Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires.

SCOTUS: It’s not “bribery” unless it comes from the Bribery region of France. Otherwise, it’s merely “sparkling malfeasance”.

The fight for our country is always worth it. ~Kamala Harris

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

Sadly, media malpractice has become standard practice.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

There are no moderate republicans – only extremists and cowards.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

The rest of the comments were smacking Boebert like she was a piñata.

The republican speaker is a slippery little devil.

“Just close your eyes and kiss the girl and go where the tilt-a-whirl takes you.” ~OzarkHillbilly

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

It’s pointless to bring up problems that can only be solved with a time machine.

🎶 Those boots were made for mockin’ 🎵

The low info voters probably won’t even notice or remember by their next lap around the goldfish bowl.

We still have time to mess this up!

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

This really is a full service blog.

Republicans do not pay their debts.

Rupert, come get your orange boy, you petrified old dinosaur turd.

Our messy unity will be our strength.

You are here: Home / Absent Friends / In Memoriam for Alain Chamot: May His Memory Be a Blessing!

In Memoriam for Alain Chamot: May His Memory Be a Blessing!

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In Memoriam for Alain Chamot: May His Memory Be a Blessing!

(G. Alain Chamot: 5 February 1971 – 14 April 2020)

I cannot express how sorry I am to have to write this post and inform all of you that Alain passed away sometime in the early morning hours between last night and this morning. He simply did not wake up and efforts to resuscitate him failed. His fiancé Carol has indicated that, as of now, they don’t know what happened. She has let both John and I know that as more information comes in, she’ll update us. And I’ll update you.

Most of you here knew Alain as the guy who kept the (old) site together with spit, baling wire, rubber bands, and a combination of hope and determination that he could stay one step ahead of whatever might stop working next. And that’s how I knew him, and had largely been interacting with him, until something tragic happened: his mom took ill and then died. We were friendly – I’m not sure Alain could be anything other than gregariously friendly – but I wouldn’t have said we were good friends. When his mother became ill, I stepped up communication to check on him. When she died I did what everyone from my religious community does when someone we know has someone pass away: I sent him food. Specifically a batch of brownies. I got his address from John, baked the brownies, and overnighted them too him once cool and set the next day. And with that I had transformed a friendly acquaintance into a friend for life. He called me up after the brownies arrived to thank me and until today, we’ve been in regular touch ever since.

Some of you may know that Alain struggled with his mother’s passing; they were very close. What got him through was his fiancé Carol’s support, his cats, his other hobbies and pursuits, and this place. No matter how frustrated Alain might have gotten with trying to keep the site up or running, he loved this place and everyone here. Just as I know he loved Carol and his cats. And his other passions like fishing, mushrooming, freemasonry, cooking, and baking. Last week I finally succumbed, despite not eating bread – even when it isn’t Passover – and told him to go ahead and send me some of his sourdough starter. I told him I’d find something to use it for and then I’d do a post about it for him. There was just no saying no to his infectious enthusiasm.

Alain and I talked about once a month on the phone, but we texted far more often. He was always excited about something. A fishing trip he was planning – the pandemic put that one on hold. Or the house hunting and then house purchase that he and Carol spent most of last year doing. Or some new cooking project he was working on. Or, more recently, now that he and Carol had finally found their house, bought it, and moved in, getting to work on the wedding plans.

We never met in person. Every time I was scheduled to go to DC for meetings, like last month, something came up. And when I was informed last August I was moving to the DC area for work, Alain was, if possible, more excited than I was and he had plenty of suggestions for what I thought would be my relocation. That assignment didn’t happen. And it is to my now everlasting regret that I never made it to the DC area over the past four years so we could meet in person.

Just yesterday we were texting about something completely trivial – HDMI cables. His last text to me, when I informed him the right cable had arrived by delivery, was “Excelsior!”. I almost called him today, about a 1/2 hour before John sent me the bad news. I had a stupid tech issue I was trying to fix for my mom, but decided it was so trivial there was no reason to bother him – I could look it up online. Alain never failed to make time when my mom needed tech help beyond my basic abilities. He never met her, I think he spoke to her once on FaceTime while he was walking me through troubleshooting whatever was the problem on her computer. But he was always there if I needed help.

And I don’t know a better way to sum him up: he was always there if I needed help. He was always infectiously gregarious. And he was always excited about something: Carol, his cats, freemasonry, opera, his other hobbies, and just life.

Let’s all keep his fiancé Carol in our thoughts. And for those of you who do such things, our prayers as well.

 

In Memoriam for Alain Chamot: May His Memory Be a Blessing!

G. Alain Chamot: 5 February 1971 – 14 April 2020.

May his memory be a blessing.

Open thread!

Reader Interactions

545Comments

  2. 2.

    Marcelo

    Oh my God. I’m so sorry to hear this. I literally bought his dried sourdough starter on eBay a few weeks ago when he advertised it on the site. It’s still dried in the bag, unused.

    My condolences to everyone who knew him. What a horrible loss.

  3. 3.

    HumboldtBlue

    I’m speechless. All my love to Alain, Carol and his family and friends, especially those of you here.

  6. 6.

    Mike S (Now with a Democratic Congressperson!)

    I’m so sorry for Carol and everyone who knew him personally. He will always have my thanks for keeping this site together until the rebuild could be planned and for his conducting of the “on the road and in your backyard” every weekday.

  7. 7.

    Mary G

    What terrible news! My deepest sympathies to Carol and Adam and all of Alain’s other friends and family. I love OTR. Maybe I’ll ask John if I can take it over, since I thought about offering when Alain seemed so stressed over the house hunt. He had a huge heart.

  8. 8.

    ruemara

    Alain would often offer privately to help me in my stupid up & down life drama. He was a wonderful soul and my heart goes out to Carol & his family for this loss. He’s missed.

  12. 12.

    schrodingers_cat

    OMG this is a shock. May he RIP. I always loved to start my day with the travel and photography post. I had exchanged emails with him and didn’t know him beyond that and the blog. I was going to call him sometime about some WP questions I had for the website I am building. Alas that will never be.

  13. 13.

    japa21

    Wordless.  Too many.

     

    ETA: About a month ago, I mentioned I would be working the polls for the IL primary and that mu wife was concerned because I am in one of the at risk groups.  Adam, you stated that I better take care of myself, that we’ve lost too many here. This news breaks me up.

  16. 16.

    CaseyL

    This news is a bad shock.  Always horrible when someone dies young.

    The work he did keeping the old site going was amazing, and his posts were always wonderful to read.

    My heart goes out to Carol, and to his cats.

    Do they need anything we can give?

  20. 20.

    Lee

    I hope Carol can find some solace in that her love was also cherished far & wide on the internet.

    I know that can be slim pickings when you’ve lost your life partner.

    Let her know that she is also in our thoughts and prayers.

  21. 21.

    FlyingToaster

    Okay I’m ready for 2020 to be over.

    I only knew Alain online, from sending him console logs about weird shit happening with ads on the old site (and sending 3 versions, one from each browser, so he could see exactly where it was crashing).  He will be well and truly missed.  My condolences to Carol.

    per EffinBirds:  How Long Until the Fucking Apocalypse?

  26. 26.

    Adam L Silverman

    @CaseyL: I’m waiting to hear back more from Carol. I’ve made it clear that everyone here will lend whatever hand she needs.

  28. 28.

    TaMara (HFG)

    I’m still stunned by this. Alain and I emailed back and forth over the years, and like with Adam, it began after his mother died. And do you want to know why? Because his mom and Bailey died very close together and Alain emailed me, wanting to make sure I was okay.

    That was Alain, kindness was his default.

    My deepest sympathies to Carol and everyone who loved him. May he rest in peace.

  32. 32.

    RoonieRoo

    This is absolutely heartbreaking.  Be in peace Alain.  Do we know if Carol has family close by?

  33. 33.

    Felanius Kootea

    Nooo!  I emailed back and forth with him a little bit in the aftermath of the presidential election when he wanted to know how to reassure immigrants that they were valued in the two Nigerian languages I speak. He was a good person and I just can’t believe this. My condolences to his fiancée.

  35. 35.

    Kristine

    I saw the name in the title and thought No, can’t be. God, this bloody year. I am so sorry. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.

    I hope this doesn’t sound trivial, but I was so happy to order some of Alain’s sourdough starter. He wrote that joy-filled post about it. In a way, he’ll live on in some Juicer kitchens.

  36. 36.

    banditqueen

    Oh this hurts–thank you to Adam for this memorial-every word rings with truth and sorrow. Peace to his loved ones, his kitties, those who loved him: his memory is a blessing because his life was a blessing.

  37. 37.

    Adam L Silverman

    @RoonieRoo: I know that she has some in the DC area. A sister and that sister’s family.

    Both of Alain’s parents are dead and his half-brother is estranged.

  38. 38.

    MisterForkbeard

    Oh no! I always liked hearing from him, and I really respected everything he did for the site.

    His poor fiance – I wish there was something we could do for her. Or for him. Shit.

  39. 39.

    Jerry

    WTF?! Terrible news. His travel photo posts were the unofficial start of my day. Rest In Peace, brother

  40. 40.

    SectionH

    This is terrible news. My heart goes out to Carol, and to all who were close to him. And oh yeah, he will be missed by so many of us here.

  43. 43.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Kristine: I have two thirds of a bottle of guacamole hot sauce he sent me for the holidays last year. The stuff is amazing!

  47. 47.

    Darkrose

    Oh no.

    My condolences to Carol and his family. Rest well, Alain; you will be missed.

  48. 48.

    lamh36

    Oh no.  So sorry to hear this Adam.

     

    RIP Alain and my condolences to his fiancee’ Carol.   Sending love light and prayers up for her and those who knew him well.

  49. 49.

    WaterGirl

    @Rob: This is a terrible shock, and Alain will be missed.  We will remember Alain with every On the Road going forward, a gift from Alain that will keep on giving.

  50. 50.

    dww44

    So very sad and shocked to read this news.  Condolences to Carol especially, but to you as well.  He died much too young. He will be missed here.

