Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Teach a man to fish, and he’ll sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

Democracy cannot function without a free press.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

Republicans cannot even be trusted with their own money.

“woke” is the new caravan.

Today in our ongoing national embarrassment…

Someone should tell Republicans that violence is the last refuge of the incompetent, or possibly the first.

It’s a good piece. click on over. but then come back!!

You’re just a puppy masquerading as an old coot.

Wake up. Grow up. Get in the fight.

President Musk and Trump are both poorly raised, coddled 8 year old boys.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. keep building.

I would try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

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

Following reporting rules is only for the little people, apparently.

Is it negotiation when the other party actually wants to shoot the hostage?

Hell hath no fury like a farmer bankrupted.

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

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

Let’s bury these fuckers at the polls 2 years from now.

The lights are all blinking red.

Books are my comfort food!

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

The poor and middle-class pay taxes, the rich pay accountants, the wealthy pay politicians.

You are here: Home / Absent Friends / Sad News, We Have Lost Our Beloved OzarkHillbilly

Sad News, We Have Lost Our Beloved OzarkHillbilly

by | 328 Comments

This post is in: ,

Medium Cool – Equilibrium!

Our beloved OzarkHillbilly is gone.

He left this earth at the end of August, just a small number of days after his last comment here.

Ozark didn’t want a funeral, or a fuss, or an obituary, and so there was none.

Such a special person.  Smart, thoughtful, kind, generous, knowledgeable, sharing his building experience with all of us as needed.   And not a bit of mansplaining!  I will remember him for his stories.  For the love of his land.  For his love of his dogs.  For his fierce love for his sons.  I will never forget when he nearly lost one of his sons in a terrible accident. For his love of family,  And oh, those grandkids!  How he loved his Mondays!

He shared a lot of himself with us through his stories.  But Ozark was also very private in some ways, keeping blog life separate from some of the people in his life.  So we’re going to respect that, and not post his name here.  I’m not about to “out” OzarkHillbilly and share any parts of him that he shared only with us.  We’ll allow his blog life and real life to remain separate.

It’s hard to read what you’re writing when your eyes are filled with tears, so I stopped to get a handkerchief just now, and I found this note in my handkerchief drawer.  I had seen it somewhere and it resonated with me because I sometimes struggle with all these things.

Be free.
Be free from pain
from fear
from regret
from guilt
and from heartbreak.
Be free.

We love you, Ozark, and you are already missed.  You’re with your beloved Woofmeister now.  Fly away, home!

i will probably repost some of the stories he sent me – he was such a great storyteller!  Here’s a photo from one of Ozark’s stories about his beloved dogs. Ozark had titled it longlastgoodbye.

And now we come to the Irish wake part, where I hope we can maybe smile through the tears and share our own stories about OzarkHillbilly and the world he shared with us.  If not today, then soon.

Raising a glass to you, Ozark, we are all lucky to have known you!

Reader Interactions

328Comments

  1. 1.

    JPL

    Sorry but I’m not going to smile today.   He will be missed and  I hope he realized how much we loved him.   RIP

  2. 2.

    japa21

    I just can’t express the loss I feel at this news.

    ETA At hospital where Mrs Japa just underwent major spinal surgery. Maybe later I’ll write some of my memories of OH.

  6. 6.

    dmsilev

    Damn.

    Thank you for letting us know. I think a lot of people guessed that something tragic had happened. He definitely will be missed.

  8. 8.

    CaseyL

    Dammit. Dammit.

    I’m gutted. Ozark was a treasure for his knowledge, wit and warmth.​

    ETA: Not to infringe on his privacy, but do you know if his wife, dogs, and household are doing all right?

  15. 15.

    Yarrow

    Oh, no! Terrible news. I am so sorry to hear this. Loved Ozark’s posts and his love for his family, dogs and garden came through loud and clear. Especially his love for his grandkids. I looked forward to his garden posts and it was a special treat when we got his frost flower photos.

    Deepest condolences to his family. Is there anything we can do to help? My heart goes out to his wife. She must be so bereft.

  22. 22.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    Damn.

    Without outing him by name, is there a way to check on his family and make sure they have what they need? Or if there’s any assistance that we’re able to offer?

  27. 27.

    TBone

    Olive Juice, Ozark! * I told ya I loved ya here right away (maybe scared him a little that day, I was so new and brash) and damn how I wish I, we all, had more time to spend with you.

    (*Loving reference to ‘The Other Sister’ movie)

    I don’t know how to say anything more right now about how he made me feel such an immediate kinship.  He was the BJ “Daniel” to my Carla. 😭

    https://youtu.be/2WtkWZyPehM

  32. 32.

    mrmoshpotato

    RIP OzarkHillbilly.

    Condolences to his family and friends.

    I hope whatever ailment took him was painless.

  33. 33.

    NeenerNeener

    Damn. I was afraid of this when people started noticing that he hadn’t posted in awhile. RIP, OH.

  36. 36.

    Renie

    So sad to hear this.  He was one of the reasons I came to BJ every day.  Please let us know if his family needs assistance.

  37. 37.

    No One of Consequence

    My condolences to all his loved ones and the ones who loved him. May he be a lesson and an example. (Unironically, for once.)

    Peace OzarkHillbilly,

    -NOoC

  38. 38.

