RIP LABWORM.....POST 1 UPDATE!

[Hillbilly77]

If anybody is so inclined, the slideshow of labworm's life on the funeral home's website is worth watching.

You can tell he had a full life, and a life that was well-lived.

 

[ladder13]

The video is a testament to his life.

I have reached out to his sister and will let you know if/when she responds.

 

[bigride]

I was truly saddened when Rusty texted me about Labworm. He was a true gentleman here on the forum. He was a peacemaker among the often overzealous sports fans and encouraged all of us to be our very best in relating to one another.

My first year in the hockey thread, he quickly welcomed me and introduced me to the "regulars." He refused to let me remain a stranger and without hesitation accepted me as a friend.

This past season, the Blues finally won their first Stanley Cup at the expense of Joe's beloved Bruins. I know he was pulling for his team, but he was truly happy that I could finally enjoy the thrill of a Stanley Cup despite his disappointment. His private messages throughout always brought a smile. To Joe, friendship was far more important than team allegiance. A great lesson for all.

To be honest, I would trade any thrill of victory to read one more time Labworm's introductory post in another Playoff Hockey Thread. He was worth more than any trophy. I will miss my friend.

Just pretend this is witty.

 

[Biker Bill]

Very sad when I read Rusty's text today.

Joe welcomed me to the Stanley Cup Thread and always brought a smile to my face with his subtle (and not so subtle) prodding, his game night menu and undying support of the Bruins.

I will miss him a great deal but I do consider it a great gift to have been included in his huge list of friends.

RIP Labworm.

Bill

 

[ladder13]

Joe's sister Roberta, got back to me, I will post her response later.

 

[ladder13]

Roberta wrote:


Difficult to continue. But I want to thank all for the very kind words about my big brother, Joey. He was my Joey, my big brother older than me by 9 years. I looked up to him. Growing up he happily babysat me, bought me gifts at birthday and Christmas and gave QUALITY TIME to play those games with me. Years moved along I remember being 11 and he went to Nam. That skinny kid from Chelsea was one tough badass. He walked me down the aisle, became a wonderful uncle to my children. 20 years ago I moved to Florida and he always picked me up at Logan. Me and all my suitcases.....Joey had open heart surgery in January 2019. He actually did very well, but also got the diagnosis of COPD. He was a life long smoker. It was the COPD that took down this great guy. It was just unexpected. Thank you everyone for the kind words. I am not a member and cannot post a thank you on the site, so Michael if you would do this for me, I would appreciate it very much. Thanks for reaching out.


She thanks you all.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Folks, you can leave a message in his guestbook if you are so inclined, some here have.
Maybe his family will find some comfort if you do so.

I encourage the members here to do this. It only takes a few minutes.

 

[Kurusu]

Once in a while I stumble into a thread that was started a while ago, and that I haven't yet read. I only notice them because the subject interests me and a recent post makes it surface again. I don't even notice the dates on the first posts until I find a post made by a fallen friend. After that I stop reading it. Just because I really cannot read with watery eyes. This happened again just recently.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Roberta wrote:


Difficult to continue. But I want to thank all for the very kind words about my big brother, Joey. He was my Joey, my big brother older than me by 9 years. I looked up to him. Growing up he happily babysat me, bought me gifts at birthday and Christmas and gave QUALITY TIME to play those games with me. Years moved along I remember being 11 and he went to Nam. That skinny kid from Chelsea was one tough badass. He walked me down the aisle, became a wonderful uncle to my children. 20 years ago I moved to Florida and he always picked me up at Logan. Me and all my suitcases.....Joey had open heart surgery in January 2019. He actually did very well, but also got the diagnosis of COPD. He was a life long smoker. It was the COPD that took down this great guy. It was just unexpected. Thank you everyone for the kind words. I am not a member and cannot post a thank you on the site, so Michael if you would do this for me, I would appreciate it very much. Thanks for reaching out.


She thanks you all.

Thanks for shouldering the responsibility of reaching out to lab's family.