  55. 55.

    TEL

    My deepest condolences to Carol. I read his on the road again every morning and loved it.

  59. 59.

    Nicole

    Oh my god, awful, awful news.  He always came across on this site as such a good, nice and kind person.  All my sympathy to Carol and to all of his friends and family. My heart is breaking for them.

  63. 63.

    Betty Cracker

    In the last conversation I had with Alain, he told me he missed the wine foil sculptures I sometimes post here. He sent me the most adorable wine cork reindeer Christmas ornament and said he hoped it would inspire me. Here’s one especially for Alain, gone way too soon.

    In Memoriam for Alain Chamot: May His Memory Be a Blessing! 1

  64. 64.

    Tom Levenson

    Such sad and awful news. My deepest condolences to all who had the good luck to know Alain IRL, and especially to Carol.

    Alain was such a grace-delivering presence here.

    A terrible loss.

  66. 66.

    Ruckus

    Damn. That is way too young. A free spirit for sure, always the best kind. Plus a rather nice beard.

    Rest in Peace Alain

    If Carol needs anything…

  67. 67.

    Mustang Bobby

    What a horrible loss for his fiancee and his family and friends.  I felt I knew him, too.  I hold him and all of his friends and family in the Light.

  72. 72.

    scav

    Ah damn.  There are good people and sometimes even better people than most.  Blessings to everyone that lost him, although that can in no way equal the blessing to have known him.

  75. 75.

    RAM

    These kinds of deaths are so difficult for everyone. My daughter died in her condo in September 2018 at age 52, and we really don’t know why, despite the autopsy we requested. None of us had the chance to have one last laugh, to say good-bye. As someone who’s been there, I deeply sympathize with Carol and Alain’s family.

  76. 76.

    TomatoQueen

    Adam, thank you for telling us of the quality of your relationship with our dear Alain, who I believe was the source of much of the loving kindness to be found herein. It comforts this sorrowful heart to have known him, however remotely, for however brief the time, because he was one of the good ones the world gets to have. How many men will speak with such admiration and insight of their mothers? How many people will be so kind to all comers, old and new? My hand out to Carol in sympathy, and hope that there will be a way to pay it forward in Alain’s memory.

  78. 78.

    satby

    Horrible, so damn young. I hope there’s an afterlife where he’s been reunited with his beloved mom. Just tragic.

    He sent a lovely thank you to me for donating to the charity his mom likes after she had passed. In his memory I’ll do that again.

  79. 79.

    FelonyGovt

    How awful. May his memory be a blessing. Sending love and light to Carol and to all us jackals.

    2020 really does suck.

  81. 81.

    DaddyJ

    Very sad news. As I web developer I had some email exchanges with Alain regarding site technical issues over the years, and he always welcomed suggestions in a friendly and open manner. Which can be unusual in this sometimes crazy-making field. A real mensch!

  84. 84.

    download my app in the app store mistermix

    I worked with Alain on B-J maintenance a few years ago.  He was unfailingly positive and helpful.  I am shocked and saddened by the news of his passing.  In my few interactions with him, it was clear that he was a good person and was involved in our community to help make it a better place.  I am saddened to hear that his fiancé had the experience she had in his passing.  I hope that his friends and family will someday look back on what he contributed and once in a while take solace from his contributions.

  85. 85.

    JeanneT

    Oh god, that’s terrible.  Out of the blue, blindsided:  I’m shocked – his family and loved fiance must be 10 times more so….

  88. 88.

    leeleeFL

    This just plain sucks!  So very sorry for Carol and their Families and Friends. And for us, over whom he kept such a loving watch.

  92. 92.

    BretH

    So sad, his kindness shone through in everything I saw of his here.  Just loved his mushroom posts. Peace to Carol and to all.  Waiting to hear if there’s anything more we can do.

  93. 93.

    Bluegirlfromwyo

    How sad and horrible. I looked forward to On The Road every morning. A good man, a sad day.

  94. 94.

    Dave

    Longtime lurker coming out to express my condolences to everyone who loved Alain. I am also one of those people who just bought his sourdough starter. :(

  96. 96.

    HinTN

    In my limited dealing with Alain to get something published in On The Road he was unfailingly delighted, engaged, encouraging, enthusiastic, and wonderful to work with. This news devastates me. Peace be with all who know and love him.

  97. 97.

    arrieve

    I’m just in shock. My sincere condolences to Carol. I didn’t know him except through this blog, and yet I’m going to miss him so much.

  98. 98.

    RileysEnabler

    Terrible news, horrible year. So sorry to hear of this. Deepest condolences to Carol; may he Rest In Peace.

  99. 99.

    West of the Rockies

    This is dreadful news.  Through his words and efforts, we knew Alain to have been a man of kindness and great competence, humor and integrity, optimism and heart.   I am truly saddened.

  101. 101.

    JMG

    Such horrible news. My deepest condolences to Carol and the rest of his loved ones. Just no words appropriate for how awful this is.

  102. 102.

    Johannes

    I’m so very sorry to read this.  Alain was charming and fun, in our few interactions via email (he helped me with a FYWP issue, and then we got onto religion and politics (he knew I had been ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church) and about books.)

    I’ll miss him, and am glad to have gotten to know him better.

    Carol, my sincere condolences, and you and Alain are in my prayers.

    May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory, and May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

  103. 103.

    geg6

    My god.  I am bereft.  Alain was a wonderful, patient and kind person, just based on my interactions with him here.  Sending my deepest sympathies to his fiancée and family.  And to you, too.  And to all of us.  My god, what a loss.

  104. 104.

    Svensker

    I am shocked and sorry to hear this. Good Lord.  My condolences to all who knew him, holding his fiancee and his family and dear ones in the Light.

  105. 105.

    Comrade Colette Collaboratrice

    Oh no. Oh no. I can’t believe it. I was just looking at old photos of Switzerland, thinking I really should scan those and send them to Alain for OTR …

    He’s often been in my thoughts, and will remain in my heart. Condolences to Carol, and to his friends (including us here).

    המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

  107. 107.

    Quinerly

    I’m speechless. So, so sorry. Condolences to Carol and Alain’s family and friends.

  110. 110.

    SkyBluePink

    What a loving soul- what a loss-
    Deepest sympathies to Carol, friends, family and cats

  111. 111.

    tokyocali (formerly tokyo expat)

    I am so sorry to hear this. How truly awful. Alain came across as kind and thoughtful in his posts and he touched a great many people. My condolences to Carol.

  113. 113.

    mvr

    My condolences to you and his many other friends here and to Carol as well. We had a nice back and forth about mushrooms some months ago.

  114. 114.

    SFAW

    This is terrible news. My deepest condolences to Carol. Others here have already expressed the sadness I feel, better than I can.

  115. 115.

    low-tech cyclist

    Such a shame, to die so young, with so many good years, good times, and good friends to look forward to.

    My heart goes out to Carol at this time.  And my prayers.

  116. 116.

    snarlymon

    I am stunned. What a loss for the community. My heartfelt sympathy for Carol esp since they were just starting to build their lives together.

  120. 120.

    banditqueen

     

    From far, from eve and morning

    And yon twelve-winded sky,
    The stuff of life to knit me
    Blew hither: here am I.
    Now– for a breath I tarry
    Nor yet disperse apart–
    Take my hand quick and tell me,
    What have you in your heart.
    Speak now, and I will answer;
    How shall I help you, say;
    Ere to the wind’s twelve quarters
    I take my endless way.

    JA Houseman–from A Shropshire Lad (XXXII)

  121. 121.

    Elizabelle

    Carol, I am so sorry.  You and Alain found each other and were happy, and were such a comfort and delight to each other.  You are in my thoughts.

  122. 122.

    Suzanne

    Oh my God. This is so terrible.

    Much love and white light to Carol, and all who knew and loved him.

  124. 124.

    frosty

    Oh no!! This is a terrible shock. My condolences to Carol. The On The Road posts were a great way to start the day and I’m thankful that he got those started.

  125. 125.

    AliceBlue

    Oh god, this is too terrible.  I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face.  Deepest sympathy to Carol and his family and friends.

  128. 128.

    Anotherlurker

    I am so sorry to hear this.  The good are always gone too soon.

    My condolences to Carol.

  129. 129.

    Fair Economist

    So sorry for his family and realspace friends. He was a real treasure here and I will miss his voice and inspiring threads.

  131. 131.

    Jack Canuck

    Damn, that was a real shock to read. All I can do is add my condolences to Carol and all his friends and family. Just the last thing anyone needed in the midst of everything else that’s happening in the world.

  132. 132.

    Kirk Spencer

    Well, crap, that’s a terrible thing to learn.

    Is there anything we can do beyond our obvious caring about it that we can do for Carol and his family?

  135. 135.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    Oh my god! That’s horrible!

    Alain always seemed like a nice guy through his comments and posts here. Wish I could’ve gotten to know him better. RIP. I’ll keep him, Carol, and his family in my thoughts.

  136. 136.

    WaterGirl

    It was just 3 years ago when Alain put up a link for greennotGreen when we lost her.  I never dreamed that we would be doing the same for Alain.  It’s so sudden.  Almost incomprehensible. tears.

  138. 138.

    Tazj

    Like others here, I loved seeing those OTR posts in the morning. I also remember his lovely posts about his mother and how proud he was of her.
    I’m so sorry for his fiancé and family.

  141. 141.

    Joy in FL

    Oh, I am so sorry. This year has so many horrible days to it.
    My heart goes out to Carol. I’m just so sorry.

  145. 145.

    stinger

    This is dreadful news. Alain seemed like one of the nicest people I never met. He worked so hard for BJ, both on the technical side and on the people side. May he rest in peace, and blessings to Carol.

  146. 146.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @WaterGirl:

    I can’t believe it’s been 3 years already since greennotGreen passed. We’ve lost a lot of good folks in that time too like efgoldman and Schlemazel in a short amount of time of each other. Losses such as these make us realize how precious and temporary life can be, but also bring us together to celebrate it and the lives of our passed loved ones, too.

