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My thoughts are with you Gary, your wife Judy and family. I hope with all my heart you recover.

You taught me the most about water quality, and fish maintainence. Damn, pull through mate.



-- Gomer[/font]

This is ... unexpected.

As I read this, i cannot help but think that this is one of Gary's dry deliveries of yet another lesson for us all. *gentle smiles*

Its certainly a doozy.


My thoughts are with you Judy, be strong, be loved.

Gary, as much as you irked me sometimes, you are possibly one of the most decent men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Come back to us old man.



Last edited by Callatya at 28-Jan-2005 21:31

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Indeed Dian. Strokes can be very bad things, and I have seen and dealt first hand with the effects of them.

This is one of the reasons I am so upset about this. Other than the fact that I really do like Gary and look up to him.

Strokes do 1 of 3 things to people.

1. It isn't a bad one and you get over it.

2. You die.

3. And worst of all (IMO) it kills parts of your brain. You loose motor functions, or other simple abilities that we all take for grated, like being able to say more than one sentence....Ever.<---true story there.

So
Gary you are indeed a great man and you are in my prayers and thoughts. FP will not EVER be the same without you.


Last edited by Shannen at 28-Jan-2005 23:47

Shanon, i think you were kinda bland on that.

My grandma had 3 strokes, the first 2 just made her not be able to walk, or talk clearly, but she kinda re-learned how to do everything.

I hope this isnt rude to people, but there was a guy I knew, he was really nice, and he never ever missed a day of his work after working there for over 30 years. One day, he never showed up for work, and they knew something was wrong, and they found him in his house - he had a heart attack.

I just find it amazing that this stuff can happen.

After gary recovers, i hope he takes good care of himself. Usually one stroke is just a "lesson" for another one.

Considering how severe it sounds from the reports that Frank has been good enough to pass along to us, then I dont see that the site will ever be the same. While I pray (heavily) for a recovery, I'm not sure that we'll ever have our gary back the way we knew him.

I love Babs...

She always knows how to cheer me up. What a girl.

--garyroland.

*raises cheese veggieboiger in salute* Heres' to you Gary

~Babs the chathead [/font]

I was shocked when i came onto this site and saw this thread.

I couldnt believe something like this could actually happen to someone who justs wants to simply help other people out.

I've always loved reading Garys posts because i always knew that each time i would usually learn something new...

My thoughts and feelings are with Garys wife, family and friends.

Hope you pull through.

Last edited by nitro at 29-Jan-2005 15:08

Gary's wife to me through IM:

"He has been non responsive since Tuesday."

c'mon gary you can get through this, We know you can.

- i think the only thing we can do is pray...

Last edited by zebra at 29-Jan-2005 22:12

~!!I lOve LiFe!!~

I never really got to know him, but from the responses given, I gather he was a great guy. I guess it's safe to say FP (and especially the hospital forum, where I recall him posting the most) wont be the same without him. Good luck, Gary.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 29-Jan-2005 22:41

I have not been on for a few days and just found out about all of this.
TO Gary and his family: All the best wishes go out to you all.
TO GARY: Thank you for all the help and advise regarding my tanks and sick fish. Thank you and please GET BETTER REAL SOON.

Ferretfish is in vermont but I texted her the news...she replied...

" in thoughts/prayers, and hopes for as much peace as there is in the mtns up here"

Thank you Babel...

Yes, unfortunately I was on vacation all weekend which is why I haven't been around much, but I asked Babel to post for me.

I really can't say anymore other than I'm basically speechless, and Gary has been in my thoughts and prayers for the entire weekend.

Dani- I'm with you hun.

Be strong Gary...

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

I wish there is something I could do....

...I'll just add my prayer to the list.

Best wishes to Gary and his loved ones.

Man...this sucks. I thought Gary was a great person too. There's nothing else I can say, other than for Gary and his Family to hold on to whatever time there is left...I hope it is years.

