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Site Announcements and Feedback => Announcements/Feedback/Suggestions => Topic started by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:51:32

Title: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:51:32
The staff received this message from Smallfry's father.

"Two weeks ago [on the 14th], Nathan (SmallFry) was struck by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury.  He spent the last two weeks fighting his injury, but passed away yesterday.  [text specific to jwaz]"

Sorry, I'm breaking up here, but I'm going to do my best to start this off.

Smallfry was one of our most active, rambuctious, at times brilliant, but always always ambitious and sorry.. I actually need a second here.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:51:38
Smallfry was one of our most energetic posters, and there is no question in my mind at all that he was one of the main pillars of this community. His positive energy, willingness and eagerness to help, his spirit contributed so much positivity to the forum.. There is no question he will be missed by many; everyone on staff, and I know many of you out there were very close to him as well.

OK, sorry, that's all I can get out right now.

Nate's father passed on this link to us. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter)

Please leave your messages of grief and whatever other feelings this might bring up both here and there, but there especially, as his family is focused on that site.

I can tell you definitively that Nate will be missed on geekhack, quite viscerally, and I can only imagine what his family is going through right now. We will organize something a bit more organized shortly. In
the meantime, please use this thread to leave your thoughts on geekhack.

I WILL BE CONTINUALLY UPDATING THE TEXT BELOW TO REFLECT WHERE WE ARE IN ORGANIZING OURSELVES TO COMMEMORATE THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SMALLFRY

added 9:13a PDT. I highly encourage you to collect your thoughts, process what you need to process and leave both messages here for the community, so we can grieve together, and messages for his family on caringbridge, as they have likely been grieving for weeks now. Unfortunately, I know from experience that the family is often unaware of all of whom their child has touched and every message from someone who was close to their child, even years later, can help them process their overwhelming loss.

added 9:17a PDT. JesusWasAZombie Atakp has been in contact with Nate's father. Please contact Jwaz Atakp directly if you have more private messages for his family. Atakp: http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=profile;u=23252

added 10:22a PDT.

[attach=3]

added 10:41a PDT. We were going to make this a big announcements with fanfair for the anniversary, but I think it is more appropriate make it a small announcement. The first Cherry legend set from Signature Plastics will be a white/orange polycarbonate and ABS set named "Nathan's set". We will cut extra legends to commemorate smallfry's life and contributions. Group buy information will be announced at a later date. Thanks to Kaporkle and |3oilermaker for the renders.

[attach=1]

[attach=2]

added 1:10p PDT. two commemorative key legend ideas: a small fries, his avatar (dyesub, graphics were i think drawn by moonprismpwr)

added 6:22a PDT, 6/20. nate's family will almost certainly be reading this page and is sensitive to graphic and vulgar language. you may feel that way (i sure do), but please refrain from using such language in the thread. thanks guys and gals. we will be moderating this thread in case you forget.

added 8:20a PDT. PLEASE PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE IN CONTACT WITH MR. W. PLEASE we are starting to organize and we want to make sure 110% that we respect and fulfill the family's wishes.

8:30a. smallfry is officially a moderator emeritus.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mashby on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:53:09
I am speechless...
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:54:37
Wow...I don't know what to say. Smallfry took me under his wing when I first joined GH. I actually got to meet him in real life at the Chicago meet earlier this year and I still have the stuff he traded me...He was really happy with the monitor he got. And he was supposed to help me set up this server.

I'm actually very shocked...that's really sad news :(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: linziyi on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:54:57
I don't know him well, but I remember his avatar... I will pay my respect.

I am amazed how well he is connected to this community, that his father actually contacted us and passed on the message...
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: samwisekoi on Sat, 29 June 2013, 10:56:17
This is very sad.  The planet is big, but a community can still be small.  SmallFry was the friendly kid on the steps of the store who would talk to everyone in this community.  He will be remembered and missed.

There is a guestbook for him on this site:  http://www.caringbridge.org/

 - Ron | samwisekoi
RIP SmallFry
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: funkymeeba on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:09:02
Oh no. This can't be real.

SmallFry, I have your set of meebcaps here, and I'm sad we never got it worked out so I could send them to you. Thank you for being so supportive with all my testing on the idea, and all the advice you've given me since I joined GH. Also, thank you for all the support with the meebcast. We have a great crowd now, and it's really all your doing.