 

[Grayfox]

I only knew him from his posts on this forum. He was well liked and respected. I'll miss him too.

 

[joeintexas]

Just now saw this, my heart is truly broken. We only met thru the forum and private messages but I felt I knew him and he was the kind of man I was proud to call friend. There is an empty place in all of us.

 

[yeti]

ii

Very upset to hear about Joe's passing.

He convinced me not only to NOT hate the Bruins (hardcore Blackhawks fan) but to actually hope they advanced in the playoffs. His love for hockey and his pre-game were both amazing. Enjoyed conversing about shooting, S&W's & hockey with him.

Rest in peace LW. You will be missed.

 

[Hillbilly77]

He convinced me not only to NOT hate the Bruins.....

He had no such influence in football.

A group of us had tons of fun needling each other in the past. All in good fun, of course.

 

[GaryS]

I'm late to this thread, having just seen a reference to his passing. He was always humorous and pleasant on the forum. I'll miss his posts.

Condolences to his friends and family.

 

[bill2000]

Please tell Roberta that we're sorry for her loss and thank her for her kind words. Joe will be missed here.

 

[ladder13]

Name: JOSEPH A. ISHAM
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: CHELSEA, MA.
Time: 1999-01-10 20:41:47
Comments: Served in Cuchi with HHT, 3/4 Cav from Sept. 1967 to Oct 1968, extended tour for one month,would love to hear from Mike Conant or Waverly Amos. Had the opportunity to be present during the Tet Offensive

 

[snubbyfan]

It's very sad to hear this. My condolences.

 

[mike from st pete]

What a sad thing to hear.

 

[Jessie]

I don't know how I missed this but it saddens me to find out.
His name grabbed my attention from the beginning and his posts kept it.
RIP and prayers for his wife family and friends.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Lab worm will be missed very much. RIP old friend.

 

[DCWilson]

I'm sorry not to have learned of Labworm's passing before now; I guess I actually am as inattentive as my daughters sometimes hint that I am.

Labworm -- Joe, as I now know him -- was indeed one of the standout members of this forum. His posts were humorous, good-natured, informative, and free of any hint of negativism. I always liked his posts when I came upon them in the sections of the forum that I most frequent.

I offer my belated condolences to family and friends. If I'm missing him this much without ever having met him, I can't imagine what it is like for you. May sorrow dissipate at the fastest speed appropriate for each of you, and may peace come to you strongly when the sorrow has lessened enough to let it in.

 

[ladder13]

I miss him every day but especially around hockey playoff time, which would be around this time.

I am in touch with his sister Roberta and believe she reads this now and then.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Every day that I log on here I am aware of the gaping holes left by Joe and Mike Adkins.

It's not the same without them.

I miss them, too.

 

[DCWilson]

... the gaping holes left by Joe and Mike Adkins.

Yes, Mike too. Another case in which a member moved on ahead and I didn't catch on until some time later. Another huge absence in the community.

 

[Huski92]

Rip Sir.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dmar]

Just now seeing this sad news, my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fellow forum members that cared about Joe.

I grew up very close to where Joe lived, and always appreciated his wit, style, and choice of sports teams. Always got the sense that he was a quality guy. I'll miss Joe's presence here on the forum very much, and hate the thought of such a bright soul no longer with us. May God keep and comfort Joe, and those he loves.

 

[Qball]

I'm sorry to read this... condolences to his family

 

[mg357]

I have not been on the forum for awhile because of some family stuff that I have had to deal with. And I just found this thread I have made a lot of Friends on the forum over the years but Labworm was my best one.

R.I.P. my dear friend Labworm

 

[ladder13]

I have not been on the forum for awhile because of some family stuff that I have had to deal with. And I just found this thread I have made a lot of Friends on the forum over the years but Labworm was my best one.

R.I.P. my dear friend Labworm

And you were a favorite of his, I know this.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Matthew, many times he spoke fond!y of you to me.

I am sorry for your loss as I know it hits deep knowing how much you two cared for each other.