    Mel

    He was a beautiful soul. Humor, decency, wisdom, and kindness in equal measure in his thoughts and posts here, and he expressed such love for his beloved family and his pets.

    My heart goes out to his family  and friends. Can we help in any way?

  39. 39.

    comrade scotts agenda of rage

    Oh, this is so awful.  It’s like when OG blogger Doghouse Riley passed.

    Now there’s nobody to share Central Misery stories about life in red, rurl ‘Murka.  Sheesh, he used to take his chickens to the processors 5 miles up the road from us.  He remembered our B&B, the Dauphine Hotel.  I felt like it was such a great big/small world when I knew there was somebody here who lived in the same area and just *knew* what I was talking about when referring back to my decades there.

    Per others, if there’s anything we can do, please holler.

  40. 40.

    No One of Consequence

    Oh and indeed, as others have said, thank you WaterGirl for the follow-up and all you do. It is appreciated.

  41. 41.

    Soprano2

    Oh I’ve been dreading this post, but I knew it was probably coming. I just feel gutted for the loss of my fellow MIssouri hillbilly. I loved his stories and how much he loved his wife and kids and dogs and everything. Dammit, dammit, dammit, too much loss. I’m concerned about his wife, I hope she’s OK. He had talked about her having what sounded like some relatively serious health issues recently. Damn, damn, damn……. :-(

  43. 43.

    Westyny

    Terrible news.  I knew he’d been missed for a few weeks and that he wasn’t in great health, but hadn’t heard that any crisis was at hand.  Will miss his warmth and NYM (as I think the Ozarks are quite beautiful).

  45. 45.

    dexwood

    Well, fuck. Such terrible news. So very sad. Peace for him, peace and strength for his family. He was loved and respected. Ozark was a jackle who played a big role here, he helped make this blog the  the good place it is.

  46. 46.

    stinger

    A rural resident myself, I so enjoyed hearing about his life in the holler. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones.

  47. 47.

    kindness

    A sad loss.  I always liked his comments.  Didn’t always agree but that didn’t stop me from appreciating his presence & thoughts.

  49. 49.

    Mr. Mack

    De-lurking to say this news hits kinda hard.  Good man, one of my favorite Jackals.  Our family sends condolences to his family.

  50. 50.

    rikyrah

    I am in my office crying.

    How I used to look forward to his morning ‘ blech’.

    It always made me smile.

    He was such a softie for the grandbabies. I know that he absolutely adored him.

    This is gonna take awhile. Loved his wit.

    RIP Ozark.

  53. 53.

    narya

    There’s a major dust storm in my living room right now. Thank you for tracking down the info so we can grieve together here—I’m gonna miss him a lot. I always looked forward to his morning blech and his comments and his gardening reports.

  54. 54.

    Ann Marie

    I am so sorry to learn of his passing.  Even as mainly a lurker, his were among the comments I always looked for.  A loss to this community as well as his physical one.

  55. 55.

    hitchhiker

    As dan savage routinely says, that’s not the obituary I was hoping to read today. I’m so sorry to hear this.

  56. 56.

    zeecube

    I always felt he was part of the fabric that holds this site together.  He will be sorely missed.  RIP OH.

  58. 58.

    jonas

    One of my favorite commenters here and with a unique perspective coming from where he was. Such a sad loss. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.

  59. 59.

    Lapassionara

    Thank you, WaterGirl. I’m hoping we can have a “frost flower” tribute to him when the time comes. He added so much to our conversations.

  60. 60.

    Chat Noir

    Oh wow. Sad news. I always enjoyed his pictures and comments. So sorry for his family and friends and this blog community for our collective loss.

  66. 66.

    Aimai

    Oh no! He was such a warm presence here! His kindness, creativity, and humanity just leaped off the screen. I always knew I would want to hear what he had to say. Rest in peace.

  67. 67.

    WendyBinFL

    What a heartbreaking loss. I’m really going to miss Ozark’s wisdom, humor and garden.

    Twilight, and evening bell,
    And after that, the dark.
    And may there be no sadness of farewell
    When I embark.
    — Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “Crossing the Bar”

  68. 68.

    Barbara

    I am so sad to read this.  I didn’t know him in real life, obviously, but it always struck me that he must have enormous courage, integrity and yes, compassion, to be so willing to wear his contrary heart so openly on his sleeve.

    He will be missed here.

    Condolences to all of his family.

  71. 71.

    Quinerly

    Very good guy that I personally had the pleasure of knowing. At some point I will repeat my story about being a lurker here for years and making my first comment when I realized Ozark was someone I had known in person years prior.

    He was as nice in person has he was here with his comments.

    If ever in St. Louis, check out The Venice Cafe. Raise a glass and toast him, while sitting at the beautiful wooden bar he built close to 40 years ago.

  73. 73.

    Elizabelle

    Too soon gone.  His granddaughters are old enough to remember him, I think.  He certainly cherished them.

    Wonderful guy.  We need more Ozarks, not less.  Condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

  74. 74.

    Eric S.

    Damn.

    I rarely comment but I’m here every day, multiple times a day. Seven or 8 years ago he recommended a place to eat when I passed through his neck of the woods. Two weeks ago I thought of him because of all his house work stories as I painted my fence. And today I have tears for him.

    RIP Ozark.