Farewell, buddy. You won't be forgotten. :'(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: morpheus on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:12:37
RIP smallfry. I hope you're in a better place.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: The_Beast on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:12:41
A little googling showed that he lived around 6 miles from my grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family.....



....small world. You'll be missed
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mashby on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:17:44
Nathan was such a bundle of energy and so excited about this hobby of ours. His enthusiasm was infectious and he was always willing to lend a hand, nearly to the point of being selfless. From time-to-time his mouth would get ahead of his brain, but that was part of his charm and part of what made him such a joy to talk to -- you knew his heart was always in the right place.

I may not have met him in person, but I did meet an amazing, talented and spirited individual through this forum. I am grateful to have known this small part of his life.

Nathan's participation left a lasting impression on this community, the impact of which can never be filled. He will be missed.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:19:43
My mouth and hands are barely connected to my brain. In Smallfry I often saw a younger me, but with more support and I yearned to give him the kind of community that would support his burgeoning genius.

Sorry.. need a moment again.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:21:57
I remember the night before the Chicago meet that he was up texting me at like 11 pm. He was still building up someone's board and complaining that the SATs were cramping his style. He was going to show up late the Meet and he was bummed about it. I kept telling him to study and he was like no man, keyboards > SATs and I laughed so hard. He was dedicated in a way that I didn't understand at all.

I like to think in the last few months, I've come closer to understanding why he loved GH so much. And he was so involved here. He schooled me in so much about keyboard, computers, and was just a funny guy. Anyone remember his love of Taylor Swift? Dude showed up to the Chicago meet in a red Taylor Swift shirt. Ha...

I'm rambling and I'm sad...
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: naokira on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:24:59
What the hell... I always saw him here at GH, I loved his avatar. He was like a hero to me, in fact all of those who have 5000+ posts.

GH will miss you SmallFry :(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:26:28
I'm sorry, I'm a total wreck right now. I may not be able to post coherently for a while.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Lupizza on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:29:13
May he rest in peace. :/
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:31:19
feel free to send me and the rest of the staff PMs about nate. we will be responding as we can. i am thinking that we should organize something for his family but i can't really think what at all right now.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Atakp on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:33:08
I couldn't believe it when I heard the news. I just had to sit in shock and disbelief for a while. He was an integral part of this community and he influenced a lot of people in a positive way.

His Father actually contacted me regarding any keyboard related stuff he had going in an attempt to tie up any loose ends. I ensured him that he need not worry about that stuff now and expressed my sympathy and condolences to him. He knows how much this community means to Nate.

SmallFry will be missed tremendously. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy were unmatched. 
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: hashbaz on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:34:22
This was awful, shocking news to wake up to this morning.  SmallFry was a friend and a pillar of the community.  A young hacker in the best sense of the word -- curious, intelligent, generous, fun-loving, and community-minded.  Geekhack will miss him.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ApocalypseMaow on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:35:55
It was just yesterday, I was wondering why I hadn't seen him chirping in on this, that and the other...
A very sad day and truly a loss for are community.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Acetrak on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:35:58
Wow. I'm still in shock. He was always trying to be helpful and friendly. I remember being new on GH and he was one to never gets tired of answering questions no matter how elementary they were. He will be missed. RIP SmallFry.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Binge on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:36:13
Really wanted to meet up with him at one of these hack events.  I can't handle this.  :'(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: thegunner100 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:36:54
RIP smallfry. It's sad to see someone go out like that... I hope he's in a better place now.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: badcop on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:39:22
Unbelievable. Life is so short. RIP small fry.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:40:01
Will miss seeing him on IRC.

RIP in Peace son
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Dubsgalore on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:44:03
The first time i joined the irc a few months ago he was so helpful and friendly and we talked for a while about GH and keyboards.

when cpt texted me it was like hearing something literally unreal...this is all too sad.

going to miss him in IRC

RIP
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Shadovved on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:48:06
This is so sudden :'(

We'll miss all the SmallFry posts, and respect to his father too.

Not many parents can hold themselves together at such a juncture and tie up such small loose ends.