-Keith #2

http://www.ozarkgames.com

Not to get all morbid on every one, but I just want to put into perspective what she said. "right now Gary can only have family visit him"

OK given the fact that she could be a bit put off by people from a website wanting to visit.

Only family can visit, normally means he is in the ICU. That is not a good sign, topped off by what Dan said from the PM.

Gary, You have helped me more times than I can count. I only wish there was something I could do to help you at your time of need.

If there was ANYTHING I could do you could bet I would be there, job or no job.

Gary has earned that from me!



Last edited by Shannen at 02-Feb-2005 06:20

You know... I am not going to pretend that Gary and I saw eye to eye on things. There were far more differences than similarities on how we thought on just about everything. That's alright and I am pretty sure Gary would agree with me on that.

I imagine Gary would be very humbled between the tribute you have all paid to him here in the Recovery Room and in PremieLand. Many of you have mentioned between the two threads that he has taught you much. It may be a bit presumptuous of me but I would bet if Gary could give you one final bit of advice (a timeless gift) he would say...

Noone ever expects bad things to suddenly happen to them. It seems everyone always thinks there will be time to say the things that need to be said to those they care about. Noone is exempt from the unxpected. You never know what tomorrow will bring and you just might not get the opportunity for another chance to say what matters. SO... If there is someone that you have been meaning to tell how much they mean to you, don't wait. Let them know today. Tomorrow you may not be able to. It only takes a moment of your time to convey a warm feeling that could make all the difference to someone else and sustain them forever.

Gary and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers as well. I pray for his strength to return and I pray for his family to have the strength to endure.

Peace All... Especially you Gary...

Last edited by Tammy at 31-Jan-2005 06:57

Beautifully said Tammy and I couldn't agree more

Tammy-your sentiments brought tears to my eyes.

My heart goes out to Gary and his family at this horrible time... the worst part is the waiting.

Beth

I can attest to what Tammy says. The day I learned about Gary, I had other sad news within my own family....

I live in Michigan and my mother's one sister lives in Florida. They were 11 months apart in age - for a short time, both are 72.

The day before we learned about Gary, she called my house twice, on prime time for her husbands cell phone. MaryAnn was extremely thrifty and this was so uncharacteristic for her to call at any time other than when it was free or reduced rate. I answered the second call and spoke to her a few minutes, then she asked to speak to mom. She wanted to tell her that she completed 4 lap-pads for the wheelchair kids at a school near my house - a project she was helping my mother with.

Mom had quit smoking after 58 years, 6 months ago, and needed incentive to not spend money on cigarettes. She asked the good Lord for strength to quit, promising to use the money on something of merit. When she found out how cold the kids were, she began crocheting lap-pads in the school colors, using "cigarette money". MaryAnn was so excited she had finished 4 and needed to buy more yarn. She had called to tell us she finally found some in the right colors. Mom told her that 4 lap-pads = 4 more notches in heaven. MaryAnn replied, "And, I really need those notches."

At 4:00am we recieved a phone call from her husband Jim. MaryAnn had died of a massive heart attack at around 3:00am. She essentially passed away in her sleep.

What a treasure it was to get those phone calls from her and to hear her voice.

Look around you and in your family and know that sickness and death do not discriminate. Of all my mothers 8 brothers and sisters, she was the most health conscious and healthiest looking. As the old saying goes, don't let the sun go down while holding a grudge or ending in argument. Patch it up as you never know when God will pull someone's time card.

R.I.P. MaryAnn

Diane

Last edited by Cory_Di at 31-Jan-2005 09:36

Only just caught up with this. Cerebral haemorrhage. NOT good at all.

Gary was one of the "elder statemen" of the Board. He could be acerbic at times in his posts, and if he disagreed with you, you knew he disagreed with you. But underlying the gruff exterior of the posts was a tangible compassion, both for the fish in his life and for the other Board members.

