young, but I’m grateful that he was a part of our community.

It’s nice that you’ve come back here to remember him, Rene, and I hope the next time we speak it isn’t with such bad news again.

[partymarty]

RIP NS (Scott) I think I remember seeing you posting here when I was here last and more active.

It's always sad when we lose someone and it was a nice tribute Rene.