Devastating news... I had emailed him in early December as we hadn't heard from him here in a while. In his reply he told me he was readjusting after a major life change and seemed very upbeat saying he was planning on making a return to our forum in the near future, but to keep it to myself in the interim.
 
Nobody ever said life is fair, but this just plain old sucks.
 
My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.
 
He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.
 
-JP

That's terrible news. I didn't know Paul, and I rarely post on here, so I don't think I even exchanged posts with him, but I do remember I always found his frequent posts on this forum informative, witty and insightful. He came across as a lovely, decent chap, a genuine soul. It says a lot about him that I, and I'm sure many others here who equally never met him, will miss his presence here. My condolences to all.
 
K.

As with many of you here,I don't know Paul but I'm deeply saddened by this news.There will be a huge TBO shaped hole in the club.
 
Paul,thank you for your posts here,and for sharing your knowledge.I know that sending positive thoughts and saying prayers are not going to change things but I don't know what else to do.
 
My thoughts are with you,your family and friends.

This is sad news. I'll miss the empty glass being banged on the table. I'm sorry to say this time there won't be another.  
 
Keith

Sad, very sad news... :-(
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on January 25, 2009)

Sad news indeed.  He would call me once in a while.  He could always tell when I needed a friend.

This is shocking.  It would be sad anywhere, but it brought true tears to my eyes for a man I've never met except through these boards.  Here's hoping that every good thing that can still happen for Paul comes to pass.
 
-bob

Sad doesn't begin to describe my emotions as I've read this post.  This is absolutely heartbreaking.
 
Lots of love to a man with lots of love, both inside and out.
 
Kimberly

I just logged on after a few day's absence as I am traveling on the east coast.  What devastating news.  I always found Paul,tbo's posts to be among the most refreshing, informative, and humourous found on this site.  I even took my forum name from his lead.  After knowing him for some time in cyberspace, it was indeed a great pleasure to meet him in person and hang out for a bit at the Northern California Alembic gathering last year.  I found him to be even more delightful and original in person.  I know there will be a lot of good thoughts, prayers and wishes heading over to Belgium from Alembicland.  If the Beatles were correct is stating that in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make, I suspect Paul will be taking along enough love for himself and still enough to share with others.  Happy trails, my friend.
 
Bill, tgo (the guitar one)

Shocking and tragic. To say TBO will be missed seems the understatement of the year.

So sad.  Paul really made this place the warm, slightly exotic, sometimes twistedly funny place that drew me in when I began hanging out with you folks.  Paul and I had a few things going offline a few years back, including a search on US Ebay for an Epi Casady he was GASsing for (never did find one for a decent price).  I followed his daughter's graduation and beginning work as a lawyer (I'm one, too).  Later we lost track - keeping contact only once a year or less.  What a huge soul.  You could get that just reading his posts, much less communicating directly.  My heart goes out - to Paul and his family and to everybody else who'll miss him.  
Bill

Heartbreaking news.  His warm spirit and sense of humor were always evident in all of his conversations and relationships here.  
 
I'm not a drinker, but tonight I'll raise my cup to Paul and give the table a sound thumping with my empty glass when I'm finished.  
 
*raises glass*   'To Paul....'

This makes me very, very sad...such a vital and mischieveous spirit. I'll raise one to ya down at the blues jam tonight.
 
From one Paul to another, fair winds and following seas, good sir.  We'll all be along in due course.

Wow, I can't imagine this place without him. I hope the path he is on isn't harder than it has to be. Is there any way to get messages to him or his family? I hope he and they all know how much love there is for him here and, I would imagine, everywhere!  
 
As someone who has gone through health issues, I know how fragile a gift our existence is. We are indeed blessed to have you here, Paul. Here's to you!
 
 
Edwin

Likewise gentlemen, I too have missed his posts and upon finding out why my heart has all but caved in for a man I do not know and will miss. My deepest condolences for him and his family.  
Cheers and God bless you Paul, I'm looking forward to meeting you in the hereafter.