  147. 147.

    Elizabelle

    @stinger:   I know.  Isn’t it something that Alain had so many connections going here, and time for us all?

    He lived a good life.  But damn, too short.

  148. 148.

    Anne Laurie

    He was so unfailingly kind. Even Alain’s online presence was a gift — I’m heartbroken for the people who actually knew him in real life. My deepest condolences, Carol.

    May the light that shone from him remain forever a beacon, and his memory a blessing!

  150. 150.

    opiejeanne

    My condolences to Carol, Alain’s family, and everyone else who knew him.

    What a shock when I saw this on Twitter just now, but I can’t imagine the shock for those who knew and loved him.

  151. 151.

    Soprano2

    That’s so awful. It’s hard to lose someone like that, so suddenly and so young. My condolences to Carol.

  154. 154.

    WaterGirl

    @Rob:  It will.  Alain’s idea for the series was genius.

    Alain and M4 automated submissions, and with the new site we also automated creation of the posts, so now it’s really just a matter of scheduling the submissions.

    Once our hearts are a little less broken, we can pick up the series where Alain left off.

  155. 155.

    trollhattan

    This is so very sad. I’m hugely sorry, because we’ve all lost a mensch (truly a good, dear, deep person) and especially because his family has lost somebody they dearly love.

    Bon voyage, Alain

  158. 158.

    Ronno2018

    Damn this is terrible.  I loved hearing about the site work and I liked to have a real person attached to it.  He seemed cool — Requiescat in pace.

  160. 160.

    Tim C.

    May he sleep in the light, and may Tunch be rubbing against his legs and demanding food.

  161. 161.

    ballerat

    This is sad news. I enjoyed his OTR posts and appreciated his efforts as BJ site fixer.

    My condolences to his fiancée, family and friends.

  162. 162.

    Sandia Blanca

    What a horrible shock! I’ll just add to all of the above that obviously his memory is *already* a blessing to all of us who loved his writing and pictures, not to mention his technical expertise and devotion to the blog.  Will help with whatever we can do to help Carol.

  164. 164.

    Argiope

    This year has been hard for us all, yet this is the first time it’s left me in tears.  Alain’s decency, his kindness, and his positivity shone through every sentence, as did his love for the natural world and all the wonders in it.  Deep condolences to Carol and all his dear ones in real life.

  165. 165.

    debbie

    So very sorry to read this. What a shocking, sudden loss for Carol and all of us. This is such a lovely tribute, Adam. Thank you.

  166. 166.

    H.E.Wolf

    Deepest sympathies to Carol, and to all who are saddened by this news.

    His memory will be a blessing indeed, and he will be long remembered and much missed.

  168. 168.

    Zelma

    I loved OTR and so enjoyed Alain’s comments.  And we owe him so much for keeping BJ going for so long.

    Deepest sympathy to Carol and all of Alain’s friends.  He will be missed.

  169. 169.

    Scamp Dog

    Horrible news! I’m so sad for Carol and all his friends, in person and on line. I always enjoyed his posts and his cheerful, confident presence here.

  170. 170.

    Ohio Mom

    I just got here and I am stunned and so, so, saddened. How could this be?

    All my sympathy to Carol.

    Now I will read the rest of the thread, shaking my head in disbelief the whole time.

  171. 171.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    I’m totally shocked at the sad news.

    Vale, Alain. You were a good man.

  172. 172.

    Adam L Silverman

    I’m going to go walk the dogs. Now that it is slightly less excessively hot out. I’ll check back in in 1/2 an hour or so depending on how far we go.

  173. 173.

    J R in WV

    I am stunned.

    Alain and I were friends, as close as you can be on the internet. We chatted about WV creeks, he loved to fish in the WV creeks near him in No Va.

    He and Carol sent us a Xmas card this year — we aren’t into Christmas, but it meant a lot to me as a friendship gesture. He loved mountains and hillsides covered with trees and little creeks full of life, and that was all I needed to know to make him a friend.

    I am stunned. We were friends, and now he is gone. Dammit! From out of the blue, lightning strikes one of the best of us.

    I am so sorry for her loss, he was such a good person.

    Dammit. Thanks for the post, Adam — I know it was hard. And we can’t gather to mourn and hug each other. This sucks so bad!!!

    I am stunned.

  174. 174.

    Bard the Grim

    Just awful news.  Adam, that was a wonderful reflection on Alain.  Some words by Mary Schmich also seem appropriate:

    “The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday. […] Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.”

  175. 175.

    Adam L Silverman

    @debbie: Thank you for the kind words.

    Here too, I’m not sure that you’re welcome is the correct reply, but you know what I mean.

  176. 176.

    Meyerman

    Terrible news. My condolences to all. I knew Alain through his writing on this site. I was moved by how his grief at his mother’s death motivated him to share how amazing she was in life. It is not easy to remain focused on the good we remember when life is so cruel.

    There is no comfort in Donne’s words but plenty of truth.

    Each man’s death diminishes me,
    For I am involved in mankind.
    Therefore, send not to know
    For whom the bell tolls,
    It tolls for thee.

    Rest in peace, Alain.

  178. 178.

    BGinCHI

    I just saw this on twitter. I’m stunned. Damn it.

    Our thoughts go out to Carol and all of Alain’s family and friends (which I’m guessing he had lots of).

    I want to agree with Stevens (“Death is the mother of beauty; hence from her, Alone, shall come fulfilment to our dreams And our desires.”) but not right now. Maybe later.

    RIP, Alain.

  180. 180.

    planetjanet

    What terrible things happen.  Alain was a treasure.  I remember when John first introduced him as someone to help keep this old blog running, with an admonition to be kind.  I was so delighted to start seeing him in comments, joining in the community we have found here.  He was kind and talented and such a good person.  I will miss him.  My condolences to Carol.  Rest in peace, dear Alain,

  182. 182.

    different-church-lady

    I’m speechless. We will miss you Alain. Condolences to all his loved ones.

  185. 185.

    West of the Cascades

    Tragic. I am so sorry – I have deeply admired Alain’s posts, which sometimes have stood between me and a day of depression. Peace and love to his family.

  187. 187.

    Eljai

    Alain’s posts and OTR were a daily dose of joy.  He will always be remembered with love and admiration.  My heartfelt condolences to Carol.

  188. 188.

    e julius drivingstorm

    So sorry. Best to Carol. Alain was such a cornerstone to this full service blog which has become a part of my life. For all of you who knew him so well I am sorry for your loss also. Anything we can do for his family and fiance count me in. We will all come together in these tough times.

  189. 189.

    Miki

    Heartbroken for our loss, and inmeasureably so for Carol.

    For the longest time I never knew if Alain was a woman or a man. Not that it makes a difference but his pure, loving soul was such an authentic presence that I found myself dropping certain judgments and accepting his delight in life for what it was. Cynicism didn’t stand a chance with him.

    Peace out, dear Alain.

  192. 192.

    Miss Bianca

    WTF??

    Oh no, oh no, this can’t be…I was so looking forward to meeting him when he came out to Canon City next! We had made plans to try to get together last summer, but it didn’t happen for some reason. A wonderful, gentle soul, a delight to correspond with, so ready to help out around the blog, a model jackal, and now gone? Oh, I am going to be a wreck tonight.

    Fuck this fucking timeline. My deepest condolences to his fiancee.

  193. 193.

    Jackie

    I am so sad. OTR is my favorite way to start the day. My condolences to Carol and his loved ones.

  196. 196.

    catbirdman

    RIP Alain — what an important contributor to this community. Condolences to Carol and to everyone who knew him.

  199. 199.

    Mandarama

    God, this is terrible news. Alain’s posts brought so much goodness into our lives every day, and I’m grateful to have gotten to read his work.  Wishing peace to Carol and his beloved people.

  200. 200.

    Sure Lurkalot

    This is devastating news. I am insomniac so Alain’s posts were the ones I saw before trying to get another hour in. My sympathies to Carole and all the people here that loved him without ever having met him.

  203. 203.

    daize

    My prayers for Carol and all of Alain’s family and friends.  I felt so honored when Alain shared with us his mom’s history and life after she passed.  Thanks, Adam, for letting us know.  Heartbreaking.

  204. 204.

    TS (the original)

    Close to the last thing I was expecting to read on bj. Blessings and best thoughts to Carol & all Alain’s friends & family.

  205. 205.

    Alice

    From a lurker – I felt Alain’s kindness and warmth through his posts. My deep sympathies to his family and all here who knew and cared for him. May his memory bring comfort.

  208. 208.

    Jerzy Russian

    Holy shit, what a shock.  We had exchanged a few E-mails regarding the on-the-road feature and being a possible tester (this was even before the Before Times).  Friendly, easy to “talk” to.  Damn, way too young to go.

  212. 212.

    Amir Khalid

    Damn. All of a sudden there’s a hole in my world. Alain was one of the good guys. Never met him, seldom exchanged comments with him here, but I’m still going to miss him like hell. Peace and strength to Carol and his family. RIP Alain Chamot.

  213. 213.

    Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho

    What a shock. Too young; too soon; and far too kind a soul to lose so early. My deepest condolences to Carol, their cats, Adam, and TaMara. Along with this community.

    Fair winds and following seas, Alain.

  218. 218.

    rb

    Ah, god. I am gutted. Deep condolences to Carol, and all Alain’s friends here and elsewhere.

  219. 219.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    Wow, way too young. The title of the song “Only the good die young” applies to Alain. Rest in peace, Alain, and my condolences to Carol, his family and many friends. I’m just sitting here shaking my head in disbelief.

  220. 220.

    Juliet

    I have really enjoyed reading Alain’s stories over the years. Am completely shocked right now and sending prayers to his fiancee and those who knew him. I am so sorry.

  221. 221.