  76. 76.

    Leto

    Well, fuck.

    He always had smart, thoughtful comments that definitely left impressions. His love of family (Mrs Ozark, sons/grandchildren, dogs) was always present, and such a positive example of non-toxic masculinity. Condolences to his family.

    Fuck.

  78. 78.

    Ben Cisco

    Just saw this. Back from burying a fraternity brother of over 40 years who passed at about the same time.

    Agreed that Ozark was among the best of us. He’ll be missed.

  83. 83.

    cain

    Really sad to hear this. He was a great person and always enjoyed his comments here over the long years. A hard loss for our community.

    I can’t help but think he’s probably pissed, not just because of not being around and see his grandchildren growing up and the like. But dammit, I wish we could have shared our victory over Trump with him. :/

  85. 85.

    Soprano2

    I’m listening to my favorite requiem Mass, the John Rutter Requiem. I performed it a long time ago, I hope I get to do it again someday. It’s a smaller work, but beautiful. It has one of the best settings of the 23rd Psalm I’ve ever heard.

    Then maybe I’ll listen to the Verdi, that’s a good one for if you’re having an angry loss…..

  88. 88.

    Dagaetch

    I’m so sorry for the loss of all who knew and loved him. I always appreciated reading his comments and getting his point of view.

  90. 90.

    Soprano2

    @Lapassionara: If you do that let me know, I’d try to come up for that.

    Just goddamn, how can such a good man die when that shambling orange horror is still among us?  Just damn, damn, damn….

  92. 92.

    comrade scotts agenda of rage

    @Lapassionara:

    That’s so kind of you.  I can’t think of anything better than to meet at the Venice Cafe with y’all and drink at OH’s bar.

  95. 95.

    suzanne

    This is terrible news. Oh my God.

    Ozark was a shining light and I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

  96. 96.

    Soprano2

    @Lapassionara: I love the Faure too, I’ve sung it a few times. The “In Paradisum” always  makes me cry. ETA – I met a woman from Kansas who got to go to New York City with her daughter and perform the Rutter Requiem conducted by John Rutter. I was so jealous…..

  99. 99.

    lily

    Fuck. No.

    OH wrote beautifully about caving.  Gave good advice if asked about building.  His house yard pics seemed a bit magical.  And the flowers.

  101. 101.

    delphinium

    Such sad news-my condolences to his family. Always enjoyed his comments but especially his Garden Chat posts with his photos from the hollers, the flutterbys, and the lovely frost flowers. Remember one post he did with fields waving in the sun and will think of him walking there in peace now.

  104. 104.

    frosty

    I’m so sorry to hear this news. I will miss his comments about the holler, his pictures, and his overall attitude. He was a commenter I relied on to hear from every day. His loss is another big hole in the blog.

  106. 106.

    DarbysMom

    Damn it.  I’m going to miss his presence here so much.  Why is it that the good ones leave us too soon? I was just talking about OH last night with my husband.  I had grown a particular type of squash this year because he had said he grew it.  We had some for dinner last night.

    I need another kleenex.

  108. 108.

    Mustang Bobby

    When I would comment first thing in the morning — when I was at work before anyone else — he would greet me, and once in a great while we’d share a private story.  I will miss his charm, his sense, his love of nature, his dogs, and his family, and there’s a light gone from my life.

  109. 109.

    Trollhattan

    My gosh, what sad, sad news.

    This joint will never be the same sans Ozark–blessed journeys, friend. You are already missed.

    Deepest condolences to Ozark’s family.

  114. 114.

    Mike E

    @Soprano2: I worked on a production of the Verdi Requiem nearly 40 years ago during Pavarotti’s Philadelphia voice competition, vivid memories… I’ll be thinking of Ozark today as well.

  117. 117.

    Jackie

    I was braced for the worst, but oh so hoping for good news.

    It wasn’t to be.

    I’m bawling with sorrow that one of the best of the best of us is gone.

    My heart goes out to his family whose hearts are broken. We loved him, but we couldn’t love him as completely and fully as his family; he wanted it that way.

    Thinking of his beloved wife, and his absolute adoration he had for his grandchildren… I’m crying even harder. Mondays were Grandkids Day, and Mondays will always make me think of Ozark.

    R.I.P. OzarkHillbilly♥️

  118. 118.

    Quinerly

    @Elizabelle:

    He mentioned it here a few times.

    Last time I saw him and we downed a few (Stags…don’t judge) was after the march in St. Louis, 2017 after Trump’s inauguration. We headed to The Venice after the march. Sat at “his bar.” He basically was the carpenter in residence there for many years. It was so cool “finding” him here on BJ after he had moved away from the city.

  120. 120.

    Soprano2

    @Mike E: Wow, I bet that was quite an experience. I think it’s the closest you can get to singing opera without being in an opera. It has one of the most famous “Dies Irae” openings in the world. Everyone knows it even if they don’t know where it comes from.

  121. 121.

    Elizabelle

    @Quinerly:  That is wonderful, reconnecting. And I remember you two talking on the blog about meeting up at the March.

    Sad that he did not live to see Trump incarcerated.  So we will raise a glass to Ozark when that (inevitably, please) finally happens.

  122. 122.

    arrieve

    I am so gutted to hear this. Of all the wonderful personalities that I have come to know in my years of hanging out here, he was one of my favorites. I loved being able to explore a part of the country I don’t know at all through his stories and photos–those frost flowers!

