eotvos has passed away

January 26, 2023 4:37 PM

Passing on some sad news: long-time site member eotvos died earlier today after suffering a critical brain injury this weekend. He's survived by his wife, who knew his MeFi handle and may see this post; my condolences to you, and to everyone in the MetaFilter community who knew him either as a friend or as a familiar voice on the site.

He was one of our rare Antarctic mefites, and in 2009 even threw a MeFi meetup at the South Pole. Late last year he did some much-appreciated volunteer editing for the MetaFilter podcast. It's a shock to hear he's gone. I or someone on staff will try to pass along any other details as appropriate.

posted by cortex to MetaFilter-Related at 4:37 PM (206 comments total)

Oh, no! So sorry to hear this!
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:41 PM on January 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

What a shock. I'm so sorry.
posted by tangerine at 4:54 PM on January 26, 2023

Oh, no. We’ll miss you, eotvos.
posted by zamboni at 4:58 PM on January 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by Mitheral at 5:05 PM on January 26, 2023

This was sudden and it sucks. eotvos had edited a few of the more recent MeFi podcasts and was always a friendly voice over email and really helpful and exceptionally caring in AskMe. He's been here for a long time, he was one of the site's notable Good Guys and his voice will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:15 PM on January 26, 2023 [47 favorites]

fuck

my condolences to all that knew him.
posted by lalochezia at 5:22 PM on January 26, 2023

Oh my god. His loved ones will be in my thoughts.

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posted by Lawn Beaver at 5:29 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by warriorqueen at 5:29 PM on January 26, 2023

Dammit. He was just here. Like only a few days ago he was commenting. He was just here and now he's not.

I will miss his voice.
posted by kimberussell at 5:31 PM on January 26, 2023 [24 favorites]

Oh, no. I’m so sorry.

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posted by Going To Maine at 5:32 PM on January 26, 2023

Oh no, what awful news. He'll be very missed.


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posted by Sparky Buttons at 5:32 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Wobbuffet at 5:44 PM on January 26, 2023

We are all poorer for his loss. What a shame.

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posted by briank at 5:46 PM on January 26, 2023

alas .
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:47 PM on January 26, 2023

Fuck. I’ve been dealing with a depressing amount of family mortality and imminent mortality lately; although I never met eotvos, I always enjoyed his contributions and this makes the planet a little emptier.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:48 PM on January 26, 2023 [10 favorites]

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posted by cocoagirl at 6:04 PM on January 26, 2023

I’m glad we got to hear his actual voice on one of the podcast call-ins.

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posted by janell at 6:09 PM on January 26, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by gentlyepigrams at 6:12 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by The Great Big Mulp at 6:14 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:27 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by eirias at 6:37 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Mchelly at 6:41 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by ignignokt at 6:49 PM on January 26, 2023

This is awful and shocking.

In my last image of him, he is tap dancing in the laundry room of his apartment building.

I’ve been meaning to send him a note for at least a year, yet if I’d done it at the end of last week as I had resolved to do, and this turns out to have been a freak accident, I’d be wondering … well, enough of that.

What a terrible thing.
posted by jamjam at 7:00 PM on January 26, 2023 [5 favorites]

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posted by COD at 7:06 PM on January 26, 2023

A terrible loss for his family and friends and for this community. The year is off to a bad start.

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posted by bryon at 7:06 PM on January 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by jameaterblues at 7:22 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by fruitslinger at 7:28 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Rash at 7:33 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by skycrashesdown at 7:35 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 7:45 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by retronic at 7:48 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by probably not that Karen Blair at 8:00 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Frayed Knot at 8:07 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 8:14 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by mce at 8:15 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by gingerbeer at 8:15 PM on January 26, 2023

I enjoyed his presence here. I am so sorry this happened.

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posted by tiny frying pan at 8:18 PM on January 26, 2023 [3 favorites]

I’m so sorry to hear this.

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posted by holborne at 8:26 PM on January 26, 2023

A shame to have lost him.

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posted by fantabulous timewaster at 8:44 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Alterscape at 8:50 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by egregious theorem at 9:01 PM on January 26, 2023

So sorry to read this. I always appreciated his comments. Thinking of his family and friends.
posted by rpfields at 9:06 PM on January 26, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by epj at 9:14 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by potrzebie at 9:16 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:44 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by amtho at 10:32 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by Thella at 10:44 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by riverlife at 10:58 PM on January 26, 2023

Oh no! I’ve known him a long time, since before either of us was on metafilter; we were grad students together. Seeing his comments was a reminder of some the good people I met there, and a reminder that brilliant people can be good people too. (He was both in large measures). A loss for the metafilter community for sure.