    MoxieM

    Too young, too soon, too nice. I am so sorry to learn this sad news. I had done some stupid thing, and Alain was generosity itself in fishing it out of the stream and fixing me up.  I can only hope that Carol learns how much we all cared for Alain, and knew how special he was. She must be very special as well.  Am sending my best comforting thoughts and feelings to her, to his cats, and everyone in his actual life. We’ll all miss him like crazy.

  223. 223.

    A Ghost to Most

    So sorry to hear about Alain. We shared a love of the Rockies.

    I happened to step outside at 8 tonight, and Denver’s  Nightly Howl has spread to the West end, at least.

    Howls were coming from everywhere. It was excellent.

  227. 227.

    beth

    i’m another lurker who started each day with alain’s OTR photos and was inspired by his joyful ode to sourdough to put some flour and water in a jar to see what i could make. i am so sorry for carol and all who knew and loved him online and off. may his memory be a blessing to all.

  228. 228.

    DropKicker1

    RIP Alain.  I’m a new user, and more aware of him thru his travelogue posts than anything else, but he always seemed positive and wrote well and interestingly.

    RIP

  231. 231.

    Miss Bianca

    @J R in WV: Oh my gosh, I forgot about the Christmas card – he sent me one, too! And I was just looking at them the other day thinking, “it’s Spring, take the damn cards down already!” But his I think I’ll keep up.

    Oh, I just feel gutted. This is just so awful.

  233. 233.

    Anne Laurie

    @Odie Hugh Manatee: “Only the good die young” applies to Alain.

    Way that phrase was explained to me, a good person would die ‘too young’ no matter how long they stayed with us.  Alain certainly did his best to live up to that!

  234. 234.

    SFBayAreaGal

    My deepest condolences for Carol and all of Alain’s family and friends.

    Thank you Alain for all that you did to make this community feel like family.

    I am going to miss you.

  235. 235.

    Caphilldcne

    I am so sorry. Oh no.  I’m sitting in my living room crying. I read this site religiously and Alain was such a wonderful person, to me he was like a this incredibly competent, smart, beautiful person in a novel but he was real. I didn’t even realize he lived near DC and now I regret not meeting him. Carol, I am heartbroken for you. May you treasure his memories and I wish you peace.

  239. 239.

    LunarG

    This is really awful news, and I can’t imagine how his fiancé is feeling. It’s bad enough knowing I won’t see any more posts where he wholeheartedly shares his enthusiasm about something – mushrooms, Colorado, sourdough – or just as honestly & wholeheartedly shares his feelings about his mother.

    Thanks to all who have shared their stories of him.

  240. 240.

    Mohagan

    What horrible news and such a terrible loss.  My deepest condolences to Carol, and Alain’s cats, plus to all of us here on BJ, where Alain was a wonderful addition.

  242. 242.

    Mai naem mobile

    I can’t believe this. Alain just came across as a really nice person. He would be one of the helpers per Mr Rogers.  RIP Alain.  Sending thoughts of peace and comfort  to Carol.

  243. 243.

    Mnemosyne

    Well, this is terrible news to open the site and see. Carol, you have my deepest condolences. Alain will be sorely missed by all of us jackals.

  244. 244.

    Ajabu

    I had been thinking about sending him some OTR photos from the Caribbean when we went home to visit this summer. Neither one  is happening.

    Thanks 2020…

    RIP Alain.

  245. 245.

    spudgun

    JHC, this can’t be happening…OMG. This is a gut-punch. He seemed like the sweetest, nicest man.

    My condolences to his fiancée, friends and family.

  246. 246.

    Avalune

    Very sorry to hear – he seemed like a wonderful person to know. Condolences to Carol and family.

    I was so excited to get through 2019 but 2020 can have its damned beer back I don’t wanna hold it no more.

  247. 247.

    sherparick

    This is such terrible and sad news.  My condolences and thoughts for Carol and his family and friends who must be in such shock and sadness.  He was a great presence on this site.  His on the road posts were reminded us how wonderful and precious life is and that we should never take it for granted.  His memory will always be blessed.

  248. 248.

    Yutsano

    Mon Dieu. I don’t have words for the loss.

    But my first three thoughts:

    A)Where do I send the lasagna?
    B) We need “EXCELSIOR!” as a rotating tag. Now.
    C) We need to work our asses off to win the House, Senate, and White House. For Alain, we can do that.

    Baruch dayan emet.

  250. 250.

    Marigold

    I feel like someone punched me in the diaphragm.  This is awful.  I’m so, so sorry to all of you who knew him and cared about him.

  251. 251.

    C Stars

    So, so sad to hear this. I really enjoyed OTR and I remember he wrote a few times about the site redesign and seemed like such a generous and genuine person. Deep condolences to his fiance Carol.

  253. 253.

    randal m sexton

    As a LOOONG time lurker, I wish I had known him.   And now I will miss ever meeting him. Damn, seemed like a really good person.

  258. 258.

    Kattails

    Oh no. Just no. My heart goes out to Carol, it must have been unbearable for her. This is heartbreaking. Alain was such a presence in this place we all come to for sanity and arguments.

    “No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.” John Donne

  262. 262.

    cmorenc

    Alain, thank you++. *Sigh* we cannot always know the final bell is upon us much sooner than we were expecting.

  263. 263.

    feebog

    I have been offline for several hours and just saw this. Shocked and saddened beyond words. He was always upbeat, even in the worst of times Man this year sucks.

  264. 264.

    Jean

    I had to reread the title of this post twice.  Unbelievable and so very sad.  Rest in Peace, Alain.

  266. 266.

    cain

    Alain and I never interacted, but I knew he was a cool dude. It must be such a shock for Carol to lose him so suddenly. My heart goes out to his family and to her. Its difficult with no closure and left with a lot of questions. I hope we can find out why he left this plane so suddenly.

    I will miss his travel features that he used to do. :/ Such a shock.

    RIP Alain

  267. 267.

    lurker dean

    holy crap, i’m so sorry to hear this.  rest well, alain.  you really fit well here, you will be missed.

  268. 268.

    hedgehog the occasional commenter

    Stunned.  RIP Alain, and deepest condolences to Carol.

    Fuck this fucking year.

  269. 269.

    beth

    RIP Alain, such sad news. Condolences to Carol and all his friends and family. He will be truly missed.

  270. 270.

    Pika

    Aw, no no. Alain’s words and clarity were often the first things I processed upon waking. Such a beautiful anchor: I am so sorry

  273. 273.

    PST

    How terrible. I join with everyone here in sorrow and sympathy for Carol and the rest of Alain’s family and friends.

  275. 275.

    Irony Abounds

    My hope is that those closest to him can find peace. Having lost a sister, best friend, law partner and both parents in the past three years, I know there is little that can be said that really eases the pain, but realizing the positives the people you love have brought to you is what carried me this through. Take care those closet to Alain.

  276. 276.

    Gvg

    I couldn’t believe it was about our Alain when I read the title at the top. Like others have said, he was so nice when I had a problem with the site. I don’t understand why these things happen.

  278. 278.

    Achrachno

    I’m so sorry.  Shocking.

    Where is justice?  One more data point for an argument that the world is really unfair.  There are many others who would not be missed, yet they’re still here making things worse for all of us and Alain is gone.

  279. 279.

    prostratedragon

    Such a shock! He was a lovely presence on the blog. All I can imagine is that the pain and loss felt by his fiance and family is much greater. Peace to all of them, and good travels to Alain.

  283. 283.

    Mathguy

    RIP. OTR was such a great start to the morning.

     

    This freaking year sucks and can’t be over soon enough.

  284. 284.

    Bookeater (formerly JosieJ)

    No! OMG, what a shock! My heart goes out to his loved ones; I’m so sorry to hear this news!

  286. 286.

    middlelee

    And with his passing we/ve lost the rest of his stories.  I recall he was going to tell us more about his mother’s life and with all the activities Adam mentioned we would have heard about so many things he did and would do.  I’ll miss his always gallant presence.

  287. 287.

    HRA

    My sincere condolences to Carol and his friends here and elsewhere. My memory of Alain will always be the enthusiasm and writings he shared with us.

  288. 288.

    Virginia

    Oh Carol.  Oh everyone.  I am bereft.

    So very sorry for our loss.

    Much love to all grieving.

  290. 290.

    laura

    What a tremendous loss of a beautiful man. I’m so late to this news and heartened to see that Alain’s reach and his heart and soul connected with so many who have responded with such immediacy and tenderness despite the shock. Blessings of Grace and peace to Carol and all who claim Alain as friend and brother.

  293. 293.

    BeautifulPlumage

    Thank you, Alain. When I sent in photos from the deck of my apartment and commented that I didn’t go on the road much he used them and started adding”and in your back yard”.  I now realize how important that was for my feeling of inclusion here. I appreciate all you’ve done for this blog and the community it creates.

     

    My deepest condolences to Carol and all who call him friend.

  294. 294.

    Anya

    I am heartsick and shocked. I am so sorry to hear about Alain’s passing. I have always liked his posts starting from when he used to post about the World Cup. I have always felt like he was an awesome person who had a lovely soul. My heartfelt  condolences to his loved ones. I hope he was at peace.

  295. 295.

    Thor Heyerdahl

    Oh wow, that’s a shock to read this evening. Deepest condolences to family and friends.

  296. 296.

    Madeleine

    This is a shock, really too much. On the road and in your back yard has cheered me every morning. Holding the site together. I’m so sorry Carol, Adam, his other friends here.

  299. 299.

    Jackie

    I went and revisited Alain’s last OTR post, and, yes, as I remembered, his last post was this morning, 4/14/2020. I know it is scheduled to post at a certain time each day, but to realize it was posted AFTER he had actually passed – well , it kicked me in the gut. I read it, as always, with my first cup of coffee, and, as always, it started my day with a smile. Alain, I will always thank you for starting my days with ???s.

  302. 302.

    Uncle Jeffy

    So sorry – my sympathies an respects to Carol and all who knew him.

    “Only the good die young…”

  305. 305.

    BigJimSlade

    Oh, god, I’m so sorry to hear this. My sincere condolences to Carol and friends. Goddammit.

  309. 309.