    What a fine community this is and he was a pillar of it.

  123. 123.

    becca

    I read the news at Outside the Beltway. Hearts are broken throughout the ether.

    I don’t remember there not being an Ozark here at BJ. I wasn’t at all ready for this.

  124. 124.

    Elizabelle

    @narya:  Yes!  Steep is there too. Housecat remaining outside in the doughty Kia.

    Amir and guitar Sister Rosetta Tharpe are nearby; unsure whether to enter said bar or not …

  125. 125.

    Soprano2

    God September sucks even more now than it did before. Sunday was the 12th anniversary of my sister’s death. :-(

  126. 126.

    piratedan

    we are better for having known him

    I hope that his real family will know that he was just as adored by his online one.

  127. 127.

    One of the Many Jens

    Oh, this is terrible news. Thanks to WaterGirl and everyone involved for letting us know. I’d been wondering whether he was taking a break, since I thought he’d mentioned his wife was having medical issues; I’m so sad to learn this. The world is better that he was here, and sadder now that he’s gone.

    Does anyone know how his wife is doing?  If anyone’s in touch, and are able to pass on condolences and best wishes to her from an internet stranger, I’d appreciate it!

  129. 129.

    currants

    oh NO–what a loss!  He was often one of the early (if not first) commenters on the garden threads, and I loved his garden photos.  Especially the FROST FLOWERS!  I am so sorry.

  131. 131.

    Ken

    Terrible news. I have relatives in his area, and it was always fun to share places we both knew — Mo-Hick BBQ, the weird tiny Wal-Mart in Cuba. He will be missed.

  132. 132.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I have been dreading this post. Even though braced for this terrible news since seeing some not-so-cryptic comments yesterday, it is still a gut punch.

    I always loved seeing Ozark’s comments — that curmudgeonly façade which was utterly belied by the gooey marshmallow love he had for his critters and family, especially the granddaughters. A great sadness of my life is that I never met him in person. Those of you who did, I know you’re cherishing those memories.

    Good man, rest in peace. We love you and miss you.

  135. 135.

    Cheryl from Maryland

    His love for his wife, his sons, his grandchildren, his dogs, and his land was stupendous.  Requiescat in pace.

  137. 137.

    SFBayAreaGal

    Well damn. I was thinking about him today. I was missing his belch in the morning posts.

    I will miss you tremendously Ozark.

    I loved your stories about your family and your dogs. I loved how you took the time to explain a carpentry question. I loved your caving stories. 

    My condolences to Ozark’s family and friends. He was a special man.

  139. 139.

    HeleninEire

    Oh no. He will be sorely missed. And it so sad that his granddaughters, who he clearly loved to the end of the earth, will not grow up knowing him.

    Just so sad. May he Rest in Peace.

  140. 140.

    RaflW

    Oh, my. I am sitting alone in my living room and exclaimed out loud “What?!” when I read the title & first sentence.

    Dang. Rough news. Wishing his circle of beloveds peace as they navigate this time.

  141. 141.

    Scout211

    Oh no. I am so sad. What a terrible loss for his family, his friends and all of us here.

    Rest in peace and in love, OH.

    Sending love and healing to his family.

    And in his honor, a thousand “blechs” to everyone here.

    ❤️❤️❤️

  142. 142.

    Spanky

    Well shit. The signs were ominous but I was holding out hope. My deepest condolences to his wife and kids and beautiful granddaughters, of whom he could never get enough of.

    And condolences to all of us, as well.

    (Edited for grammar, because this is still Balloon Juice.)

  143. 143.

    Sure Lurkalot

    This is sad news. Reading all these comments from the people he touched with his dry wit and wisdom. I delighted in his garden stories and shuddered at his caving tales (lifelong claustrophobe). And how he loved and honored his family. Condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren, friends and all who got to know him here.

  150. 150.

    Sister Machine Gun of Quiet Harmony

    This makes me so sad. He was one of the MO commenters I always wanted to meet in person. 😭 I enjoyed his thoughtful posts.

  153. 153.

    bluefoot

    Dammit. He was definitely one of the best of us. Compassion, humor and quiet joy all in one curmudgeonly package.

  154. 154.

    Flat Earth Luddite

    Fair winds and a following sea, Ozark.  Another brother I never got to meet except online, but a brother in so many ways.  Happy walks with the woof!

  156. 156.

    chris

    Lurker here but you know he was a character in my own ongoing saga that I invented for my own mind for our little community here. Carpenter, lover of family, fierce (Spanish?) wife—Sail on brother.

    May his memory be a blessing.

  157. 157.

    4D*hiker

    The photos he shared always had a special light. I will miss those photos and that light. Sending wishes of peace and love to his family….

  159. 159.

    Tdjr

    Writing through tears. I am profoundly sorry to hear this news and will miss his humor and insights. Sorry too for all of his friends and family.

  161. 161.

    comrade scotts agenda of rage

    @Quinerly:

    Oh man, I was at the STL march while my wife had flown back to DC for the big show.  Drove in from Central Misery, had no idea the connections.  Damn.

  163. 163.

    Kristine

    I loved his gardening posts and the progress reports about all the work he did around his place. An electric-blue dot in a sea of red and didn’t care who knew it. I think that took some courage.