RIP
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dndlmx on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:51:37
I'm relatively new to GH. But I remember seeing him on the boards, from before I registered. He had a cheery, positive vibe about him.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed, life is such a fragile thing. RIP dude. :(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Thimplum on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:55:57
I am also speechless.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 29 June 2013, 11:56:48
Damn.  Smallfry was awesome.  This is horrible.  IRC will not be the same without him. I'll miss him.

I just can't believe this.  Just....damn. 

RIP buddy.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: boost on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:12:54
 I am speechless...............

RIP SmallFry! ;(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: infiniti on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:17:31
This is terrible news...

I will include Smallfry and his family and friends in my prayers.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:22:01
I didn't talk to smallfry much but from the few words we exchanged I could tell that he was an awesome guy. I was genuinely shocked when I read the OP.

He truly was a pillar of the community. Always willing to help with the most simple or difficult things. I'll miss his presence and I'm sure everyone else will too.

RIP
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: phetto on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:22:57
RIP Nate.... you will be missed..
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: BunnyLake on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:23:04
totally speechless
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:25:20
totally speechless

This^ I feel like I'm frozen :(
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:36:50
Oh no :(  I did not know him, but he was certainly very active here, and I've seen LOTs of him posting all over the place, and his personality always came through.  I'm so very sorry, for him, for his family, and his friends--what an unfair way to end one's life, especially at such a young age  :'(

Rest in peace, Nathan "Smallfry".
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:43:30
I think you captured his spirit perfectly mkawa.  He was spastic and rambunctious, but also so willing to help, friendly, and just an accepting member of the community.  He had a way of bringing a little light or levity to most treads and he'll be horribly missed.  My thoughts are with his family as I know it's never easy to lose your child, especially one so young.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Thechemist on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:46:50
Unreal is all i can say, it feels like yesterday he was on irc. R.I.P SmallFry, you will be missed.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Larken on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:52:13
I've never conversed with him but his presence was always felt around the forums. Even if he seemed a little mouthy at times, I've always thought he seemed like a great guy. Geekhack won't be the same without him. I'll miss seeing him around.

My condolences to his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: keymaster on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:56:11
Our condolences to the family. Smallfry was a very enthusiastic, happy person from what I could tell. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends, here and at home.

RIP Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:57:56
Wow...... I never really got a chance to know smallfry but some members of this community just stick out you know? You could post a smallfry comment/joke in any thread on this forum and it wouldn't be long before he would chime in with something fun to say. White piece of paper anyone? 

I will definitely miss him here. GH has lost one of its finest members....

RIP SmallFry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Rendom on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:58:32
Condolences to the family. I was wondering why I haven't seen him posting lately, he was everywhere before. Sad to see such a good enthusiast, and friendly person gone.

RIP SmallFry. I'll miss seeing his avatar on almost every thread.. Just feels different without it.  :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Rayne on Sat, 29 June 2013, 12:59:20
wow, I cant belive this. I dident know him that well, but i know he was a very active member, and i will never forget his avatar.
R.I.P. Smallfry you will be missed by many  :-[
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:01:23
holy ****, I'm in such disbelief right now...

May you rest in peace, buddy. And condolences to the family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:02:40
I never really knew the effect this community had on me until this. It's very real now.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ComradeSniper on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:03:30
No way...

It's so hard to believe that all of a sudden he's gone.

RIP Smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:07:57
Rip, he's typing with god now.
Title: Re: In requiem: smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dfj on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:12:13
Nate:
A truly awesome bloke,  so very helpful and positive, so rarely angry.
Sharp as a tack, a bit crazy, crappy at math, great at soldering.
A solid negotiator able and willing to see and talk to folks through their facades.
Funny, creative, occasionally wise.
My friend.

An inspiration: I wish I could have been more like him, when I was his age, and now.
 I guess that's what the future is for.

dfj.


Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Bullveyr on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:12:42
R.I.P.

I didn't know him but I know he was a avid and respected member of this community.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:15:52
I don't know what to say right now. I am still in shock. This is shaking my world right now. I'm so sorry he is gone. :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kenmai9 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:17:56
Rest in peace.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: MOZ on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:18:41
I am speechless...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: JPG on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:23:42
Smallfry brought so much energy to this forum, I just can't believe he's gone...

