View Full Version : Collection of IH farewells to Jon David Messner
Pispas
04-10-2005, 08:32 AM
Thank you, Mrs. Messner for sharing your husband with so many 'strangers'. Words cannot heal wounds, time only can soften the pain.
I only hope Jon *and* you realized just how much he was loved and respected, and what an impact his passing has had on all of us here.
Casey
04-10-2005, 08:44 AM
Thank you Pipas.
That was very nice of you. I am sure Jon's wife and family will appreciate it.
Proud American
04-10-2005, 08:57 AM
Thank you, Mrs. Messner for sharing your husband with so many 'strangers'. Words cannot heal wounds, time only can soften the pain.
I only hope Jon *and* you realized just how much he was loved and respected, and what an impact his passing has had on all of us here.
That is really nice, good work Pispas. Im glad both posts I made are included.
Thank you
That is wonderful Pispas :)
Virginia
04-10-2005, 10:03 AM
Thank you, Pispas :love_02:
Dajjal
04-10-2005, 10:36 AM
Regis made a real difference to this world while he was in it, and a lot of people are following in his footsteps starting free unedited forums.
I am glad to have been allowed to rant here. Thanks Regis.
CharlieHorse
04-10-2005, 10:37 AM
Thanks for doing this Pispas. It was nice to see all the comments together. It gives a greater sense of how much everyone on the board cared or respected the man.
Thank you Pispas....that was very thoughtful of you. :)
Motley
04-10-2005, 07:13 PM
Thank you Pispas!
Regis,
What you did here was really amazing--
You created something that never existed before-- a place where the common people on the opposite sides of a world at war could converse across the great gaping divides of religion, culture and politics.
You built the first electronic bridge where 'enemies'-- the citizens of warring nations, could talk directly and personally to each other, day and night
Across the lines of intense hatred and violence, across the agonizing and often frightening clash of civilizations. Across oceans of fear and mistrust.
The talk was not always pretty or easy or pleasant-- but nevertheless, IH was a new kind of conversation, one that had never occured before--
Not ever in history, in any of mans' previous countless wars, back into the mists of our most ancient past, had a conversation like this ever occured during wartime.
It was the first of it's kind-- and the whole world responded here.
Nearly one million hits from every corner of the globe are bare testimony to the power of the space that you created-- between warring peoples and feuding factions that spanned the entire planet.
You were, amongst the chaos, and often intense and occasionally frightening exchanges here-- frequently funny, sometimes gruff and caustic, prone to telling people off-- but underneath of it all you were always amazingly patient.
Considering the open death threats against you (posted numerous times on these boards) the often withering insults and the constant attempts to hack this site into oblivion, people who complained about your occasional cantankerousness had no idea how patient you really were.
You were also tough and wiley and you even helped put some terrorists out of business-- but you made it clear to every one that your greatest dream was one of a deeper understanding, and possibly even someday, a greater peace.
IH was indeed an amazing idea that you conceived and made real-- it was a mixture of genius and inspiration and raw courage.
And likely every future human conflict will now have it's own IH-- this is a gift that you, Jon, have given to our children.
Perhaps it is too soon to know if such forums can really make any kind of difference, perhaps it will take a very long time and many more wars for electronic bridges like these to have an impact on a suffering humanity.
But you built the first electronic bridge between warring nations anyway...
And I suspect that your inspiration and the risks that you took and the new venue that you created will have an impact.
Jon, the word 'hero' applies to very few people.
It most certainly applies to you.
Sleep in peace my brother. Take your well deserved rest, my friend.
Jake
My warmest regards go out to the family.
Malsi
04-11-2005, 12:00 PM
In my short few months here, I had often heard references to this 'Regis' yet never had the pleasure of meeting, posting, or chatting with him.
From the stories I have read on this board, I am uplifted by the love for his fellow man, inspired by his generosity, and humbled by his patriotism. Jon, you were a shining example of how to fulfill the duties of simply being human. May we all find a way, however small, to follow your lead.
"...fly on proud bird, you're free at last!"
justcrazy
04-11-2005, 05:19 PM
Jon was a special and amazing man. He was one of a kind and will be missed. I learned so much from not only Jon/Regis but from the board he created. He made me laugh and he made me cry but most of all he made me think. :)
It was special.