    I am going to miss him.

  165. 165.

    comrade scotts agenda of rage

    @Elizabelle:

    So, efgoldman and and Schlemazel and Ozark are sitting at a bar, that Ozark built …

    @narya:

    and Steeplejack walks in…

    Okay, I *had* stopped tearing up…

  166. 166.

    cckids

    Oh, such sad news. RIP from the left coast, Ozark. You are missed by so many who never met you, because you shared your kindness, wit and wisdom with us all. May you be greeted with all the dogs and people you’ve loved, with wildflowers and soft green days.

  167. 167.

    banditqueen

    His love: of family, animals, gardens, nature, making things, friends here and everywhere… his memory will always be a blessing and no matter how sad this is, he has made the world a better place. Peace and comfort.

  168. 168.

    J. Arthur Crank

    Damn, this is a kick in the nuts.   I am sorry for his family and friends.  It is tough to say goodbye like this.

  170. 170.

    Elizabelle

    @West of the Rockies:  No, but absolutely no contact for months now.  He rather liked us, and had heart trouble … I miss him greatly.  Remains a man of mystery and talent.  I am glad he got to indulge his love of (electric!) guitars late in life.  And kittehs.

  172. 172.

    skerry

    I am saddened to hear this. I enjoyed his posts and photos. If his family needs any help, please let us know.

  173. 173.

    A Good Woman

    I enjoyed his posts, and I think I have half an idea of the general vicinity where he lived.  I drive through there once a year for the holidays.  It’s a beautiful area.

    Condolences to his family.

  176. 176.

    Ken In Hogtown

    Such sad news.  I will miss his garden posts, his way with words and his dogs.  It is sad, sad news.  RIP

  179. 179.

    Bex

    Where has this cold come from?

    “It comes with the death of your friend.”

    Will I always, from now on, be this cold?

    “No, it will diminish.  But always

    it will be with you.”

    What is the reason for it?

    “Wasn’t your friendship  always as beautiful

    as a flame?”

     

    For Tom Shaw S.S.J.E. (1945-2014)  by Mary Oliver

  180. 180.

    Math Guy

    One of the first to welcome me to Balloon Juice when I de-lurked. Peace unto him and his loved ones.

  181. 181.

    Tazj

    I’m so sorry to read this. I rarely comment but I certainly enjoyed reading his. His love for his family was fierce, my condolences to them.

  195. 195.

    Scout211

    @Jackie: WaterGirl, is it possible to dedicate this Sunday’s Garden Chat to Ozark?

    Send that request to Ann Laurie. She posts the Garden Chat every Sunday. It’s a great idea.

  198. 198.

    Quinerly

    @comrade scotts agenda of rage:

    I had my group pretty organized. Pretty sure I put out a little invite here to others in the area. Sure wish we could have connected. There were about 20 of us who met at Billie’s Fine Foods, a dive diner, in my old neighborhood. We left with full stomachs and marched and hung with Claire McCaskill for quite awhile.

    Enjoy The Venice if you can check it out. Ozark mentioned it several times over the years here. When I was still in the neighborhood, I would announce to him once in awhile that I had drunk at “his” bar the Saturday before. Lots of changes with it over the years, including staff and one owner. The wooden bar and the craftsmanship will stand the test of time….for sure.

  200. 200.

    Rusty

    We are blessed to part of this weird and wonderful community here at BJ, but reality is also we are are all over the country and globe and our connections can be tenuous.  Like all here, I saw Ozarkhillbilly as a beloved member of this blog and will miss his commentary and presence.   Prayers for all his family and friends that will miss him.

  201. 201.

    storm777

    Luker here. I always read Ozark and appreciated him, his achievements through adversity. His memory is a blessing to all here, and to his family. Sigh.

  204. 204.

    Thor Heyerdahl

    Raising a glass to the memories of Ozark and condolences to his family & friends. Thank you for being a part of my (online) life.

  205. 205.

    Nelle

    I have not been keeping up and didn’t know that he was in ill health.  I’m gutted.  This daughter of a union carpenter so loved his carpenter and his union stories.  And the grandchildren – going to get them, watching over them.  He was a wonder and this place is the poorer without him and his “blechs.”

  206. 206.

    MazeDancer

    Oh, Ozark, do not want you to be gone. You were so wonderful and real.

    Always thrilled when you might respond to something I posted.

    We were honored by your presence. We stand bereft, but together, in your absence.

    .Smile down on us from time to time. We can always use your blessing.

  207. 207.

    badgetoon

    Thinking about flying to Misery just to sit at a bar and drink in tribute to OH. Balloon Juice is an amazing place and he was an amazing part of this community.​

  210. 210.

    Old School

    How sad.  My sympathies to Ozark’s real life family and friends and condolences to all here who will miss him as well.

  212. 212.

    Marcopolo

    RIP OH.  Thanks for the morning blech, the sarcastic commentary, & the beautiful home/garden/flower pics.

    Wish we’d figured out how to coax you to join one of the StL BJ meetups we had back in the day.  There were 2 or 3 around a decade or so ago and while it was fun to meet Quinerly (glad you are enjoying NM now), BCinSIL, and LaPassionata, we couldn’t get OH to make the drive into town.  Probably enjoying his place & his lovely wife too much but I would have liked to have experienced you in the flesh.