 :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: iMav on Sat, 29 June 2013, 13:41:40
Just found out about this...

We have lost fellow geekhackers before...but none that have been so involved in our community.  SmallFry was a great asset and it truly saddens me to hear of his passing. 

I am 100% behind whatever we can do to remember him and honor him here at GH.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Zifle on Sat, 29 June 2013, 14:11:34
I cannot recall having been in contact with him personally, but neither do I need to, to know how good of a person he was, and how much he contributed to the community.

May his soul be in a better place, R.I.P.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dante on Sat, 29 June 2013, 14:24:00
.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: daerid on Sat, 29 June 2013, 14:31:50
Wow. This is nuts... I didn't know him personally, but I knew his passion for this community and the life and energy he brought to everything he did around here.

This is hitting me pretty hard right now..
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 29 June 2013, 14:32:40
Aw, man, how terrible.

Today I mowed my own yard and went swimming with my own teenage son, then I come in to see this.

As I get older, I am constantly reminded of my own mortality, and am working to be "good" with what remains of my life.

But when someone is cut short at the very beginning of a promising journey, well, that is about as bad as it gets.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Turbo Slaab on Sat, 29 June 2013, 14:49:05
Unbelievable :(

RIP Bud
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: longweight on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:00:45
This is such a shock, I will miss him :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: MissMurd3r84 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:04:15
Wow. R.I.P. Used to enjoy chatting to him in IRC when I still connected to GH and seeing him on the forums. Thought I had best log in to pay my respects. Such a shame.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Michael on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:10:47
Smallfry and I always jabbed at eachother, but he was a good kid. Definitely one of the valuable members of this community.


RIP...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mmmty on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:18:35
I am sadden by the news. RIP SmallFry. You will be remembered.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Parak on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:19:34
Even though I've not met him in person, I've talked with SmallFry quite a bit on IRC, and he was always a great and fun individual to interact with. Truly tragic and senseless. He'll be missed, but I will never forget him.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: JaccoW on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:39:30
I don't think I ever had the pleasure of talking to him on here. But I respected his presence on this forum nonetheless.
R.I.P. Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Noko on Sat, 29 June 2013, 15:53:16
I always smiled reading his posts, since his name reminded me of how my Papa used to call us kids that.
My thoughts and best wishes are with his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 29 June 2013, 16:04:41
kawa, if you're referring to his current avatar, that was indeed drawn by moonprismpwr. Just FYI
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: wetto on Sat, 29 June 2013, 16:19:28
I don't even know what to say, Smallfry was by far one of the most active users on the community and one which posted most of the time funny stuff and got picked on many times due to it. He was one of the most remarkable users in here and will surely be missed...  :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: missalaire on Sat, 29 June 2013, 16:40:51
Very sad and shocking to hear this news today. I didn't know him as well as some others here did, but I did chat with him every now and then. He was always so energetic and active on the forums and trying to be helpful to others. I regret that I'll never get the chance to know him better.

RIP Smallfry



Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ImperfectLink on Sat, 29 June 2013, 16:47:35
Wow that is so sad. I'm new here but every post I've read from has been brimming with personality. Such a loss to the community and condolences to all.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 29 June 2013, 17:05:04
I'm in shock.

Smallfry and I had a private IRC chat going and chatted nearly every day or two for the past 6 months.  He was in the process of helping me find a moped like his.  I was wondering where he was as of late... I assumed vacation.  This is devastating.  Especially for someone so young and with so much ambition and promise.

He was such a nice and helpful person around here.  It'll feel a lot different without Smallfry posts in threads...

Smallfry, you'll be missed my friend.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 29 June 2013, 18:02:33
I've been driving all day and just saw this.

SmallFry and I had quite a few PM's about phantom stuff and he was very helpful and knowledgeable.

I looked forward to learning more from him.

I believe in prayer and will keep his family and others who were close to him in remembrance.

SmallFry left us too early but may his passion for keyboards never be forgotten, he is missed.