    Villago Delenda Est

    I am devastated.  He was so gregarious, so personable, his charisma managed to find its way through the ‘tubes and onto my monitor.

    We will miss you, Alain.  Rest now.  Say hi to our other friends on the other side.

  310. 310.

    HalfAssedHomesteader

    For me, sunrise at Balloon Juice comes precisely at 5am.  So sad and incomprehensible that Alain is gone.  Condolences to all who go on without him.

  311. 311.

    MoCA Ace

    I turned on BJ just now and this is what I see.  I stared for a while thinking no this isn’t right that’s not Alain (I have never met him).  I just didn’t want it to be true.  So damned tragic.

    I shared his love of the outdoors and foraging in the wild, and always loved OTR.  I could tell by his posts that he was a kind person.

    He will be missed.  I will be praying for peace for Carol and his family.

  317. 317.

    SWMBO

    Could someone post a link to the sourdough post?  I vaguely remember it but I’m crying too much to go look for myself.

  319. 319.

    Yutsano

    It’s been suggested on John’s thread that we TBogg for Alain. I’m all about this. This is my further contribution to that cause.

  322. 322.

    trnc

    Oh, jeez. I’m so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to everyone here, and especially to Carol.

  323. 323.

    moonbat

    He didn’t just hold the old site together, he built community here. I am so very sorry to hear that he has passed.

  324. 324.

    txvoodoo

    Oh, I am so very sorry. My sympathies to Alain’s fiance and loved ones.

    This is hitting so close to home, as I lost my husband Scott Friday night in incredibly similar circumstances, and he was Alain’s age.

    Carol’s going to need everyone around her, virtually or not. Grieving in this time of isolation is incredibly difficult. Show the love where you can.

  325. 325.

    Liara

    Long time lurker, delurking to say I am so sorry. I have loved OTR and his good humor. My condolences to Carol and his friends and family. May he rest in peace.

  326. 326.

    Avalie

    I have no words to explain this loss.  Alain’s OTR posts were a bright spot in every morning and his love of life and those around him came through in each of his posts. Go with grace.

  328. 328.

    Cowgirl in the Sandi

    So very sad to read this news. My deepest condolences to Carol and his family.  It seems like too many Juicers have left us recently.  So very sad.  Rest easy Alain.

  329. 329.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    Just checked in and read this. What a shock and a blow to this community. You will be missed, Alain.

  330. 330.

    NobodySpecial

    Damn. My condolences, for what they’re worth. I was always impressed with the spirit that showed through on all his posts. We’re the same age; it’s sobering. Only the best for his family, Carol, and everyone who loved him.

  331. 331.

    NotoriousJRT

    Damn it. My condolences to Carol and all who loved Alain. We are poorer today than yesterday.

  333. 333.

    Comrade Colette Collaboratrice

    @txvoodoo: Oh, I’m so sorry.  I saw your sad news on Twitter but I’m not on the T so I couldn’t say it there. What a terrible loss. You’ve been so strong, but it sounds like you know how to not be strong when you just can’t. And when you need to, follow AngryBlackLady’s advice: Take your pills. (Whatever form those take. Mine look like cats, or glasses of rosé.)

    2020 can just DIAF now.

  334. 334.

    Origuy

    Like everyone here, I’m stunned. I enjoyed the On The Road submittals and was pleased to have a few of my own pictures displayed on the blog. He made the blog a better place and I know he made the world outside a better place.

  338. 338.

    otmar

    WTF? What a loss.

    I didn’t have much direct contact, just a few mails regarding OTR.

    He will be missed.

  339. 339.

    (((CassandraLeo)))

    What the fuck. Fuck this fucking year, man.

    I didn’t really know Alain that well, but he was always personable and helpful to everyone. He was clearly one of the nicest people on the whole blog. My condolences to his family and loved ones – Carol, etc. There is a void on this site now – as I’m sure there is among those who knew him in real life. R.I.P.

    @txvoodoo: …WTF. My condolences to you, too. This fucking year.

    Cēterum cēnseō factiōnem Rēpublicānam esse dēlendam.

  341. 341.

    Emma

    ?!?!

    My deepest sympathies to Carol and everyone else who knew Alain IRL. I enjoyed all of his posts and appreciated his ability to keep the site from imploding. Damn, I’d always hoped SEK would remain the only beloved blogger to face a much too early end. But here we are. Painful. Again, deepest sympathies to Carol.

  343. 343.

    minachica

    Nooooo! This is awful, horrible news. I can’t believe this. RIP Alain. And condolences Carol.

  344. 344.

    JAFD

    OH #%(*&&^%!@#

    I’ve been keeping odd hours, sheltering in place.  Woke up after eight hours sleep, odd dreams of yapping little neighbors’ dogs.  Put on cuppa tea, checked email, no news.  then tabbed up BJ…

    Way to start your morning with a gut punch

    Ave atque vale, Alain.  May you rest in peace.  You did many good things while you were here, left big shoes to fill, you will be missed

    For Carol, and all those who knew him, my condolences.  If there is anything I can do, let me know.

    “They shall know well the heavenly fellowship

    Of men that perish and of summer morn.

    And whence they came and wither they shall go,

    The dew upon their feet shall manifest.”

    Wallace Stevens

    And may the Grand Architect of the Universe bless you all

  345. 345.

    gene108

    I have no words to express how sad Alain’s passing is.

    Condolences to Carol and his family.

  346. 346.

    something fabulous

    Oh no, oh no.

    I never spoke with him directly, just submitted a few OTRs over the years. So even without ever speaking, you could just tell from his own writing he was all the things Adam so eloquently said: Kind, enthusiastic, generous. And so very young. What a tragedy, in these already tragic times. I add my thoughts going to Carol, and hopes we can all do something in his name, in his spirit. Thank you Adam, for doing the hard job of letting us know– so sorry for the loss of a wonderful friend.

  347. 347.

    Mary G

    @txvoodoo: I’m so sorry to see that you are going through this too. What a horrible shock, and in this time even more awful. Please reach out if you need anything Juicers can give.

  350. 350.

    Ash Can

    Horribly sad news. I wish prayers and condolences were worth more than they are; they’re all I can give. Alain will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

  351. 351.

    SectionH

    @txvoodoo: Love to you too. Hope you’ve got family whether genetic or a community of your choice. BJ is not the worst online one.

  352. 352.

    Mary G

    @oldgold: Wow. That got me crying. Alain’s mother was a very impressive woman and seeing all the photos made me happy and sad both.

  353. 353.

    Cckids

    Oh, this is heartbreaking. And unbelievably sad. Alain was obviously such a good, beautiful soul. He was respected and loved, and will be sorely missed.

    “Grieve for me, for I would grieve for you. Then brush away the sorrow and the tears.
    Life is not over, but begins anew. With courage we must greet the coming years.
    To live forever in the past is wrong; it can only cause you misery and pain.

    Dwell not on memories overlong. With others you will share and care again.
    Reach out and comfort those who comfort you;
    Recall the years, but only for a while.
    Nurse not your loneliness, but live again.
    Forget not.
    Remember with a smile.”

    To Carol, and to everyone to whom Alain meant so much, condolences.

  354. 354.

    Cckids

    @txvoodoo: I’m so sorry, what an unspeakable tragedy. Wishing you strength, solace and some peace in the upcoming days. In 2015, I lost my oldest son very suddenly. All that was possible was to hold on and keep going as best we could. I hope you have family and/or friends who can stand with you. ?

  356. 356.

    txvoodoo

    @SWMBO: Thank you – just knowing people care helps now. And stay at home to keep others safe so we can get this shit OVER with and others don’t have to go through the same thing.

  359. 359.

    txvoodoo

    @SectionH: believe it or not, twitter has been amazing. At least there’s always someone to talk to there and that’s no small thing when you’re alone in this situation.

  360. 360.

    txvoodoo

    @Cckids: Thank you. Lots of internet friends, or friends from life who are online even if not local. And hey, when you’re locked down, no one is actually local.

  361. 361.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    @txvoodoo:
    I’m so sorry–I hope you’re surrounded by love and support, and that Scott’s memory will be a solace to you.

  362. 362.

    Sloane Ranger

    OMG this is such a shock. I never met him but he was really nice when we were liaising about an On the Road submission I made some time back and he made some very nice comments about my photos.

    I know it’s a cliche, but my thoughts are with Carol, his friends and family at this terrible time.

    R.I.P. Alain.

  363. 363.

    Cheryl from Maryland

    Oh, no.  Such a loss.  Condolences to his nearest and dearest as well as his wider circle of friends and family.  OTR showed a man of infinite joy and sweetness who wanted each of us to start our days with the same.

  364. 364.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Went to bed very early last night and just woke up to this unspeakable news. Incredibly shocked and saddened to learn of Alain’s passing. My condolences to Carol and to all who knew him.

    Thank you for letting us know, Adam.

  365. 365.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Betty Cracker:

    Scrolling through the comments from the top, trying to wrap my head around this awful news, I was numb until I came to your post and photo. Now I’m bawling and can’t stop. Thank you, Betty, for saying with your gifted hands what all of us are feeling.

  367. 367.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @txvoodoo: What a terrible blow for you. I am so very sorry. Let us — this community of jackals — know if there’s anything we can do to help make your next weeks and months a little easier.

  368. 368.

    blackcatsrule

    @SiubhanDuinne: I was shocked beyond words but only started crying when I saw that picture.  Expresses exactly what so many are feeling.  Cannot even begin to imagine the pain for Carol.

  372. 372.

    Sab

    I rmember recently that Alain was so apologetic during the transition to the new site when he occassionally missed posting the photos at 5 am. I remember thinking “he doesn’t even need to be doing this. We are so lucky.”

    He did a post years ago about Freemasons. They aren’t even supposed to talk bout each other. He wrote about them without saying too much but still saying a lot. It helped me understand a lot about my grandfather and my uncle who were also Masons and kind and sharing.

    I just knew what I knew about Alain from what he shared online, which seemed to be mostly about sharing.

    I am so glad to know he had a fiance.