Thank-you.
Buffy
04-11-2005, 08:16 PM
Jon was a special and amazing man. He was one of a kind and will be missed. I learned so much from not only Jon/Regis but from the board he created. He made me laugh and he made me cry but most of all he made me think. :)
It was special.
Thank-you.
Hi ya Des :)
My sincer sympathy to Jon's family. I know he's at peace though he will be missed by so many people who knew him, who kind of knew him and who knew of him.
I didn't sign back up after IH went down the first time but I kept checking to see if Regis had posted, just to see if he was ok. Jon had a brilliant mind. He was funny, he was kind, he was everything to so many people. He had the most wonderful smile! And he will be missed and I think it will be for a very long time.
I know it says I'm a newbie but I was here before the hack, crash or whatever happened. Before that I read a lot and I read Jon's posts. The last one he wrote he said he had to go and then I believe he said goodnite (all.)
To all those who loved Jon, I am truly sorry he is gone.
Katy
ghukov
04-13-2005, 12:29 PM
Goodbye Jon. Thank you for all that you have done.
Motley
07-05-2005, 06:53 PM
^up^
sidthereal
07-12-2005, 06:19 AM
rest in peace jon
may the angels protect you..... we all miss you
Jon, I'm sorry that we never really got along... I guess we never found much common ground. Despite your animosity towards conservatives and religious people and blatant disregard towards their sensitivities, you were still a true believer in the American way as well as an occasional voice of clarity in a forum gone mad- and I admired that.
Goodbye, Regis.
G-oldfinger
08-12-2005, 02:42 AM
Was shocked to hear of Jon's death. Who wasn't?
What can I say... Er, I think he'd like something along the lines of... Peace be upon him. :p
Good show Jon. You'll be missed buddy. ;)
MissyNetanyahu
08-17-2005, 10:19 PM
In my short few months here, I had often heard references to this 'Regis' yet never had the pleasure of meeting, posting, or chatting with him.
Me either. Not sure what to say but I loved this board back when it used to be the old board.....so wanted to pay my respects as well
SMOKEY
08-19-2005, 08:38 PM
I am still so sad over Jon. I couldn't even bring myself to visit here for the longest time. But I so miss everyone!
SMOKEY
08-19-2005, 09:59 PM
Hello NYC! :)
Last time I dropped by everyone was going for the red reputation! LOL.
exitwound
08-19-2005, 10:45 PM
I miss him frequently. The world should have known him better before he left us. He had a greatness that I can only hope to reflect, dimly.
He was a friend of mine.
He was a friend of mine.
Every time I hear his name
Lord, I just can't keep from cryin'
He was a friend of mine.
Bob Dylan
Locke1
09-05-2005, 01:02 AM
I first spoke to Jon on this board- it was around September 20-2001. The first iteration of this board was brand new. Regis and I got into an argument-discussion, and very quickly- we realized how much we liked each other. At the time he was just a guy named Regis. Not the webmaster- not the entrepreneur- just a guy. A smart guy. A spiritual guy. A nice guy. A guy that got the jokes right away, and added to them.
In this strange place, comprised mostly of electrons, we became friends. We told each other things about ourselves- as friends often do. He told me about his business, his family, his kids of whom he was incredibly proud, and his past. I told him about my life, my family, my kids. I gave him my favorite snack/appetizer; and he became addicted to it.
It is said we have three distinct lives: public lives, private lives, and secret lives. I told him about my secret life- I still don't know why, and he understood it.
In the early days of this board 10 of us struggled to find a rational to help the world continue to be. We didn't find it. We found each other. We found friendship. Over the years- we drifted away. That happened to me as well.
In the middle of 2003, I drifted away. My mother had just died, of suicide in the middle of a painful illness. In my grief, I had no will to focus on the arguments over the war in Iraq which this board had become primarily focused on.
Jon and I touched base every 6 months or so- usually superficially. Every time the format of the board would change, I would re-register- the last time was a couple of weeks before Jon's death.
That time, he sent me a private message- discussing how much simpler life had been in 2001. I answered him- but superficially- I couldn't tell him how much pain I had been going through in my life- and I missed that he was trying to reach out to me for help.
