John Herbst (5thGenDemocrat) has passed away

[MSchreader]

It's my sad responsibility to let you all know that John Herbst (aka 5thGenDemocrat) passed away late Friday night. He was 53 years old. He had went into the hospital a week ago with breathing problems; the doctors later discovered he had advanced adrenal sarcoma throughout his entire body. He had been on a ventilator and in a medically-induced coma for a time, but was taken off those Friday evening by mutual consent of himself and his immediate family. John had made it clear that he did not wish to "linger".

John was an early member of DU, and he, along with davsand and Khephra, introduced me and countless others to this forum. As his name implies, he was a lifetime supporter of the Democratic Party.

Many of you know that John organized an annual social event called Funday. In fact, he was working on Funday XVI when he entered the hospital for the last time. His partner, Polly, and John's closest friends are going to follow John's wishes and hold Funday XVI on June 12, 2010, as a tribute and memorial to him. The family will be organizing another memorial service for John later in the summer.

If anyone has any questions, they can contact me.

[yewberry]

1. Gee, I'm sorry to hear that.

Thanks for letting us know.

If you're in contact with his family, please give them my sympathies and let them know that John will be missed here at DU.

[Hawkeye-X]

2. May his memory be for a blessing.

I remember many of his posts.

Hawkeye-X

[Blue_Tires]

3. r.i.p.

[myrna minx]

4. How heartbreaking.

May he rest in peace. :hug:

[ThatsMyBarack]

19. Indeed.

O8)

[MadMaddie]

5. This is terrible news!

John had his final wishes respected by his wife and family, I hope all of us will have that peace when our times come.

RIP my friend!

[UpInArms]

6. thanks for the post, MSchreader

5thGenDemocrat seemed like a wonderful person and was a great DUer.

He will be missed.

:(

[Berry Cool]

7. I'm very sorry. How sad. n/t

[eleny]

8. rest in peace

[calimary]

9. Damn, another good one gone.

Rest in Peace, John.

:hug:

[stevedeshazer]

10. I'm so sorry to hear this news.

Peace and love.

[WillyT]

11. Rest In Peace John...

:cry:

:grouphug:

[salin]

12. He was one of my first friends on DU back in early 2002.

Always enjoyed exchanges. He was a great spirit. RIP. Wish I could make it up to Funday in his honor. He brightened many a day for me. Peace to his loved ones.

[JitterbugPerfume]

13. we will miss him

he was a much loved Duer

[Gemini Cat]

14. He was one of my favourites and one of the good guys.

I always liked him.
Rest in peace!

[WillyT]

15. Kick...

:kick:

[JitterbugPerfume]

16. Kick

for John

[Voltaire]

17. Another Old-Time DUer gone from us

5thGenDemocrat was a noble soul and will be missed.

[Odin2005]

18. OH NO!

:(

[Junkie Brewster]

20. My condolences to you, to DU, and to his family N/T

[Crewleader]

21. Rest In Peace My Dear Friend,

for YOU will truly be missed and never forgotten. :cry: