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About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone

Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Pat, I haven't kept up with this thread for about a month due to my computer going on the fritz. The same thing also delayed my sending you the Coltrane disks, about which I feel like a turd after having caught myself up to date here. They are en route and should arrive this week, with a letter enclosed that I'm afraid may in spots sound a bit out of date now vis-a-vis your situation. Be that as it may, you are forewarned: for better or worse, the package is a little bigger than you might expect...

Still, I do so much hope that you will be in the mood sometimes to enjoy the music - when you're not watching the Tour, that is. I didn't make the connection before (and to think that this is Lance's final Tour), but now each day when I watch him ride, you'll be in my mind. I do not post to Audiogon anymore and so haven't been logging on to the Forums since getting my 'pooter scene straightened out week before last, but I promise to keep an eye on this space. Thanks again for everything you've written so far, it has been a gift.
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,550 posts
 
Pat,
Thank you, as always, for your honesty. In spite of the physical death you see, your words carry more life in them than ever before. Truly, I don't even know you, but I can feel you all around. You bring out the best in everyone here.
Love,
Howard
lngbruno
210 posts
 
Hi Pat,

This is my first post in this thread even though I have been lurking here since Paul started it. Why am I posting? The reason is because you stated, “I just hate to leave things unsaid and undone.” I am the same way and felt moved to write today.

Your journey documented here has shown me your zeal for life, family and friends. It also shows the compassion strangers can have for each other in a way that gives mutual strength to each party. Since this thread began, I have had to endure the passing of my Uncle, who I was very close with because he taught me how to play and win at chess and Jazz music at a very early age, and my father. During both situations when I hit the bottom of my perceived strength, I found your stories and words of advice tucked into my brain. They acted as a friendly security blanket to hold onto providing a calming affect with these loses I struggled through.

Also, during this time my best friend had kidney failure and has had to go on dialysis. In the beginning he did not handle the situation well but something inside of him clicked and he became brave and upbeat. His wife said I was a key player in this turnaround because I was always happy to be with him and encouraging him to keep on keeping on. I was able to provide a great mental attitude when I visited him because of what was shared here by you and others. My friend was told about this friend named “Pat or Lugnut” and the journey he is on. Pat even though we haven’t been introduced you entered part of my life. This means the other thing you posted, “I believe that God uses us to his benefit whenever possible”, came true for family, my friends and me.

The thread and posts made me laugh, cry, get angry at what was happening to you, get educated on all sorts of things and find a new mentor. Thank you Pat and the rest of audiogoners for sharing your thoughts and memories.

Pat, I recall many many posts ago you had asked if someone could capture all of these posts and send them to Barb in booklet form. My wife is in printing and we both want to volunteer to do this if no one else has stepped forward. Let me know my friend.

Go Lance go, but most importantly go Pat go!

Peace, blessing and warmest regards,
Lou
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Pat, by sharing your journey so freely, you are giving your family a gift the magnitude of which you may never comprehend.

My father passed away in December. He was never one to complain about anything, and he certainly never openly shared his physical ailments with his family beyond what was obvious or necessary for us to know. I realize now that he clearly understood for quite some time what was happening to him. Neither my brother nor I were with him when he died, although I was on a plane and within an hour from landing. I believe this is what he wanted, but I'll never understand why. Nor will I understand why he chose to keep it so private.

You are freeing your wife and family from these questions, and from many sleepless nights. You can take comfort in knowing this.

Rest easy, Pat.

wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Patrick, I've followed this thread very carefully since its' inception and heretofore never posted. Your strength and dignity as you continue fighting, remind me so very much of my wife's unsuccessful battle with breast cancer a few years ago. I just wanted to tell you how much admiration I have for you. You're an inspiration to all.
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