By the way, it is possible to come back from this, but it'll be a long, hard road. Gary will need a LOT of help on that journey. Hope he has plenty of people to help him over the rockier stretches.

I think someone here should bake a cake for him to encourage him to make the fight back. One shaped like a Clown Loach. I think he'd like that. I know I'd like someone to make a Panda Cory cake for me if I was laid up in hospital



Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Calilasseia, I wouldnt hesitate one second to make him a Clown loach cake.

That is why i mentioned earlier that we should send him something. Even if he doesnt know it is there, it is still the thought that counts.

We need to respect his wife and family tho. They appreciate our gestures, but have communicated he can only see family. Frank asked about us sending cards and they did not bite at the opportunity. I think we need to just give Judy some space.

Well God does work in mysterious ways but he chooses what he wants to do im sorry and i hope he feels betterGod will help him thru

I came on tonight and wondered why people had Gary's clown loach picture on their messages. I am shocked to find he is so ill and was terrified to keep reading the thread, thinking it would be worse news.

I wish him better so much. he has given me so much help and good advice. his knowledge was amazing. I just can't believe this. i have clown loaches and always looked for his advice, i even pm'ed him a few times and he helped. he was very generous.

i am really very fond of him, even though i only know him on this site - i loved reading his posts. oh please let him get better please.

he and his family will be in my prayers.

love lucy (goldfishgeek)

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

along with tammy, i didn't see eye to eye with gary sometimes, nonetheless i still wish him well in these hard times.

blessed be

To Gary, (know you cannot read this)

I pray for you and for your family.
I hope you are able to heal and be well my friend.
I'm so sorry to hear this news.


The Amazon Nut...

I was away for a while and just read read this.

Very shocked and saddened.

Gary is a gentleman. Lovely dry wit and a generous spirit.

Not much I can add that hasn't already been said.

He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers. He beat the hurricanes and I'm sure he'll be fighting this too.

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

This really sucks, hope he makes it out ok the hospital ok


Playing: New Radicals - In Need of a Miracle


-Carl

Gary was the one who gave me great advice about caring for large clown loaches ,his passion for them is the same one i hold for this charcterful fish, hope he gets better as my father managed to survive a double stroke,6 heart attacks and the amputation of one leg over a period of a couple of years,the human spirit is an incredible thing if you want to live.
GOOD LUCK GARY

Gibson SG you know you want one!!

Hi Folks....
This morning I received the following from Gary's wife,
Judy:

Frank,

This is Judy.

Gary went to be with the Lord on Sunday afternoon.

I am okay. One of our daughters is here for a few days.

Rmember when you told me that there are some people in the area who would help me?

Can you check and see if they would be interested in rescuing his guppies and draining the 125 gal. tank.

My daughter and I are attempting to drain the 90 and clean the plants and stones erc.

I would like to offer his aquariums, stands and supplies, etc at fair prices.

I would not be able to afford to keep them.

If they are you can give me their phone numbers and emails and I will call them.

Thanks you so much.

Judy

As I undersand it, Gary lived in Vero Beach, FL.
Shannon, you might want to contact her and see if you
can help.

May God grant him peace.

Sincerely,
FRANK


Last edited by FRANK at 02-Feb-2005 10:08

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

&lt;-- wishes he lived in florida so he could keep gary's tanks alive for him

---

"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

Awww Gary... I didn't know him very well but I remember clearly when I found out where his clown loach avatar came from. Gonna miss that... and Gary's helpfulness with fish diseases... he never hesitated to give us his opinion.

><>

I had taken some time away from FP for a while, just too much B.S
Nothing could have prepared me for this.
I am in a state of shock, how precious life is and speaking for myself, boy do we take it for granted.
Gary helped me out tremendously, in my early days here.
My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

I will remember this man that I never met, for a long time.

R.I.P Gary. I'm glad that you don't have to suffer any longer. God Bless and take care of the angel's aquariums.