The next time I tried to log on to this board- I was locked out- no pun intended. I didn't think much about it- I wasn't writing much anyways. A week later- I tried to log on- and was still locked out. But I read in disbelief, that Jon was dead.
At that moment I realized that I had failed him. I just didn't realize what he was going through, and was trying to tell me. I realized that I could have told him what I had been going through as a grown child- and it might have meant something to him- but unfortunately, the nature of our lives means you can't get your lost opportunities back.
Baby Cee, I know what you are going through, and I am so sorry. I failed him- without meaning to- but the act is the fact.
I don't think I will be posting here again. It is too painful. I will miss many of the 10. DEVIL DOG- thank you for everything you've done for all of us. Please don't kill anyone else if you can avoid it. G- you are a great guy. CM- I loved the anger. Be well.
Farewell.
Casey
09-08-2005, 07:43 AM
You did leave a good thing Jon.
Several people, universities have been in touch since the London attacks looking for material, they knew it would be here.
Unfortunately, the threat of extremism seems to be spreading rather than lessening. :(
Miss you.
JimHere4U
09-08-2005, 06:06 PM
Now I know why I never read this section of the board. Mr. Locke said it all. I'm so sad about so many things in my life right now, but at least I have a heartbeat. I would like to thank Jon. I love you man. That's all I'm going to say.
exitwound
09-08-2005, 08:00 PM
Now I know why I never read this section of the board. Mr. Locke said it all. I'm so sad about so many things in my life right now, but at least I have a heartbeat. I would like to thank Jon. I love you man. That's all I'm going to say.
I've been thinking almost the same thought as I re-read this thread. I've been thinking a lot about Hunter S. Thompson whose death had some commonality's with Jon's, and happened within a similar time frame (also around the time of the death of Pope John Paul).
Their passings remind us that although without them an era has ended....a new one has begun, and era made possible by everything about them that is immortal, indestructible, intangible yet very substantial and very real to those that carry the beauty of these people in their hearts and their minds.
I could, as always, write so very much more here. A book, ten. I'd be honored to have the chance to write a book about Jon, about IH, about all of the things that happened along this journey. Maybe someday. But for now, as I often did when the Big Man in the Chair spoke to us....I really ought to STFU. And simply say, we still miss you and we still think of you, all the time. So long and thanks for all the fish!
Motley
11-11-2005, 04:05 PM
up.
Motley
12-28-2005, 11:52 PM
up. (Never forget him)
Motley
05-22-2006, 01:04 AM
up for Jon
kitkat
08-03-2006, 07:07 AM
Jon, I'm sorry that we never really got along... I guess we never found much common ground. Despite your animosity towards conservatives and religious people and blatant disregard towards their sensitivities, you were still a true believer in the American way as well as an occasional voice of clarity in a forum gone mad- and I admired that.
Goodbye, Regis.
I'm sorry I never got to say sorry for all the hell I put him and his family through. What a hellish Mother's Day. I figured the best I could do was leave him alone for at least ten years. I knew he had been sick but he never complained ( unlike some of us). I hate when people say " they're in a better place now" & and I don't think he would buy that bullshit either. I just know he is free from pain and will be deeply missed.
JimHere4U
08-03-2006, 09:01 AM
I'm sorry I never got to say sorry for all the hell I put him and his family through. What a hellish Mother's Day. I figured the best I could do was leave him alone for at least ten years. I knew he had been sick but he never complained ( unlike some of us). I hate when people say " they're in a better place now" & and I don't think he would buy that bullshit either. I just know he is free from pain and will be deeply missed.
Did we ever speak on the phone?
Hope all is well with you.
kitkat
08-03-2006, 09:12 PM
Did we ever speak on the phone?
Hope all is well with you.
Yes we spoke once. I don't speak of myself anymore. Reading about Regis & Claire has been devastating.This is when you question why are the good ones taken and you just can't get rid of the kitkat's of the world.....
JimHere4U
08-03-2006, 10:17 PM
Yes we spoke once. I don't speak of myself anymore. Reading about Regis & Claire has been devastating.This is when you question why are the good ones taken and you just can't get rid of the kitkat's of the world.....