    I’m not around here as much as I used to be but thanks everyone for creating such a wonderful meaningful community. 👋🙏

  213. 213.

    Almost Retired

    So sorry to hear this.  I always read his posts.  Such a multi-faceted, interesting guy.  Definitely someone I wish I had known in real life.

  215. 215.

    MazeDancer

    @Quinerly: Lucky you! And thanks for gathering the info to pass along to Water Girl.

    One of the pics of the Venice Cafe shows a bar with what looks like stain glass siding. Is that the one?  Very impressive.

  216. 216.

    No Nym

    Delurking to say as a longtime reader here, Ozark was one of the people whose thoughts and words had a calming effect on the jackal population. As a fellow Missourian, I am devastated to know our struggling state has lost another liberal voice. I loved his comments about St. Louis, as I grew up there and often recognized places he mentioned. What a loss for us all, but especially for his family. Dogspeed, Ozark.

  219. 219.

    Rileys Enabler

    Very sad to hear this; was hoping he was just out gardening for a bit. Will miss the morning “Blech”, and his way of moving through the words kindly. Condolences to his family.

  222. 222.

    Spanish Moss

    @lily: Thanks for the link to the old post, it was nice to read one again. It made me cry even more, but then I felt a little better by the end, perhaps because it was a reminder of all of the love he had in his life. He will truly be missed.

  223. 223.

    Quinerly

    @Marcopolo:

    Sweet coincidence. When I was looking thru emails and pics the other day from 2017, I found our emails for our Meet Up at McGurk’s. That was a fun evening. We should have made them a regular event. I had forgotten we were trying to coordinate so SteveInAtl could join us until I found the email thread.

    Hope you are doing well.

  224. 224.

    pieceofpeace

    Appreciation to Ozark, who shared himself while respecting alternative opinions, who openly expressed  his thoughts and feelings, and whether you agreed or not with those, it was his enthusiasm that remained and was admired.

    I think he made a worthwhile, interesting life and loved fiercely.

  227. 227.

    pika

    Thank you for so gently breaking this news to us, WaterGirl. I envy the people who knew him well and have now even more motivation to work to bring about the change he longed to see

  228. 228.

    Betty Cracker

    Terrible news. The world is a sadder place for losing such a good man. Fair winds and following seas, Hillbilly friend.

  230. 230.

    BeautifulPlumage

    Damn, such a loss. My thoughts are with his family & friends. Thanks to everyone who is sharing his stories,

  231. 231.

    Quinerly

    @MazeDancer: he did all the wood for the main bar. Honestly, I haven’t looked at the VC website in awhile. There are at least 3 bars…The Boat Bar (outside), The Explorer’s Club Bar (upstairs), and that main wooden bar that has been added to over the years. Most of the tile and glass mosaic work was done by a good friend. (Actually, she first introduced me to OH in the early 1990’s. She ended up doing the mosaic counter tops/backsplashes in my kitchen, 3 bathroom walls and floors, 2 hall floors, and an AirBnB walk out basement apt for me. If you ever go to City Museum in St. Louis, you will see a lot of her work there.)

  232. 232.

    EarthWindFire

    Devastating news. OH was such a complete man. Such talent, kindness, and strength through adversity. Raising a glass with a big blech to you, OH. You are loved, and you are missed.

  235. 235.

    Mai Naem mobile

    Just saw this post. I enjoyed Ozark’s garden and dog stuff. He was such a mainstay at BJ. This is just so sad. RiP Ozark.

  236. 236.

    like a metaphor

    my favorite quote from him;

    “just close your eyes   and kiss the girl   and go where the tilt-a-whirl takes you”

    ♥

  238. 238.

    lowtechcyclist

    What sad news – like hundreds of others at this almost top-10,000 blog, I’ll miss his commentary, his morning ‘blech’, his stories (especially in my case his caving stories), his love of his grandchildren, the whole nine yards.

    Rest in peace, OzarkHillbilly. See you someday on the other side.

  239. 239.

    danielx

    That is news I didn’t need, another good man gone. Time to replenish the Bushmills supply and raise a glass tonight to someone whose words and wit I treasured and will greatly miss.

  243. 243.

    Paul W.

    RIP Ozark, I saw him as ubiquitous to this blog and am saddened he won’t be around when we kick Trump’s ass and elect the first woman president in just a couple of months.

  247. 247.

    Layer8Problem

    Damn. I just saw this, overseas. He was a solid, good-hearted, steady voice here, and we are the less without it.

  249. 249.

    Donatellonerd

    another rare commenter who loved OH. his memory will be a blessing. again, Water Girl, if there’s anything we can do for his family …

  250. 250.

    CatRadio

    Adding my voice to those who mourn a man who spoke up for those who could not. Blessings to his family here and at home.

  251. 251.

    J.

    Oh no! I wondered why I didn’t his nym here lately. Thank you for sharing the news, @WaterGirl, and doing it in such a beautiful way. RIP, OzarkHillbilly.

  252. 252.

    tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)

    So sad to wake up and see this post. Ozark’s fierce love for his wife, family, animals, and home always came through in his comments. He will be greatly missed.

  253. 253.