Shannen - if you can help her, but don't have the funds for the equipment to provide her, I would be willing to send a donation. Maybe all of us can help move Gary's stuff for Judy by sending a check to you - its a matter of someone being able to make the trip and handle it all. A bunch of people sending 10 or 25 bucks oughta take that stuff off her hands, along with the guppies. I don't really care who gets it or if you keep it (for all the hard work). I'd just like to see Judy get the help.

Diane


Last edited by Cory_Di at 02-Feb-2005 10:26

Up to this point I havent posted but ive been watching.

Just wanted to say sorry Judy for your loss, he will be missed by many includeing myself.

Alot of times when you talk to someone long enough they remind you of someone else. I cant say this about gary, he was one of a kind.

Sin in Style

*sigh*

I know all too well the pain of watching a loved one pass on...

All the best to Judy and family.

Timothy J Caiazzo

[/font]

This wasn`t the end I was looking for

How come happy endings only happen in books!

R.I.P Gary

Whoever buys the tanks should keeo Garys stock I reckon and keep his legend going. He will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed. Have fun in heaven and hope they have Clown Loaches there too

I'm with you Babel

Blessed Be Gary.


Can our Florida members please come forward and assist with this?
Just removing the fish and moving the tank so that Judy doesn't have to watch it fade away would be very helpful.
I'm with you Di, if financial help is needed, it can be done. Netbank, $5 here, $20 there, it can be done.



I er, i know this is going to sound very odd, but whoever goes to help, could you please collect some gravel substrate?
I would like to be posted a stone from Gary's tank, to stick on top of my monitor, to remind me that there are real people out there, not just words on a screen, real people with real families and real problems, and sometimes, just sometimes, we can help.
If its too much trouble, I do understand, but I feel that this is a lesson that is liable to slip my mind in the heat of the moment, and maybe having a tangible something will help.


This, this is a sad day.



For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I am just so sorry. Judy, and Gary's children are in my prayers.

Love lucy
xx

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

---

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
~ Mae West

I er, i know this is going to sound very odd, but whoever goes to help, could you please collect some gravel substrate?

Me too please


[hr width='40%']
"The rain is falling down like silence in a shroud"[/font][/font]

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

What a wonderful idea Callatya.

I can donate through PayPal to whomever does the deed. Like I say, anyone going over and doing the work deserves the tank and equipment, even if they want to sell it. Donations can help with the cost of taking it off Judy's hands. I don't know what a reasonable price is for such stuff, but it needs to be fair.

I wonder if Judy would provide a picture of Gary, even temporary to the person that goes over. I really want to know what Gary looked like . Although, leaving things to the imagination is alright in any event.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 02-Feb-2005 12:58

Gary was a true asset to this site and will be truely missed It would be very hard for someone to follow in his foot steps as he was just such a unique person that nobody could match up to him RIP Gary we all love you and we will meet again some day where we can discuss fishy matters once again

http://www.greenspersonalprinting.com/

WOW! This is not the ending I had hoped for or expected either. *shakes her head sadly as a tear rolls down her cheek* One less advocate for the fish of the world. I wish his family the best in these hard times! Hopefully we can find someone to help with the tanks and maybe even keep them in their exact state (as much as possible) in his memory and honor! His suffering is over, his family's has really just begun! Strength be with them!

Our sympathies go out to Gary's wife and family. Isn't it amazing how someone you've never met can have such an impact on you. I'll miss his entertaining and informative threads. This is truly a sad day for us all. Let's celebrate his life and be thankful we had the opportunity to "meet" Gary and to have been able to learn so much from him. I'm now going to re-name all my clown loaches "Gary".
R.I.P. Gary.

I really don't know what to say..

RIP Gary. You will be missed!

And yes I will try to get some of you gravel. PM me if you want some.

I will have to see how much she wants for the tanks. I don't exactly have 1000s laying around.