  375. 375.

    Barbara

    @oldgold: I know that Alain was bereft when she died and was proud of her and grateful for her influence on his life.  It struck me at the time as a sign of what a good and generous person he must be.

  376. 376.

    grandmaBear

    I am shocked and so sad that we’ll not hear his delightful voice here again. RIP Alain. And my condolences to Carol and his many friends.

  379. 379.

    Wanderer

    Alain had such a wonderful way of writing. His curiosity, enthusiasm,and kindness expressed so simply and kindly. I will miss reading his thoughts. My condolences to Carol and to each of us feeling this loss. He was a gentleman.

  380. 380.

    Tony Jay

    RIP Alain. There’s just nothing right about things like this. So sorry for his family.

  382. 382.

    raven

    From a friend

     

    Such insurmountably sad news of a kind man cut short. Alain was a treasure. On the Road was prolly my favorite feature of this here blog. It was suffused with such life, such joy, such brimful optimism, such awe and appreciation for what makes mere existence transported into a needful recognition (and critical reminder!) of what bountiful blessings we receive. It was that rare (and oh-so-valued) curiosity: a communal sharing of unfettered joy. A welcoming oasis in a desert of privation. I never knew Alain but for his prodigious efforts, but this one hurts. Nothing anyone says ever makes it better, but my best to Carol and all those who knew and loved and cherished Alain.

  384. 384.

    scribbler

    So very, very sorry to hear this sad news.  He was a wonderful writer, able to draw you easily into his world.  I could never abide the taste or texture of mushrooms, but his enthusiasm for them almost made me reconsider that stance. RIP, Alain.

  387. 387.

    suezboo

    Please let me add my shock and sympathy to the more eloquent voices above. I too only knew Alain through this blog but the decency and humanity of his kind nature shone through. I especially enjoyed his mushroom series and cooking digressions and was a devotee of his OTR series, as well, naturally, as his panegyric to his mother.

    He will indeed be sadly missed in this community not only for his professional competence in keeping it viable but for his infectious glee in binding us jackals into a herd.

    My sincere condolences to Carol, his family, friends and all jackals. RIP and Thank You for the memories, Alain.

  388. 388.

    Spanky

    I just woke up to find this terrible news. Carol, you’re in my thoughts as well.

    April is the cruelest month. The 14th is my mother’s death anniversary, today is my father’s. But both of them lived normal life spans. This is so tragic.

  389. 389.

    Laura Too

    I am so very sorry to hear this, how heartbreaking. He was most kind to me in an email when my Uncle passed. I do hope knowing he was so loved eases the burden a bit.

  391. 391.

    Geeno

    What a horrible shame.

    My sincerest condolences to his friends and family, especially his fiance.  That has to be heartbreaking.

  395. 395.

    WereBear

    What terrible news.

    He gave me a bit of tech advice and was supportive of my cat work. He was such a sweet person.

    My heart goes out to Carol.

  396. 396.

    MissMimi

    Belatedly adding my deepest condolences to Carol and Alain’s friends in RL and on BJ.  I’m a longtime lurker who enjoyed seeing the OTR posts in the early mornings and reading his own stories.  Thank you, Alain, for giving so much to this site and playing such a big role in the community.

  397. 397.

    Mike R

    Words never seem to be enough, sympathy and hope for peace for Carol and Alain’s family.  Gone far to soon.  So very sorry a loss of one of the good ones.

  399. 399.

    Albatrossity

    What terrible news! Alain was one of the good guys, and this is much too soon for him to pass on. We had a lot of correspondence re the On the Road feature, and when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, he would send questions about the treatment options to me, since he knew I had some research interest in cancer and the signaling mechanisms targeted by modern therapies. I never met him IRL, but I imagine that he was exactly as Adam describes, immensely energetic, thoughtful, and full of wonder about the world.

    RIP, Alain, and my condolences to Carol. What a loss…

  400. 400.

    Eric NNY

    So I pulled BJ up on my way down the stairs to make coffee this morning. I had to stop halfway down when I saw the post to avoid falling down the rest of the way.

    I always admired Alain. I thought he was so cool, especially for taking off cross country to pick mushrooms.

    I never met him, emailed him or anything but damn….I will miss him.

  401. 401.

    MazeDancer .

    How utterly horrible! Condolences to Carol.

    Thank you, Alain, for all that you brought, daily, to our lives.

    What a great tribute, Adam.

  402. 402.

    Uncle Cosmo

    And death shall have no dominion.
    Dead men naked they shall be one
    With the man in the wind and the west moon;
    When their bones are picked clean and the clean bones gone,
    They shall have stars at elbow and foot;
    Though they go mad they shall be sane,
    Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again;
    Though lovers be lost love shall not;
    And death shall have no dominion.

    (Dylan Thomas)

    For what it’s worth. Words fail. But words always fail. Adieux, Alain, et bon vent.

     

  404. 404.

    MazeDancer .

    How utterly horrible! Condolences to Carol.

    Thank you, Alain, for all that you brought, daily, to our lives.

    What a great tribute, Adam.

  411. 411.

    westyny

    Rarely post, mostly lurk, and Alain  was a cheerful voice every morning.  I will miss him.  May his memory be a blessing to Carol and his family, and all Juicers.

  413. 413.

    What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?

    Really sad news. My heart goes out to Carol, and to you and the rest of the front pagers who must all be grieving this loss.

  414. 414.

    Skepticat

    Alain was the type of person we simply cannot afford to lose from our world. May we all try to emulate him and thus keep his spirit alive. My sincere condolences to Carol those who were fortunate enough to interact with him. Sigh.

  415. 415.

    BRyan

    Incredibly saddened to read of Alain’s passing.  Forging ahead of us On The Road, but leaving an incredible and indelible legacy of kindness and joy.  RIP, Alain.  We are better for having had you in our lives at any level.

  416. 416.

    ZeeLizzee

    My last correspondence with Alain was a series of messages last June when the site glitched and porno images kept showing up. He cared so much about fixing everything and making it right. Such a dear, dear man, and taken from the world far to soon.

    I’d been thinking about getting his sourdough starter and checking in with him these last few weeks. And now I have another reminder to stop thinking and start doing.

    RIP Alain, your memory is a blessing.

    Condolences to Carol, may his memory comfort you.

  417. 417.

    Juju

    I took a break from things yesterday and just saw this post.  I had some contact with Alain when I submitted some pictures for OTR.  There was a delay regarding the day my pictures were supposed to be posted and Alain sent an email explaining why, and when the pictures would eventually be posted.  He seemed such a genuinely considerate and thoughtful person in the brief contacts I had with him. I will miss his presence here and I am grieving for Carol.  I am so sad about this news.

  418. 418.

    hueyplong

    You could do worse than to leave behind the cherished memories Alain has left to his friends and family.

    Wishing for them the most seamless possible transition from the current shock and sadness to smiling contemplation of the happiness he spread here and other places.

    RIP, Alain.

  419. 419.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    He was a really neat guy – we had a number of contacts over the past couple of years about my submissions, and his own experiences while traveling.

  420. 420.

    la caterina

    This is the worst news.  Condolences to Carol, the front pagers and all who knew Alain.  Since 2016 this place has been a big part of keeping me sane.  I hope Alain knew what a difference he made for all of us jackals.

  422. 422.

    J R in WV

    @txvoodoo: 

    txvoodoo

    April 15, 2020 at 12:55 am

    Oh, I am so very sorry. My sympathies to Alain’s fiance and loved ones.

    This is hitting so close to home, as I lost my husband Scott Friday night in incredibly similar circumstances, and he was Alain’s age.

    So sorry for your loss of your husband Scott. WE are surrounded by grief right now.

    Wish we could gather ’round you for many hugs!

    Take care, thanks for posting.

  424. 424.

    narya

    Adding my condolences to the pile. If front-pagers are willing, I would love to know more about how they met each other and, in this case, met Alain.

  427. 427.

    WaterGirl

    There is a sacredness in tears. 
    They are not the mark of
    weakness, but of power.  They are
    messengers of overwhelming grief,
    and of unspeakable love.

    ~Washington Irving

  428. 428.

    Hildebrand

    My deepest condolences to Alain’s family and friends.  What heartbreaking news.

  429. 429.

    Latetotheparty

    Like so many others, I felt a strong kinship with Alain over the years, and the many ways he drew us together. Somehow, it’s fitting that his last On the Road post – he was already gone by then, I understand – took us on a lovely and peaceful tour of the Buddhas in someone’s private paradise. A reminder that he will be missed, but will always be with us.

  430. 430.

    Sis

    I am so very sorry to hear this. He seemed like such a wonderful person. What a terrible loss. My deepest sympathies to his fiance.

  432. 432.

    Miss Bianca

    @txvoodoo: So very sorry for your loss. My condolences.

    That’s all I got this morning, my heart’s too full and it’s coming out my eyes.

  433. 433.

    MelissaM

    I’m stunned, and so sorry, and my condolences to Carol, and to all the BJ family.

  434. 434.

    msdc

    I’m so sorry. My deepest sympathies to Carol, his friends and family, and of course all the front pagers and commenters here at Balloon Juice.

  435. 435.

    JCJ

    I shared so many OTR posts with my wife.  Alain made Albatrossity a star in our house.  Best to Carol.

  437. 437.

    blacque_jacques

    He did more than his part to leave the world a more beautiful place than he found it. RIP and my condolences to Carol

  438. 438.

    Faithful Lurker

    I just saw the announcement of his passing.  I’m so sorry, his presence on the blog was so important.  His loss will leave a huge hole.

    My sincerest condolences to Carol and the people who knew him.

  440. 440.

    The Moar You Know

    My inconsequential submission for the TBogg; Alain deserves a TBogg, does he not?

    My condolences to his family.  I cannot imagine.

    I work IT and the amount of effort and patience that he had for this place always blew my mind.  I could not have done it.  Much gratitude, Alain, and Godspeed.