And of course a deeper one for his family and friends. My sincerest condolences.
posted by nat at 11:11 PM on January 26, 2023 [23 favorites]

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posted by Meatbomb at 11:13 PM on January 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by Coaticass at 11:33 PM on January 26, 2023

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posted by ellieBOA at 11:51 PM on January 26, 2023

I was also a grad student with him, and one of those mefites at Pole. One of the things we bonded over was metafilter, actually. Happy to hear he made an impression on this community; he was such a kind and quirky character. Going to miss him.
posted by hal incandenza at 11:58 PM on January 26, 2023 [23 favorites]

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What an awful loss, for his family and friends, colleagues and neighbors, but also for us MeFites. He was always someone who I was happy to see posts and comments from.
posted by Kattullus at 11:59 PM on January 26, 2023 [4 favorites]

although I never met eotvos, I always enjoyed his contributions and this makes the planet a little emptier.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:48 PM on January 26

Yes. This. Exactly this.

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posted by dancestoblue at 11:59 PM on January 26, 2023 [8 favorites]

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posted by Atom Eyes at 12:35 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by TheophileEscargot at 12:38 AM on January 27, 2023

As an AskMe denizen eotvos was a familiar presence, always full of thoughtfulness and empathy, willing to be open with sensitive topics and aspects of himself that might shed light on someone else’s concerns. Notably, he had great reading comprehension and rarely missed details or stipulations. I’m sorry to hear about his passing, and I hope his loved ones know that his memory on Mefi will be a blessing.
posted by Mizu at 1:09 AM on January 27, 2023 [14 favorites]

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posted by Wordshore at 1:58 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Fizz at 2:42 AM on January 27, 2023

How tragic, we lost a wonderful voice here. My condolences to his family.
posted by waving at 2:44 AM on January 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

A great loss for this community, for sure. I will miss his voice too.
posted by vacapinta at 3:08 AM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

So very sad. I have always appreciated his thoughtful and kind comments in ask.

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posted by 15L06 at 3:11 AM on January 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by thomas j wise at 4:26 AM on January 27, 2023

He was such a dynamic presence-- and also kind and thoughtful as people have noted. Deep condolences to his wife, family and friends.
posted by BibiRose at 4:31 AM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

Metafilter is a better place because eotvos was here.

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posted by mochapickle at 4:35 AM on January 27, 2023 [12 favorites]

I always enjoyed his comments on math and science, and well, ALL the things. What a loss.

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posted by BrashTech at 5:07 AM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by Kitteh at 5:20 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:16 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by cupcakeninja at 6:48 AM on January 27, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear this; my condolences to his friends and family. I always appreciated reading his comments. (And cortex, thanks for letting us know.)

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posted by sencha at 7:15 AM on January 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by mykescipark at 7:17 AM on January 27, 2023

So sorry to hear this.
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posted by Glinn at 7:17 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by terretu at 7:18 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by mersen at 7:23 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by crush at 7:25 AM on January 27, 2023

This is a gut punch, I loved seeing his posts and comments, so thoughtful and seemingly such a good one. Wish I had met him in real life or even just reached out on mefimail to give an appreciation before it was too late.

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posted by Rumple at 7:34 AM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by SunPower at 7:36 AM on January 27, 2023

I too am so sorry to hear this.
posted by y2karl at 7:43 AM on January 27, 2023

This is sad because he was a good member of the MeFi community: he had smart things to say and participated well. I looked forward to his comments and read them carefully. I even like to think we would have been friends in person.

For his family, know that he was valued by many people here and will be remembered.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:50 AM on January 27, 2023 [12 favorites]

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posted by aielen at 7:54 AM on January 27, 2023

Wow. We know not the hour. Condolences to his loved ones.
posted by praemunire at 8:00 AM on January 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by Gorgik at 8:07 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by annathea at 8:31 AM on January 27, 2023

So very sad - my deepest condolences to those who actually knew him. He was a valued member here.

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posted by joannemerriam at 8:47 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by agatha_magatha at 8:51 AM on January 27, 2023

This is such a tragedy. I was lucky enough to have met eotvos a few times at various Chicago things, and I always assumed our paths would cross again. What a shame.
posted by phunniemee at 8:52 AM on January 27, 2023 [9 favorites]

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I enjoyed his comments, and the party at the Pole was so cool (sorry) and fun. What a tremendous loss to us, and heartbreak for his family.
posted by theora55 at 8:58 AM on January 27, 2023 [5 favorites]

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posted by mandolin conspiracy at 9:00 AM on January 27, 2023

oh no! so tragic for his family and loved ones.