Eather way I will help her break them down, and I will def take the guppies off of her hands and they will have a good home.

&lt;&lt;---Can't say anything

It's amazing at how close you can get with a person who you only met online.

Gary...you are greatly missed.

EDIT: I would like gravel...

*looks at her Gary pictures and cries*

Last edited by Ferretfish at 02-Feb-2005 14:01

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

There's nothing more exciting than a young, angry blonde Canadian girl. No wonder I like her.

And she can type like a bandit.

Thanks for the kind words, Tryst.

--garyroland.

Thanks for teaching me so much gary, I'll miss you. This happened suddenly, it's strange how much you can be affected by the loss of someone you've never met.

I'll donate what I can if I can get my paypal account working to whoever will be helping with the orphaned fishes. I like the idea of sending some gravel out by post, as calla suggested. If that is happening, I would like to be put on the list for an aquarium decoration... something to remind me of the lessons he taught me, whether it is a bit of gravel, a pebble, whatever.

I wish I were closer, I would be more than happy to help Judy with the fishes. My grandparents are in FL, I may ask them if they would be willing to take care of a few guppies until they come home in April.

Goodbye, Gary....



[/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

Haven't been with FP long and didn't know Gary well, but it obvious the impact he had on his peers here at FP. R.I.P Gary, you will always be in our thoughts and hearts.
I don't want to admit it either, but all of this has brought a tear to my eye everytime someone expressed their gratitude for Gary just being Gary in this post.

[font color="#C00000"]It's amazing how one person, whom you haven't met in person, can affect your life so much. Fish Profiles was a very lucky online community to have someone such as Gary keeping everyone in line. I'm sure that at sometime or another, Gary frustrated the heck out of us, yet we were all grateful for his advice and knowledge. I'll miss him, his adivce, and his wonderful stubborness. =^_^=

My best wishes to his family, and friends....


~*MO*~[/font]

every time I scroll down and see the avatar, I alf expect him to be there telling us its all a big joke


Its a sort of happy feeling.

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Bloody hell! Well, my best to you, Gary, wherever you currently are....cuz we old fish geezers never really end, we just go tend tanks elsewhere.

RIP gary.

Thank you for saving my clown loaches when they had ich.

The two littlest ones are now named gary and roland.

good grief.

That's really cool whetutu I can see Gary smiling from here

. I truly dont know what to say. I really thought Gary would get through all of this- but he is not suffering any longer. FP will never be the same . For the 3 years I have been on this site.... this is a first .

May God be with Gary's family.

~!!I lOve LiFe!!~

This is absolutely horrible. I don't know what to say...but I know he will be truly missed...RIP Gary.

Darn... May you rest in pease, o sir Gary Roland. *bows head in a moment of silence* You will be remembered.

Hopefully someone from this site can take over his Clown Loaches and all his other fish. If I lived anywhere near Vero Beach I'd love to take them and keep the Clown Loach school and friends together, but alas I am in no place to do such a thing.

--------------------------------------------
The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

Everyday i come to this site, and have always scanned the forums to see if gary had posted,i would then read that thread 1st before going on to any others,it was a habit i got into pretty quickly after joining this group of like minded people,In this tragic time we have felt each others pain at this loss, Gary will be sorely missed but if one piece of good has come out of this it is that the membership have pulled together after being slightly fragmented and i think personally that is a great tribute to Gary.
.

Gibson SG you know you want one!!

Shannen has provided the correct and acceptable information for you...

Since he learned everything he knows about tropicals from me, you can bet the information is accurate.

Trops do indeed adjust to pH levels if the levels are changed slowly. Acclimating new trops to your tank would probably take an hour depending on the pH values of the fish store water.

A pH value of 9.0 would be the max for most trops to tolerate, so anything below that would be fine.

Shannen knows that chemically adjusting tank water pH is
a rather dangerous thing to do and should be avoided.

Some may prefer using peat in their filters to soften water a bit, but in my opinion it's really not worth the effort.