Life's too short not to participate, may we all post to further keyboard science.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: limmy on Sat, 29 June 2013, 18:05:00
I am sad to hear the tragic news. Rest in peace.. Nathan
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 29 June 2013, 18:21:48
Umm wow just wow. The number of things that he and I have helped each other with since we first talked is exasperating. I remember the day he exceeded my post count around 5000 or so posts and hes now well above 6000. I think his account should be immortalized and he should have a special star!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 29 June 2013, 18:23:45
SmallFry and I chatted frequently on IRC. He would often say that I was in his head because we would frequently post the same thing within seconds of each other. We used to joke that I was actually him, come back from the future.

I regret that he was taken from us so young. He was always so enthusiastic about our hobby, that it was easy to get excited about the projects he was interested in.

I will miss SmallFry terribly. Rest in peace, brother. You will forever be remembered.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Tym on Sat, 29 June 2013, 18:50:37
He was a great guy, helped me in my early days. Helped out so many newbs and he genuinely made me laugh numerous times. I can't think of anything else to say and I'm sad that I shall never see him again. I hope he has found the perfect keyboard where he is now.

Rest In Piece Friend.

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rootwyrm on Sat, 29 June 2013, 18:56:05
My gods. Not again.

I liked SmallFry. I didn't know him as well as most of you probably did, but he was good folks. He will be sorely missed. :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: i3oilermaker on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:16:26
This news hit me hard today, and I'm not really good at this so I will just share some memories...

I first met SmallFry at the first Chicago Meetup in a billiards pool hall.  He came with his dad and several keyboards (including this beast http://i.imgur.com/nUHAHVe.jpg)  He and his dad had worked on a PCB for a controller that was so cool and so close to working.  He was in awe of my unicorn vomit Rosewill that had a row of clacks.  So much charisma, excitement, and generosity.

I saw him a second time when he came to the second Chicagoland meetup in Gurnee.  For the first few hours of the meetup I distinctively remember everyone asking where is SmallFry?  We all wanted to see him.  He came a bit late with his Prom date, monster Model F in hand.  He made the rounds and had a great time.

It pains me to take him off the list for KeyCon because I know he would have made it more fun for everyone.

Nathan, you will be missed - you made an impression on all of us whether we met you or not.  Rest in Peace

 


Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: chaosstep on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:23:06
I don't know him personally but he was very energetic and cheerful on his posts.
It's very sad news to hear. RIP nathan, we will miss and remember him in our hearts.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:24:43
Keep him on the list i3oiler....He'll be there..
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: pasph on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:29:52
I'm sure he's in a better place now and he will live in our memories and hearts.
Goodbye!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:30:24
Our buddy...

[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:35:10
Awesome.
This is the way I've always seen Nathan.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:37:21
What a great life,
he made mine better.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:38:32
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45288.0;attach=26870;image)

if he'd ever shared a picture of himself before, i'd never seen it, but when i saw that picture on the caringbridge site, i knew immediately who it was.

smallfry was a moderator before and during the exodus with me. he and i took a lot of crap from the old guard when we first started with this experiment that is the new huge geekhack community, and at some point in the future i knew i was going to want him on staff again. i work with lots of very smart, even brilliant people, on geekhack, in research, my chosen professional, everywhere. nathan was in that stage of brilliance where it's bubbling up from childhood and blossoming into something creative, uncontrollable, but most of all, unique and new.

once upon a time, i thought i wanted to teach at a college level so that i could cultivate minds like his. when i discovered that minds like his were much more common in this community, and almost non-existent at the college level, i rejected teaching and threw myself into building this community. knowing what he would have contributed to the world crushes me.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:39:13
A classic in the making.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:40:14
GH is a little smaller today :(

Mods - please give him a special star.

RIP SmallFry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:43:44
Nathan

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:47:33
Other people in Nathans life that help make him the man we care so much for.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: demik on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:50:48
:( smallfry was such a cool dude. just the right amount of sarcastic and funny. never saw him be mean (without reason) and was always helpful to everybody.


may you be with whomever you see as a higher power.


you'll be missed mallfries, even though you hated when i called you that :(.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:51:48
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]