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posted by supermedusa at 9:04 AM on January 27, 2023

Oh my god. I’m stunned and very sad to hear this news. Condolences to his offsite friends and family - he will be missed here.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:06 AM on January 27, 2023 [4 favorites]

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posted by Songdog at 9:12 AM on January 27, 2023

This is sad new that will cast a shadow over the entire rest of the day. RIP, eotvos.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:18 AM on January 27, 2023 [3 favorites]

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posted by misteraitch at 9:19 AM on January 27, 2023

So very sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed his comments and thoughts on the site; his voice will be missed.

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posted by mygothlaundry at 9:32 AM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

So sorry to hear this.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
posted by jquinby at 9:37 AM on January 27, 2023 [4 favorites]

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posted by snsranch at 10:18 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Lyn Never at 10:51 AM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Larry David Syndrome at 11:37 AM on January 27, 2023

My condolences to all who knew and loved eotvos, especially his family. May his memory be a blessing.
posted by terrapin at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 12:00 PM on January 27, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear this. Condolences and sympathies to all who knew him.
posted by rmd1023 at 12:06 PM on January 27, 2023

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my condolences to those who knew him better than the fine words he put up here.
posted by k3ninho at 12:11 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by miles per flower at 12:34 PM on January 27, 2023

Christmas was pretty grim for me this year, but eotvos's post about Christmas diary entries really helped me get through the day.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 12:57 PM on January 27, 2023 [5 favorites]

He was a treasure and will be much missed. Condolences to his people and to us.
posted by Lynsey at 1:00 PM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

I have posted
some potatoes
that are on
the blue

and which
you probably
thought
made sense

Forgive me
it was infectious
so weird
to behold

posted to MetaTalk by eotvos at 5:09 PM on June 23, 2022

God Speed eotvos.
posted by clavdivs at 1:09 PM on January 27, 2023 [21 favorites]

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posted by cobaltnine at 1:17 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by LaBellaStella at 1:32 PM on January 27, 2023

I'm sorry to hear this. He'll be missed.

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posted by Pallas Athena at 1:47 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Mutant Lobsters from Riverhead at 2:12 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by infini at 2:47 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Splunge at 3:05 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Thorzdad at 3:27 PM on January 27, 2023

Such sad news. Peace and warmth to his loved ones.
posted by obfuscation at 3:38 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Kangaroo at 3:45 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by cooker girl at 3:55 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 3:59 PM on January 27, 2023

A very sad loss for his family, friends, loved ones, his communities, our community.

You will be missed, eotvos.
posted by 2N2222 at 4:37 PM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

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I lost my breath. My life has been improved by his insight - my heart goes out to his friends and family.
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 5:15 PM on January 27, 2023 [5 favorites]

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posted by essexjan at 6:01 PM on January 27, 2023

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He was such a joyful presence.
posted by blurker at 6:23 PM on January 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by shmurley at 7:25 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by Oyéah at 7:25 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by thatwhichfalls at 8:26 PM on January 27, 2023

That's just not right.
posted by mollweide at 8:37 PM on January 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by gudrun at 8:39 PM on January 27, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear this.

I had it in my head that I had had some kind of pleasant exchange in comments with eotvos that, ever since, made me notice his posts and comments with a sort of mental smile. I've spent a while looking back trying to find what it was and can't, but along the way have found so many other examples of how he was thoughtful, kind, interesting and funny. The world is a poorer place without him. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.

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posted by Athanassiel at 11:22 PM on January 27, 2023 [4 favorites]

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posted by spinifex23 at 11:36 PM on January 27, 2023

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posted by equalpants at 1:05 AM on January 28, 2023

oh what a loss! He will be very much missed. My love to his family and friends. I hope they can take some comfort from how highly he was regarded here.
posted by harriet vane at 3:45 AM on January 28, 2023 [3 favorites]

Oh no, what a shock!

Since hearing his voice on the podcast I'd noticed his comments, what a good guy.

He will be missed. Condolences to his loved ones and family.
posted by freethefeet at 5:45 AM on January 28, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by MonkeyToes at 9:06 AM on January 28, 2023

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So sorry to hear this.
posted by bitteschoen at 9:56 AM on January 28, 2023

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posted by kingdead at 12:55 PM on January 28, 2023

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posted by virago at 1:34 PM on January 28, 2023

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posted by mubba at 2:14 PM on January 28, 2023

For folks who may have come here via the link that eotvos’ wife posted, we’re sorry for your loss. If you’re wondering what’s up with the single . comments, it’s a site convention for a moment of silence.
posted by zamboni at 2:16 PM on January 28, 2023 [4 favorites]

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posted by DingoMutt at 3:56 PM on January 28, 2023

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posted by SystematicAbuse at 4:02 PM on January 28, 2023

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I am so very very sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.
posted by annieb at 4:44 PM on January 28, 2023 [1 favorite]

I am going to miss him and his voice here very much.