  442. 442.

    quintillian

    Lurker who loved Alain’s daily invitations to connect by appreciating and honoring one another’s experiences. Others said it better than me, but I looked forward to seeing his name each day. Much peace and love to Alain’s family, friends, and loved ones.

  445. 445.

    Ella in New Mexico

    Alain definitely deserves a TBogg.

    He gave us so much in his support of the nuts and bolts of this blog machine. And I so enjoyed his On the Road posts and the calm, normal happiness they gave us all in the midst of these past few years of chaos. Rest in gentle peace, Alain, and may He bless Carol and your loved ones with love and comfort.

    :*(

  446. 446.

    manfrommadras

    Damn,

     

    Long time viewer, but had stopped coming to this blog for a while. This news though came as a shock. What a loss, may he rest in peace.

  448. 448.

    dexwood

    This news shocked and saddened me so much yesterday I could not offer my condolences in any meaningful way. Such a loss. Alain was a vital part in the Balloon Juice machine. Peace and strength to all who loved him.

  449. 449.

    Elizabelle

    I’m just horrified that Alain is gone.  There are people whose deaths truly do diminish us, and his was one.

    I always appreciated how pro-active, eloquent and gracious he was, not to mention some mad technical skills and arcane interests — which he shared with us.  One can take solace that, if he was not granted a long life, at least it was fulfilling and meaningful.  All the connections here, with individual jackals that were going on in the background, within his very busy life.

    So:  since I can procrastinate and dither, I am going to try to channel Alain’s goodness and be way more pro-active and do those things that have come to mind, especially the small kindnesses that we all can share.

    Too many “I’s” in this comment about Alain, but one has to search for a silver lining in a loss of a very good person.  Shall dedicate to committing to more actions in his memory.  Carry forward his talent for improving any situation he was involved in, with grace.

    Alain is going to float around with “favorite teachers/mentors” memories for a lot of us.

  451. 451.

    Aurona

    This started out as a normal, pandemic day, seeing Alain’s ‘in your backyard’ or ‘on the road’ is the first thing I want to see in the morning. This is quite a loss for all jackals. Alain, thank you for the bailing wire and helping keep this community together. My thoughts for Carol and their families at this time. He will be missed.

  452. 452.

    Aleta

    @txvoodoo: I’m so sorry for your immeasurable loss.  Whenever you need to reach out or need other support please consider letting us be a piece of that.  ?

  454. 454.

    Barbara

    @txvoodoo: I am sorry.  I think of people I have lost in my life in similar ways, including my own mother, and I sympathize at how hard it must be for you to keep going right now.

  456. 456.

    MomSense

    @txvoodoo:

    I’m so very sorry.  Please let us know how we can support you.  This is all so heartbreaking.  I hoped, even though I knew it was a false hope, that I would open balloon-juice this morning to find Alain’s passing was a horrible nightmare.

    We had a few email exchanges about how nature restores us, how much we love moss, and other things related to photos I emailed him.  As soon as I can go back to the Hamilton Estuary I’m going to say my gratitudes for Alain.

    Burial ceremonies are very important to masons.  I don’t know how we can honor that tradition in the time of COVID, but I hope we can when it is safe to do so.

  457. 457.

    Aleta

    Carol, I’m so sorry.  Alain’s gifts to this place are so extensive and enriching that the total can’t be described.  .

  458. 458.

    Adam L Silverman

    @txvoodoo: I am so sorry to read this. My sincerest condolences.

    You are always welcome here, which I’m sure you know, so please comment, reach out, whatever you need.

  461. 461.

    Oklahomo

    Mostly a lurker but offering my deepest condolences to all; his posts were something to look forward to.  This year has just been awful.

  462. 462.

    phdesmond

    i add my feelings of sorrow to those expressed by all of you.  good bye and thank you, alain.

  463. 463.

    cckids

    To Carol, I hope that at some point you gain some solace knowing how loved, respected and valued Alain was by this group of jackals. As someone said above, he was a gentleman.  May we all try to live in ways that will honor him.

  464. 464.

    Shalimar

    I don’t know anything to add. Alain will be deeply missed by so many people including me.

  466. 466.

    A Ghost to Most

    Somewhere, Alain just found a magnificent mushroom stash. I’ll howl for him tonight.

  467. 467.

    There go two miscreants

    Long-time lurker, delurking to say how sad it is to lose Alain, especially so suddenly. I enjoyed his comments on the various On The Road postings, and on other subjects over the years.

  468. 468.

    Mel

    His kindness and his compassion for his virtual friends seemed endless; I can’t even imagine what a wonderful person he was to know in person.

    My heart goes out to Carol and his friends and family. I still think about his hauntingly lovely post with the photo of his mother as a young woman. She must have been a remarkable woman, and she raised an extraordinary son.

    RIP, Alain. You will be so sorely missed.

  469. 469.

    Scout211

    This is so sad. So sad.  My condolences to Carol.

    He was such a bright spot every morning.  He will be missed.

  470. 470.

    Villago Delenda Est

    @txvoodoo: My deepest condolences to you.  Losing a spouse is one of those monstrous life changing things that everyone dreads.  Probably the only thing worse is losing a child.

  472. 472.

    Wolvesvalley

    @JAFD:

    Ave atque vale

    Thank you for quoting these last three words of Catullus’s elegy for his brother (Carmen 101). It strikes me that the whole poem reflects the jackals’ response to Alain’s passing, especially the beginning

    Multās per gentēs et multa per aequora vectus
    adveniō hās miserās, frāter, ad īnferiās,
    ut tē postrēmō dōnārem mūnere mortis

    I hope that Carol has some comfort that so many have “come through many nations and over many seas . . . so that [we] might present [him] with the last tribute of death.” We may have come electronically, but we are here.

    Weeping for Alain and Carol and all of us.

  473. 473.

    Lurker Dan

    Long time lurker, paying respects to Alain whose contributions this community are deeply appreciated. And condolences to his friends and family (on-line and IRL) for his very sudden and unexpected loss, his was a life well led and over far too early.

  474. 474.

    pacem appellant

    Tonight’s sunset piping is dedicated to Alain. Battle’s O’er. Requiescat in pāce.

  475. 475.

    David Hunt

    Just looked in the site for the first time in a day or two. Condolences to all the family and friends. I wish I had something more comforting to write.

  476. 476.

    Mo Salad

    Condolences to all, especially Carol and those who interacted with him.

    That part of being a senior citizen where someone you know, or knew, or even just the artists you liked leave this realm seemingly every week?

    Sucks to get a head start on that part.

    RIP, Alain.

  481. 481.

    Lyrebird

    This is so awful.  He did so much for this community for so long, even down to tiny things – he just a day or so answered my email about his sourdough creations, and he was such a devoted son.

    Carol, if you read these, well I’m typing lots of words knowing that none of them will ever be enough, but know that even more people than you might imagine are sending you sympathy and condolences from around the world.

  482. 482.

    West of the Rockies

    Woke up this morning thinking, “Oh, I’ll check in on BJ and On the Road–always a good way to start the morning.”

    Then I remembered.

    Space may abhor a vacuum, but the heart is befuddled by absence.

  483. 483.

    Chris Johnson

    Thanks, Alain, for so much.

    And this time I’m not gonna get the TBogg unit, but you deserve that and more :)

  484. 484.

    catpal

    Mostly a lurker here but I am so sorry. I love OTR and his writing with kindness and generosity. Condolences to Carol and his friends and family and BJ community.

  485. 485.

    J.

    One of the first things I do every morning is check Balloon Juice. My husband teases me, because I often don’t eat or do anything until I’ve scanned this blog. I somehow forgot to check it this morning, only now, and was so shocked and stunned to read of Alain’s passing. He was a morning fixture. And to read about him in Adam’s post/eulogy made me wish I had paid more attention to Alain’s posts. What an amazing, fascinating man he was. Clearly, he will sorely be missed.

    Thank you for that wonderful eulogy, Adam. It was perfect. What a mitzvah that you had each other in your lives.

    And to Carol and Alain’s family and friends and cats, my condolences.

  486. 486.

    laura

    I pulled out an infrequently used tablet and it opened to an OTR on 3/30 and Alain started by asking us to be kind to each other as it’s getting crazy out their. He was right and I’m going to do my best by upping my kindness game and think of him often and fondly.

  487. 487.

    polyorchnid octopunch

    Oh my. That’s terrible. I’m so sorry; please send my regards to his family.

  488. 488.

    Sab

    He was always so appealing online. I had no idea he was actually quite attractive in person.

  489. 489.

    Citizen Scientist

    Rest In Power Alain. Thanks for making this such a special place to hang out. Condolences to Carol and family.

  491. 491.

    Ohio Mom

    I keep coming back to this thread and reading the newest comments, which is a source of comfort to me, to know my feelings are shared by many. I hope it is to Carol too, who has all my sympathy.

    I’m thinking that pinning this thread to the top of the page has turned it into a virtual version of a visitation/wake/shiva.

  492. 492.

    centigrade baby

    I feel like I’ve lost a friend who would tell me these fun stories every morning.

    All I can say is in Spanish

    Mi más sentido pésame a Carol y a los seres queridos de Alain. 

  495. 495.

    OldDave

    As always, I’m at a loss for words.  May Carol, txvoodoo, and the other family and friends of both Alain and Scott find some measure of comfort in the days to come.

  497. 497.

    Hkedi [Kang T. Q.]

    It’s always the good ones that leave too soon.  Condolences to everyone.

  498. 498.

    glory b

    Ohio Mom is right, this feels like something akin to a wake.

    I remeber Alain’s mother’s pasding, and how affected he was. I was happy that it seemed that he had made peace and was moving forward. His posts were a nice way to ease into the day.

  499. 499.

    Scuffletuffle

    Son of a bitch, this sucks! RIP, Alain, you were definitely one of the good guys.

  500. 500.