Here are some photos he took to show a RainDrop sticker on his moped, a week before the accident.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sherryton on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:53:26
I cannot believe this happened. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: whiskerBox on Sat, 29 June 2013, 19:59:30
Smallfry was the most positive and encouraging person to talk to. I remember being blown away by his shear perseverance and passion for the hobby. I always had funny conversations with him on IRC and he will be dearly missed. I hope his family knows how special we all thought he was.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Turkishrambo on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:09:16
This is hard to swallow.. couldve seen posts from him less than two weeks ago. I never talked with him or anything but definitly a recognizable name on the forums. RIP
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: therecorder on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:11:20
The only thing that I can say is, "How sad..."
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:20:14
This is so unbelievably terrible. Rest in Peace Smallfry, You will be so greatly missed.  :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:22:06

 ICONIC


[attachimg=1]

Edit: converted image so it would work
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Tarzan on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:40:37
This is such a shock.  RIP, man.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Neo.X on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:45:58
I am so shocked!!

I never traded with him, but once I pmed him by mistake, then we had a nice short conversation. He was such a nice person. 

RIP SmallFry!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sth on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:48:54
RIP buddy. SmallFry was a good kid who helped a lot of people. is there anything we can do as a community for his family?
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: tinlong117 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:54:40
RIP. Smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: noisyturtle on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:55:17
Don't even have words. Tragedies like this remind us all of how connected we all are, and how fragile and fickle life is. SmallFry will be missed heavily here for his outgoing and positive demeanor. This Clacks for you buddy.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 20:57:31
RIP buddy. SmallFry was a hell of a good kid who helped a lot of people. is there anything we can do as a community for his family?
there a lots of things, and we'll get to them. right now I/we/they/i don't even know need some time to process this. those who were close enough to be in communication with his family are; we'll go from there.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:02:06


 I always loved this, still do.


[attachimg=1]


Yes, we want more.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: demik on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:09:14
ditto. will be my avatar now.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:10:00
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: esoomenona on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:15:19
I had my fair share of run-ins with SmallFry. He was always a good sport, and I always explained that it was because he was so much a part of this community that he had to endure a little ribbing here and there. If not, who would really care? You always knew what SmallFry was about. He was honest and himself. He may have taken some heat for it, but it was all in good fun in the community. No one else could ever fill those young shoes here.

A new avatar, in tribute of SmallFry. Thanks for helping to make this place about more than keyboards; about being a place that we could just hang out, a home. And I know you were home here.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: balanar on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:19:02
Oh my god. Just saw this. I rarely talked to SmallFry personally but he was always around on the forums and certainly was a person that seemed full of joy. Makes me ashamed of the things I waste time on instead of cherishing life.

Thank you for always being that cheerful dude on GH that everyone and anyone could talk to. God bless you buddy.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:22:45
(Attachment Link)

this one hit me hard. too hard. great job aggie.

people have been sending me messages throughout the day, but the repeated question is what great things can we do for him and his family and all the others who now miss him so dearly. my answer right now is i don't know; i'm sorry.

i'm going to have to sign off for the rest of the day. like i said and have been saying, we'll organize something great, something uniquely geekhack, but every time i come back to this thread right now i break down. sorry guys, need to do some offline processing.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: whiteduck on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:31:16
This is so sad.  I never met SmallFry but it was impossible not to notice how great of a person he was.  Much love to his family.  You will be missed SmallFry!
<3
RIP
-wd
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:31:50
^ take some time Kawa. You'll feel better Soon™....
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: cactux on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:34:17
!!!!!!. He was so young,  full of energy, and positive guy. I am really so sorry. My condolences to his family. Please let us know if we can send something to his family to show our respect.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:38:04
Per the CaringBridge (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter) page, Memorial Remembrances -> Ronald McDonald House.

And if I may, Nate and his family are on the more religious side so if every one could eliminate the swearing?  We all express grief in our own ways, but first and foremost is respect.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: zenuty on Sat, 29 June 2013, 21:48:29
Unbelivable....
He was Remember to me good friends.... forever....

Rest in Peace Smallfry.....

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: inlikeflynn on Sat, 29 June 2013, 22:31:12
I was in shock when I read this and couldn't believe it. So I read it again and then I cried. It feels like I lost the little brother I never had.