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posted by biogeo at 4:47 PM on January 28, 2023 [3 favorites]

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posted by niicholas at 5:11 PM on January 28, 2023

A voice here that I will miss very much.

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posted by Wretch729 at 6:45 PM on January 28, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by a humble nudibranch at 10:30 PM on January 28, 2023

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posted by EvaDestruction at 5:46 AM on January 29, 2023

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posted by Laetiporus at 7:38 AM on January 29, 2023

This is so shocking and heartbreaking. Such a loss.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 12:42 PM on January 29, 2023 [1 favorite]

So sorry to see this.

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posted by knapah at 1:42 PM on January 29, 2023

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posted by Kwine at 5:12 PM on January 29, 2023

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posted by minervous at 5:18 PM on January 29, 2023

I am really sorry to hear this—I always appreciated his comments here. My condolences to his loved ones.

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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 7:20 PM on January 29, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by dg at 9:53 PM on January 29, 2023

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posted by inexorably_forward at 12:55 AM on January 30, 2023

I'm so sorry, my condolences
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posted by mathiu at 3:26 AM on January 30, 2023

I'm still so sad about this. Is there an obituary we can see, or does the family want his IRL identity kept private? Is there a place they'd like donations sent?
posted by Mchelly at 5:56 AM on January 30, 2023 [3 favorites]

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So tragic. I will miss his voice here on metafilter.
My condolences to his family.
posted by mumimor at 6:30 AM on January 30, 2023 [2 favorites]

Oh no! Condolences to his family... This is really sad news.

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posted by unicorn chaser at 6:31 AM on January 30, 2023 [1 favorite]

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posted by Halloween Jack at 6:40 AM on January 30, 2023

My understanding is that he fell in the lobby stairs of his apartment. It's been cold and snowy in Chicagoland. I was charmed by his attitude and touched by how he presented his neurodivergence, or he he sometimes referred to it: "not entirely neurotypical".


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posted by zenon at 6:51 AM on January 30, 2023 [5 favorites]

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posted by mixedmetaphors at 7:11 AM on January 30, 2023

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(that's neither fair not reasonable - voices like his were a steady, reassuring, compassionate presence. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.)
posted by From Bklyn at 8:08 AM on January 30, 2023 [2 favorites]

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posted by Countess Elena at 8:15 AM on January 30, 2023

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posted by jabo at 9:09 AM on January 30, 2023

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posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 4:13 PM on January 30, 2023

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posted by Twicketface at 5:10 PM on January 30, 2023

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posted by UhOhChongo! at 6:37 PM on January 30, 2023

I had just started becoming aware of how often eotvos was appearing lately with good posts and comments.I am sorry for his family, sorry for us, and thankful for his contributions. I appreciate the sharing of this news, unfortunate as it is.
posted by blue shadows at 8:45 PM on January 30, 2023 [4 favorites]

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posted by TwoStride at 9:38 AM on January 31, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with his wife and those who knew him.

eotvos was always thoughtful and humane in how he wrote here. His presence has been a blessing.
posted by away for regrooving at 11:06 PM on January 31, 2023 [6 favorites]

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posted by progosk at 9:35 AM on February 1, 2023

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posted by goodbyewaffles at 10:48 AM on February 1, 2023

What a loss.

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posted by storybored at 11:35 AM on February 2, 2023

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posted by ewok_academy at 12:39 PM on February 2, 2023

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posted by seawallrunner at 6:20 PM on February 2, 2023

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posted by clew at 6:17 PM on February 4, 2023

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posted by schmod at 6:56 PM on February 4, 2023

Oh eotvos, you are missed so much and so hard by MetaFilter, including strangers like me. I know your loss is incalculable to your spouse, family members, and friends. My condolences to them and also to us. You will not be forgotten here.

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posted by Bella Donna at 10:21 AM on February 5, 2023 [8 favorites]

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posted by hummalabubbala at 12:02 PM on February 5, 2023

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posted by of strange foe at 2:58 PM on February 5, 2023

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posted by coffeecat at 5:41 PM on February 5, 2023

Erik Shirokoff, astronomer who built instruments to map the universe, 1979-2023
posted by knapah at 6:10 AM on February 6, 2023 [34 favorites]

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posted by ZeusHumms at 10:48 AM on February 6, 2023

Thanks for posting that obit, knapah.
posted by janell at 1:02 PM on February 6, 2023 [2 favorites]

Thank you for the obit - I knew him only here and only as a kind person in Ask, but wow. Miserable all over again.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 1:11 PM on February 6, 2023 [5 favorites]

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posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 3:50 AM on February 7, 2023

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My condolences to family and friends. He will be missed here.
posted by jaruwaan at 11:15 AM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]