--garyroland.

Indeed you taught me a lot Mr Gary.

I'll never forget you or your clowns.

Peace be with you, Gary

Check it out- http://profile.myspace.com/bigtone85

Thanks alot Gary for all your help.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

shini, i think gary said he lost all his clowns in the hurricane

---

"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

Gary still lives through his teachings. Pass them on.

Yes he did lose all his clowns in the hurricane.

My deepest condolences to Judy and family.
I definately did not expect this sad news.



The Amazon Nut...

RIP Garyroland.

I adopted my signature sign off line in all my posts, the "-- Gomer" from Gary. I think he knew i was copying him too. Miss you, your help and humour Gary.

-- Gomer

For Mr. Gary Roland



Malaikah attached this image:

Sorry, for Gary, his family, and for all of us who knew him here.

Yes, indeed he lost all the clowns in the hurricane. He told me in a PM about it. He went 3 weeks without power and it was just too much. They survived initially, but he just couldn't keep up with power out for so long. It was very sad.

That's when he decided to switch back to his first fish - the guppy. He told me that so many beginners start with them and there is nothing beginner-like about them. He is so right when it comes to breeding and getting the right strain. I never did ask him what kind he was breeding.

As odd as it may seem, it looks like the good Lord allowed the loss of that large stock before he passed away, leaving Judy with even more. I think he had many more tanks and that would have been so hard to deal with.

My deepest sympathies to Gary's family. While i have not been here long; i have read many threads where he gave great advice and made new hobbyists feel welcomed. As long as we remain a knowledgable and friendly place for new and experienced hobbyests alike, he will always be here.




I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

Cory, I did talk to him about his guppies. He was working on a strain of true leopards....

Very very saddened. Condolences to Judy and their family.

Practically the last time I logged on before going on vacation I was having a teasing match with Gary in chat about our ages, we managed to completely confuse some of the younger members.

Gary was old school. A gentleman, his magnanimous nature was made open to all in his, sadly, last posts. I too always looked out for his posts, more for his delicious dryness and wit then the information.A very lively intelligent mind. I liked him a lot and his demise will leave a huge unfillable void in these forums.

I would like to second Cory Di's request. If anybody has a photo of Gary could they post it. Hard to believe that you can get to like somebody so much you've never even seen. I would love to see how he actually looked and it would make the tribute a bit more personal. Then again I always had a vision in my head of what gary looked like - maybe it's better that way ?

Rest in peace Gary. Don't give St.Peter too hard a time if he's lax in his water changes - ok !

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

I will miss our discussions and conversations my friend. May you find peace where you have gone.

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

Gary was always someone I could agree with one moment and then he'd say something that could hit just the opposite...It was he who kept calling me Heidi 50lbs lighter, and of course the crazy Texan...

Picking was his way of showing how he cared...and then of course when I was totally wound up he could calm me down...

Relax Heidi. Everything's under control.---garyroland

He will remain in my thoughts for a long time...Heidi Michelle

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

I always looked forward to Gary Roland's posts. I enjoyed his dry sense of humor, and valued his advice. He will be missed.

What a shock.

Thoughts and prayers for the extended family who will miss his presence and also for the fp family who will miss his presence online.

Some fp angels came and helped me so I know Judy will appreciate the assistance of the fp friends in here local area.

The boards will not be the same without Gary to be the anti-meds advocate. Would someone please take up the mantle? Dammit there's ich out there the cure.

I am sure Gary is in heaven dipping his feet in shimmering golden pond that NEVER need meds or overhauls. *bliss*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Yeesh, I must've somehow missed him losing all his Clowns...

--------------------------------------------
The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

Shini - I think it was when you were playing hooky from fp.com

Last edited by Cory_Di at 02-Feb-2005 21:04

Cheers Gary Roland...

Here's to you being reincarnating as a wild Clown Loach that will never be caught.