I thought we had spoken once. People around here said we didn't. And things in life could be worse. Be well.
kitkat
08-03-2006, 11:04 PM
kitkat.....Hi there. :)
Hi...I'm not real talkative anymore
take care guys
JimHere4U
08-03-2006, 11:32 PM
Hi...I'm not real talkative anymore
take care guys
Paxil and Wellbutrin has done that to me, not to mention what it's done to my sex life. Again, be well Kat.
Keevis
08-04-2006, 10:03 AM
Yes we spoke once. I don't speak of myself anymore. Reading about Regis & Claire has been devastating.This is when you question why are the good ones taken and you just can't get rid of the kitkat's of the world.....
Regis is resting in peace. Claire is hopefully resting in a nut hut. She is far from dead.....just kookie in the nogin.
Missy
08-04-2006, 10:10 AM
Who is Jon? And sorry for anyone’s lost. :(
Keevis
08-04-2006, 10:11 AM
Who is Jon? And sorry for anyone’s lost. :(
Jon is Regis. The man who created this forum. Cbaby's late husband
Missy
08-04-2006, 10:21 AM
Jon is Regis. The man who created this forum. Cbaby's late husband
Sorry Cbaby for your lost and hope you are doing well.
kitkat
08-05-2006, 05:22 AM
Regis is resting in peace. Claire is hopefully resting in a nut hut. She is far from dead.....just kookie in the nogin.
I would never be one to comment on another person's mental status , but I could not understand someone's sister and friends saying she had passed away if she had not.
Cali/Yank
08-05-2006, 10:44 PM
Sorry if I've pushed your buttons. 5 years ago? Just remember what Regis told you and as jim says: Be well.
kitkat
08-06-2006, 08:09 PM
Sorry if I've pushed your buttons. 5 years ago? Just remember what Regis told you and as jim says: Be well.
I am assuming you were addressing me. No one on here should ever apologize to me. I was disrespectful, crude, ...etc... This forum was born out of the tragedy of 9/11...I just hope none of the friends or family members ever read any of my posts. My kids are limited to monitored time on the computer...don't be an idiot like your mother and give out personal info. Of course with their X-box, playstation, game-cube, gameboys, dvds, cds, videos...it is me now saying...how about some fresh air...maybe a swim...I know...Regis said get off the computer...but these damn things are addictive
Cbaby
08-08-2006, 10:10 PM
Sorry Cbaby for your lost and hope you are doing well.
Thank you. Not an hour of any day goes by that I don't miss Jon. He left incredibly huge shoes to fill. I have my kids which makes my life manageable, but I also know that Jon is watching and guiding me so I am much better for it. I remind myself that I am of the living and that is what Jon would want me to do, so that is what I do. :)
Cbaby
08-28-2006, 10:45 AM
Today would have been your 49th birthday. You would have bitched endlessly about getting older and falling apart. I didn't want you to think I had forgotten. I miss you and will always love you. RIP baby :love_05:
CharlieHorse
08-29-2006, 06:34 PM
You know, I should have come back to say hello yesterday, but any day is appropriate to say thank you to Jon. This forum made a positive impact in my political and human outlook.
Cbaby, thanks for keeping this place open for everyone. It's the best memorial any person could give.
Awww Happy Birthday Regis.
Cali/Yank
09-04-2006, 01:19 AM
It's Labor Day weekend Regis. A holiday to support our nations efforts in "Capitolism" I'm sitting here at home; five years later after 911, after a full weeks effort into earning that dream of the American pie.
It's 10 o'clock pacific time, and I'm watching "Big Wednesday" on HBO family channel.. It started me to remineinsce about my state, and the happier times of my youth.
Funny thing about films. They always reflect the period of time. Fiction and truth; blended and binded, to each generation.
In five days; five years ago, the trade cernter towers fell.
In reality, nothing compared to the lives lost in the foundation of our nation: The United States of America, but still, we lose more lives daily, not just overseas, but here. Here at home, we still stumble and divide.
Five days.
The OC hemet hermit "azzam the american" and his butt buddy zawahiri asked us to join Islam a day or two after your birthday.
I hope that some of your questions were answered into why we are hated.
Take care.
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