    Another Scott

    Oh no. :-(

    Condolence, peace, and comfort to all who knew and loved him. He will be missed very much.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  256. 256.

    brantl

    @la caterina:  Because like all of us, you have a heart,

    Ozark, you definitely made the world a better place, go with grace, my friend. Damn, it’s hard to see the keys.

  257. 257.

    Quiltingfool

    I’ve been thinking about Ozark Hillbilly, worried about him, and hoping maybe he was taking a social media break, but would be back.

    We have lost a good person.  My heart hurts for his family.

    May he walk with peace in the Summerlands.

  260. 260.

    Zelma

    What a special community this is and what a special person Ozark Hillbilly was.  I admit to crying when I heard the news.  I don’t post much but I so appreciate those who do.  And Ozark was one of the best.  We will all miss him

  262. 262.

    Kathleen

    My deepest condolences to his family and friends, including his BJ family. He was a beautiful energy and I’m grateful he shared it here. Rest In Peace, Sir, and may you greet your hosts at the Pearly Gates with a hearty “blech”.

  263. 263.

    BellyCat

    Damn… Another bright light shifted to another plane

    Thanks to WG and others checking in on his status. Very touching.

  264. 264.

    Madeleine

    Ozark reminded me of my brother in law, who was more my brother than my brother. He was a cabinet maker, a cook, a gardener, a dog lover, the center of my family. And he was, of all my family, the person my husband and I could talk to. He died of cancer a few years ago.

    That was who Ozark seemed like to me: a carpenter and all-around builder, a cook (I think), a devoted gardener, a man who loved his dogs. And a thinker, a thoughtful, careful thinker. A person willing to help all of us.

    I worried about him–his physical problems (knew them, too, from my BIL) and lately his state of mind. I loved and depended on his comments–the Guardian, politics, gardening, frost flowers, and, of course his granddaughters, his sons, and now-and-then hints about his wife.

    I HATE that he’s gone.

    Edit: please extend my condolences to his family. His memory will be a blessing, I am sure.

  265. 265.

    brantl

    Why is it that the good ones leave us too soon? Because it’s always too soon for the good people and way too late for the bad people; it really is about supply, and demand.

  266. 266.

    Elizabelle

    I am glad to see Ozark get all this love.  I wish he could have understood how vital he was to us during his lifetime.  Think he was not one to dwell on those lines.

    Thinking his family members will eventually see this thread, and hoping it will comfort them.

  267. 267.

    TS

    I was waiting up to hear last night after the Quinerly post but it got to late in my world & I crashed, so thank you Quinerly and WaterGirl  & blessings to Ozark for all he gave to the blog & the Ozarks and his country & the world & so many best thoughts for his family & offline friends.

    The internet is sometimes such a good place – it shrinks our world & lets us all be family.

  268. 268.

    raven

    Goddammit. He and I emailed quite a bit and he was always so helpful with all my goofy ass projects. The guy knew so much about so many things. My first roommate after the Army was a spelunker and he knew him. I’ll have to go back through this thread and see if there are any details. Speed on brother.,

  273. 273.

    SFAW

    Fuck.
    Fuck fuck fuck.
    Ozark was one of my favorite people here.
    Fuck.​ 
    ETA: My deepest condolences to his family, whom he loved dearly. I loved reading about his granddaughters, the (most recent) lights of his life.​​​

  274. 274.

    Ruckus

    Ozark Hillbilly

    So good to know ya

    So sorry to see you go

    You will be missed by all, you brought a lot to this place, and you can’t be replaced

    Au Revior

    Arrivederci

    Auf Wiedersehen

    Adios

    Good Bye

    Rest in Peace

  280. 280.

    Quinerly

    @raven:

    When I lurked here for years….didn’t even have a nym because for years I didn’t even sign up so I could comment…..I always associated you with Ozark. Both you two inspired me to comment….and it was on a post that had nothing to do with politics….it was on 2 music posts.

    Now, I have teared up. Managed not to cry Sun when I learned he had passed away. This is all so very sad. I really don’t think BJ will be the same without him.

  281. 281.

    eclare

    Oh no!  This was what I feared when he hadn’t posted for a while.  I am so sorry to his family, especially his wife, who he was so protective of.  What a sad summer.  Sigh.

  282. 282.

    Ruckus

    @Quinerly:

    I really don’t think BJ will be the same without him.

    It won’t be the same for us, it won’t be the same for the world

    WG, your’s is a very fitting good by.

  285. 285.

    citizen dave

    Just saw this news–adding to everyone’s condolences.  A sad loss in the jackalville.  Will miss the happenings from central Missouri and everything else.

  287. 287.

    Ramalama

    What the actual fck. I loved reading about his home, his yard, his flowers, his dogs, his sons. I mean, Jesus.

    Rest in Petunias.

  289. 289.

    Lyrebird

    Ow ow ow ow…

    This news hurts! The world is indeed smaller and darker without Ozark.

    Can’t add much to what has already been said, but I know it’ll be tough the next few times I open a Sunday garden post.

  293. 293.

    Sandia Blanca

    Those describing him as “a pillar of the community” have expressed my feelings, too. I loved reading about his gardens, his dogs, his family, and life in Missouri. So sad to see him gone.

  294. 294.