    HarryBee

    I am sitting here in tears for the loss of a man I did not know. But in some important way, I did know Alain. For a while, he was Alain, the Site Fixer. But in reality, he was Alain, the Mood Fixer, the Soul Fixer, the Bad Day Fixer. His goodness and warmth were in everything he wrote, no matter how brief. He called his daily post, “On the Road and In Your Backyard.” Sorta simple, but the idea of a person with the knack of seeing the beauty of disparate things that bind us together. I never commented, but I started every day with Alain’s posts and those lovely photographs. They never failed to make me feel good, and spreading good feeling was, I think, Alain’s super power. Thank you, Alain.

  501. 501.

    jl

    Very sorry to hear this horrible news. I had some interaction with Alain on site issues and he was a wonderful person to work and chat with. My condolences to his friends, family and loved ones, they will be in my thoughts. This is shocking and very sad news.

  502. 502.

    way2blue

    No.  I can’t believe this.  After Alain’s recent request for more photos during the pandemic, I’ve been trying to organize my photo library to send him a few sets.  My camera is sitting on the table waiting for my attention.  What a tragedy.  And a shock.  My condolences to all who called Alain a friend.

    Slàinte Mhath

  504. 504.

    Betty

    Very sorry to hear this. May the memories of all the good he did in life keep him alive in the hearts of his family and friends.  May he rest in peace.

  507. 507.

    gsp

    Thank you for sharing a part of who Alain was.  I wish the front pagers comfort as this would rock an individual deeply.

    And of course to Carol, there are no words.  May you have safety and presence of others through the unbearable pain.

  509. 509.

    inugai_kenzo

    Delurking to say that comment 500 is just the perfect comment to be comment 500.  Thank you.

    Edited to add: What 503 said, and everyone else.

    Rest in Power…!!

  511. 511.

    frosty

    I didn’t have any interactions with Alain, but his OTR post on the Udar-Hazy Air and Space Museum inspires me to do a submission on the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. He had so many interests! I’d forgotten about the mushrooms, too.

  512. 512.

    StringOnAStick

    Alain always started our day with the beauty of the On the Road posts, showing us the gorgeous world around us as seen through every Jackal’s eyes. I loved his series on mushroom hunting in my state; his enthusiasm just burst from the page. Such a horrible loss, to us, to his friends and family, and especially to Carol.

    May his name always be a blessing indeed.

  513. 513.

    Incognegro (lurking since 2008)

    I am so, so, so sorry to read this very terrible news. Alain was a brilliant, gregarious, and gentle soul who will forever live on in the hearts of many who frequent this place. Including lurkers like me – who have been inspired to come out of hiding in order to pay tribute. Thank you Adam for this beautiful eulogy.

    My condolences to Carol and everyone else that was fortunate enough to have known him. It dulls the pain a little to believe that Alain is happily reunited with his mother right now.

  514. 514.

    Victor Matheson

    I will just echo the thoughts of everyone here that this is so, so sad. Condolences to Carol, and condolences to txvoodoo.

  515. 515.

    Formerly disgruntled in Oregon

    RIP Alain.

    Loving this TBogg Unit-exceeding thread in your honor.

  516. 516.

    cindiloohoo

    Long, long time lurker here.  Just so very sorry to hear this.  He was a big part of what makes this site such a joy. I always enjoyed his posts and appreciated his efforts to keep the site running as smoothly as possible. He’s just a few years older than my son and it pains me to think he’s gone so soon. Condolences to his loved ones.

  517. 517.

    Fkalimama

    So sorry to hear this. Condolences to Carol and his friends and family. He will be much missed here for sure.

  519. 519.

    SC54HI

    I am so sorry to read this. It’s heartbreaking. Due to time differences, Alain’s posts were often the last BJ posts I read before retiring for the night.

    Many condolences to Carol, his family, and his friends.

  520. 520.

    susanna

    I hope Alain realized and blissed out with knowing how many good mornings he brought to this group every time he posted those wonderful photos, accompanied with his helpful and often enthusiastic introductions.

    He had a gift, of recognizing beauty and knowing his feelings.   On Balloon Juice, he put that gift on display for all of us to  see and learn, as well as marvel, soar, imagine, and feel, whenever we happened to tune in here.

  522. 522.

    5x5

    I am so sorry. Please let us know if anything is needed. Whether it’s for Carol or a donation to a favorite charity, please let us know.

    We never spoke or emailed, but starting the day with pretty pictures of places I need to see made a positive difference in my day. Thank you, Alain.

  523. 523.

    orchid moon

    Loved the On The Road posts, and the posts about his experiences with sourdough starter.  His posts after his mother became sick and passed were full of honesty, and even though I didn’t know him, I grieved with him.  Condolences to Carol and his family and friends, he will be missed.

  524. 524.

    Latetotheparty

    I’m sure it’s been said in the comments, but it would be nice – not now, it’s too soon – if Alain’s sour dough mix will carry us through the times without him. He knew somehow that light and warmth and time were more important than most of us knew.

  525. 525.

    Bill

    Just opened the mail to find the sourdough starter I’d ordered. Really thought it would be a happier occasion.

     

    [url=https://ibb.co/27j7PSs][img]https://i.ibb.co/5W5Wvkn/IMG-1090-1.jpg[/img][/url]

  526. 526.

    MomSense

    @Latetotheparty:

    I tried to buy some, but it says it is no longer available.  I would love to have some of his starter, keep it going, and think of him when I bake bread.

  527. 527.

    John Smallberries

    He will live on in my kitchen in the sourdough starter I got from him two weeks ago.  RIP.

  528. 528.

    Bill

    I just got some starter in the mail today. Opened the envelope to find ‘Thanks Bill! All the best, Alain’ at the top of the enclosure. I was looking forward to the starter, but it’s very bittersweet now.

    I’ll get the starter fired up and start dehydrating some. I’ll be happy to send some out to anyone who would like some.

  530. 530.

    txvoodoo

    @SiubhanDuinne: I like jackals. They’re just really snarky dogs. Dogs are good.

    No lie, internet friends have been my saviors. With all I’m learning about how Scott might have had COVID19 after all, I’m self-isolating for at least 21 days so there’s no chance of passing it on. And I feel like I’m in a belljar.

  531. 531.

    Debbie(Aussie)

    Carol, to all who knew him, Adam and the jackals, my sincerest sympathies. What a loss for us all. Alain, I will hold you in my heart.

  532. 532.

    Bill

    @WaterGirl: I did see that, and thanks. Once I’ve got the starter growing, I’ll comb the comments and reach out to folks. I rehydrated it last night, and it’ll need a few days to come up to speed. Thanks again

  533. 533.

    Albatrossity

    @Bill: I too would love to have some of that sourdough starter. Let me know when/if it is ready, and what I need to do on my end.

    thanks

  534. 534.

    Jean Marc Chamot

    1. @Adam L Silverman:   not true.   I am here. Not estranged. We’ve been communicating since Anna passed away in 2017.  I am Jean-Marc Chamot, Alain’s older brother.
  535. 535.

    WaterGirl

    @Jean Marc Chamot:

    I am so very sorry for your loss.

    The first comment on Balloon Juice has to be released manually, so iit won’t have shown up until just now when I released it.

    Any future comments with your name and email address will show up immediately.

    Welcome to Balloon Juice, Jean Marc.  Again, so very sorry for your loss.

  536. 536.

    eachother

    Have you traveled?  Of what were you in search? That which was lost.

    “Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.

    And he said:

    You would know the secrete of death.

    But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?

    The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.

    If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.

    For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

    In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;

    And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.

    Trust the dreams for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.

    Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor.

    Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?

    Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

    For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

    And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, the it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

    Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

    And when you reached the mountain top, then shall you begin to climb.

    And when the earth shall claim your limbs. then shall you truly dance.”

    Kahlil Gibran  The Prophet

    So mote it be.

    d

  537. 537.

    Blue Galangal

    I’m gutted. I’m so sorry, Carol. I just got my own order of the Hott Stuff sourdough and that tiny part is making me cry. I can’t imagine how Carol and everyone else feels.

  539. 539.

    Laura Too

    @Bill: Add me to your list, I ordered some but it never came. I meant to email Alain but I figured I would just reorder so as not to trouble him. I won’t get the chance now and I would love to carry on his tradition.

  540. 540.

    Elizabelle

    @Jean Marc Chamot:   I am so sorry you have lost Alain.  As you can see from here, he was beloved, and made a big impact.

    A life well lived, although gone way too damn early.

    Alain’s loved ones are in our thoughts.  Wishing you peace.

  543. 543.

    Zinsky

    I didn’t know the man but he sounds like he was a good man.  Not much to say for a life that ended too soon other than everyone leaves a ripple in the pond of life.  We all leave the world a changed place – some just more than others…

  544. 544.

    Amy

    What a beautiful summary of what/who Alain was to many people. As a friend and colleague of his dear Mom, I knew how unique and giving their relationship was. I, too, knew of his struggles following her passing but was so happy to receive a call from him less than a week ago telling me about his move, his plans for his garden and his koi pond, his joy being settled in a home both he and Carol loved with their special fur babies ( cats) and his plans to “ live happily ever after”. It was so good to hear his joie de vivre had returned.

    He was his old gregarious self, asking if he could pick up and deliver anything I might need in the midst of this pandemic. Giving, loving, concerned about others, gentle and kind, as he has been in the past 24 years.

    In your own way , you made a mark on the lives of many and will be held in our hearts forever.

  545. 545.

    fuckwit

    Wow, I just randomly logged in here after some years away, and read this. Very sad.

    I worked with Alain on the site in early 2016, got some of the WordPress mess untangled for him, helped him fix some bugs, and got him set up with Git, which was desperately needed. Also helped him move to new hosting, IIRC, it’s been a while. He was very grateful for the help, and kicked down some money to me as well as I was unemployed.

    I got a full-time job while this was all going on, and wasn’t available much afterwards. I also stopped tracking politics so haven’t been to the site much at all since then. Suddenly got an urge to see how things are in juice-land, and saw a reference to this post.

    So very sad. He was such a friendly guy, and had such a go-getter attitude. Despite whatever technical hurdle he had to face, he just went for it.

    My condolences to his fiancee, family, and friends here and elsewhere.

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