Sad news

**tsptalk** · 09-28-2009, 09:40 PM

I have some very sad news to report. Our very good friend and TSP Talk's Lead Moderator Spaf (George McCown), passed away on September 6th after a long battle with cancer.

He was such a wonderful guy and will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, my friend.

This was Spaf's last post (PM actually) to the moderators and me in August after we sent him a little thank you gift; a bronze Lily Pad clock.

What’s in the box?

My wife answered the door and the postal service guy gave her this big box ....> Addressed to me "Spaf"
The box was from TspTalk….Interesting!

I took the box into my office to cut the tape.

My wife asked what’s in the box?
I told her it was a Lily pad!

She said (again) "What's in the box"?
I said "a lily Pad"!!!..... And frogs!.... Two of them!

I needed a small nail and my hammer to put them up them on the wall!

OK!..it has a small plaque "From your friends at TSP Talk"....It's a wall clock about the size of a Frisbee, finished in bronze!

Tom signed the card, and in behalf of all the Moderators.

So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone.

The lung cancer, emphysema and asthma I have (since 07) will eventually win out. Can’t take any more chemo or radiation. Some wonder drug’s I take are just a postponements of the inevitable. Between lymph node dysfunction, strokes, blood clots and narcotics I may spend most of my time in the hospital or at home in my lounge chair. But, less and less in front of the puter.

Well this wasn’t fair to being a moderator, the site deserved a lot more. It’s critical that the moderators be available.

So, I’m out of the TSP. There should be an upgrade planned for the TSP for (surviving) spouses to stay in the Plan. But, I don't know when it would be effective. So, I moved our TSP funds. Deciding on a rollover to a traditional IRA at Scottrade. My Scottrade accounts have been modeled somewhat after the Lifecycle TSP fund mixes (using iShares). By one trade in IVV the accounts can become more aggressive or more conservative.

When I can, I'll see what you guys are up to as a barometer. Everything seems to be ok, It’s a nice day outside.

Your friend, respectfully,

Spaf / George........

**Birchtree** · 09-28-2009, 09:42 PM

Yes, rest in peace my friend.

**KevinD** · 09-28-2009, 09:52 PM

RIP

**alevin** · 09-28-2009, 10:02 PM

Tom and rest of mods, thank you for sharing your last interactions. A little lump in throat here.

**Steadygain** · 09-28-2009, 10:33 PM

Wow Tom (and whoever else was connected)

That is absolutely the most 'beautiful and thoughtful' post to date.

THANK YOU so much for sharing that ~~ it's perfect !!

I'm also delighted his agony is over both in his own life and everything connected with it ~~ the Transition was built in from the moment he came into being and surely we will celebrate a far greater life with him --- down the line.

**coolhand** · 09-28-2009, 10:43 PM

Rest in peace my friend. You helped me a lot in my early days and I can never thank you enough. You will be missed.

Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.

~John Muir~

**poolman** · 09-28-2009, 11:00 PM

Jeeze, I'm sorry to hear this. Rest In Peace Spaf.

That was very nice what you and the Moderators did Tom.

**mayday** · 09-28-2009, 11:24 PM

I can't hardly type with the tears running down my face. Love ya George rest in peace I'll see ya sometime soon.

**tsptalk** · 09-28-2009, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by poolman

That was very nice what you and the Moderators did Tom.

Thanks. It was Rod's idea. Rod is a very thoughtful guy.

**Viva_La_Migra** · 09-28-2009, 11:35 PM

Sad news indeed. Rest in peace Spaf!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

**Frixxxx** · 09-28-2009, 11:44 PM

To Spaf's widow and family~My condolences.

To the TSP family here~I know he is missed.

Excellent gift you all presented.

He will be missed by many!

**JTH** · 09-28-2009, 11:50 PM

I really don't know what to say, I'm left with a hole in my heart. Thank you Spaf for taking care of us through this Forum. You've sown many seeds into the lives of everyone here including our children. You will be missed.