    SectionH

    I always hoped I’d get to meet him in person. Gardener, Caver – oh yeah!, all around amazing guy. (I grew up in St. Louis.) I’ve cried on and off most of the day. If I can manage to get to the Missouri Meet-up, I’ll be there. Love and best to all his family.

  296. 296.

    something fabulous

    I am so late to this, but would like somehow to run up his numbers :) in his post here. I too had the sinking feeling.Thanks quietly and all for finding out for us and letting us know, WG.  Maybe it is still ongoing; i haven’t checked yet, but in any case, Dear Ozark, thank you so much for all you gave and did for us here in this little world and the bigger world of your family and friends. If Mrs Ozark should happen by, he spoke of you so fondly and so often you seem quite “real” to me too: I hope you are doing ok; we are all holding you in the light as well.

  297. 297.

    something fabulous

    @something fabulous: ^Quinerly! Sorry about that. My typing seems to be all askew for some reason.

    Also while we are remembering friends gathered at the bar on the other side, a toast to JR in WV as well, whose photo is up top. Cheers to you all, friends.

  298. 298.

    Sphex

    Delurking today because of what so many before me have said better: OH was one of the folks who made me fall in love with this community: caring, opinionated, passionate.

    Thank you, Ozark Hillbilly, for everything you’ve contributed to this community, and may this new peace be either restful or active, depending on what brings you joy. I will miss you, even though I never met you.

  299. 299.

    Ms. Deranged in AZ

    I’m shocked and don’t even know what to say except that this makes me incredibly sad

    May his memory be a blessing.

  300. 300.

    Debbie(Aussie)

    How is it that you can form such strong connections to someone you’ve never met in real life. I’m sobbing so hard I can barely see. OH how much I will miss you. May your beautiful granddaughters have all the wonderful memories of your time together as life goes on, as it always does.

    i felt a small kinship with you when you spoke of your relentless pain. May you now BE FREE!

    With love from down under

    deb

  306. 306.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    Rest in peace, Ozark. How sad to read this morning. My deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends.

  307. 307.

    geg6

    Oh man, what a loss and how did I miss this?!?!?

    Such a good man. We will truly miss him here and I’ll hold his family in the light. Terrible news.

  308. 308.

    Llelldorin

    I’d say “may his memory be a blessing,” but that’s superfluous — we’ve got more than 300 posts making it clear that it already is.

  309. 309.

    Paul in KY

    Great commenter. One of the mighty ones among us jackals. Deepest condolences to his family & loved ones.

  310. 310.

    H.E.Wolf

    We were lucky to have known Ozark on the blog. He’ll be deeply missed.
    My sympathies to his family and friends.

  312. 312.

    Torrey

    So very sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed OzarkHillbilly’s posts and admired the way he used his skills with materials and plants to create a little Eden on his land. He will be very much missed here, and, I am sure, in places and among people we on the blog know nothing about. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

  313. 313.

    NutmegAgain

    I will miss him.  He was such a genuine voice. I hope his passing was easy. Sending love & comfort to his family, friends, and dogs.

  314. 314.

    Fake Irishman

    Good man with a beautiful garden who loved his family, both two- and four-legged, something fierce, had a strong point of view and could relate it directly without a hint of rudeness or condescension to a wide variety of folks on here who had much different backgrounds and life experiences.

    You are missed, Ozark.

  316. 316.

    Bruce K in ATH-GR

    Bilbo Baggins’s compliment to his guests at his eleventy-first birthday party comes to mind; Ozark was part of the glue of this community. He’ll be missed greatly and dearly.

  317. 317.

    Jacel

    Sad that OH is gone. He was exemplary of what is wonderful about this blog, that you can never anticipate what aspects of life and the world will be mentioned in the next comment you read.

  319. 319.

    Soonergrunt

    I always liked him, and I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
    He made this place (and Twitter) brighter.

  321. 321.

    dkinPa

    So very, very sorry to hear this.  My condolences to his family and friends.

    May his memory be a blessing.

  322. 322.

    Anyway

    Such sad news. I always looked forward to Sunday garden posts where Ozark invariably had some interesting comments. My condolences to his wife and the family. RIP Ozark.

  323. 323.

    frosty

    One more comment from me: Ozark gave me my favorite description for when I’m going on a hike when he talked about going out to his garden:

    “I’m just going out to feed the ticks.”

    Along with all his other wonderful attributes, he was funny too.

  326. 326.

    BethanyAnne

    RIP Ozark Hillbilly. I just moved to Arkansas last year, and was hoping I’d meet you at a meetup or something someday. I’m going to miss you.

  327. 327.

    KRK

    Can’t quite believe it. Though more like don’t want to accept it. He was a fixture here for so many years. RIP OzarkHillbillly.

  328. 328.

    MomSense

    The world will be much more blech without you.  I will always remember how the love and joy you felt about spending time with your grand babies came through and I know those happy days they spent with you will stay with them their whole lives.  You were very kind to me when I mentioned I was going through a hard time worrying for my son.  When your son was in that accident I remember the fear you felt and I kept checking in through the night.  We all felt so relieved when you told us he had pulled through.  Then there was how proud and how much you loved your bride.  Gives me hope that someday I will have recovered enough from my abusive marriage to find love again.  Your memories are already a blessing.  Sending love and sympathy to your whole family.  There is an Ozark Hillbilly sized whole in all our hearts.

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