Nate is an amazing kid who's energy and excitement inspired me to always do more for GH. I always enjoyed talking with him on IRC as he so much reminded me of a younger version of myself. We talked practically every day on IRC and half the time not even about keyboards. Football, music, circuit design, girlfriend advice, collage, getting out of trouble, playing jokes, keyboard deals and trades, community, secret projects and anything in between. I always enjoyed talking with him and still cannot believe this is real


I'm mad at myself that the M3 project wasn't completed for him to see and enjoy. It never would have happened without him and his input, information, & misdirection. So the M3 project will be stopped and restarted as some sort of tribute to SmallFry. I'm not sure of any details, but this isn't the thread to discuss that anyhow


Nate, I miss you my friend. I hope you can see how much you truly meant to so many people out there who you've never even met.

(http://i.imgur.com/yUhBC8n.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/yUhBC8n.jpg)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 29 June 2013, 22:36:57
I'm lost for words. I did not know him at all, but he was one of those who made this community great.
My condolences to his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: shadewolf on Sat, 29 June 2013, 22:37:05
Never really had any interactions with SmallFry in my time here, but this is awful. RIP Nate, and my condolences to your family and friends.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: phetto on Sat, 29 June 2013, 22:40:43
Have been browsing this thread all night and I still can't believe it...

We all can agree that geekhack will never be the same without him.

Hall of fame - SmallFry


Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: reaper on Sat, 29 June 2013, 23:00:48
This will be the second person that I know online that has passed away.  R.I.P. Nate, you shall be missed by many.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Wildcard on Sat, 29 June 2013, 23:33:38
This is a very sad day. I'm speechless

Wishing comfort and peace for his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: n0rvig on Sat, 29 June 2013, 23:35:14
Peace Smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: codyeatworld on Sat, 29 June 2013, 23:37:51
I still don't know what to say or think, he helped when I first came to geek hack.

RIP Nathan
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rarar on Sat, 29 June 2013, 23:50:58
Wow I honestly don't know what to say... this news is so sudden, im just in shock. I'm honestly tearing up. R.I.P. Small Fry :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 29 June 2013, 23:57:48
This is my tribute board to Nate:

(http://i.imgur.com/rBH1wyT.jpg)

- We always joked that the Valentine's set was perfect for talking to girls about keyboards. Just show them that and say, "Hey, I'm big on Geekhack" as a pickup line.

- He traded me this orange R3 gamer set and some other things in return for a monitor I wasn't using anymore. He was so happy when he got that thing hooked up.

- When I first joined Geekhack, Smallfry took me under his wing and helped me learn about this community and about keyboards. I later joked that he was giving me my PHD in keyboards and called him my keyboard professor. When DanGWanG left GH, he was pretty broken up about it. He told me that to him, DanGWanG was his keyboard professor. I gave him one of the DanGWanG smileys after he told me that. The one on this board is one of the caps I have left from that buy.

- He loved Geekhack so much....so there's GeekHack all over the board. At the Chicago meet, we were talking about Head-Fi and other websites and he just sat there quietly listening. And then he just chimed in and said, "I like Geekhack" and we all just giggled and gave him some crap for his post count.

RIP Nate, I miss you already
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mushupork on Sun, 30 June 2013, 00:06:32
I probably would not have seen this if not for jdcapre's sig - thanks doesn't seem like the right word to use but I am glad jd has the message in his sig just the same.

While I had just a couple PMs with Smallfry it was very apparent in his many posts that not only did he love this site but he was a fun guy with a good sense of humor,  a lot of passion and he was very real.  I know it sounds naive but it is hard to believe this can happen to such a young person who was doing so much and gave so freely of their time.  This is so sad.  His influence here will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 30 June 2013, 00:14:33
My prayers go out to him and his family.  I hope they can see all the love and warm remembrance. 

RIP Nathan.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rarar on Sun, 30 June 2013, 00:19:11
This is my tribute board to Nate:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/rBH1wyT.jpg)


- We always joked that the Valentine's set was perfect for talking to girls about keyboards. Just show them that and say, "Hey, I'm big on Geekhack" as a pickup line.

- He traded me this orange R3 gamer set and some other things in return for a monitor I wasn't using anymore. He was so happy when he got that thing hooked up.

- When I first joined Geekhack, Smallfry took me under his wing and helped me learn about this community and about keyboards. I later joked that he was giving me my PHD in keyboards and called him my keyboard professor. When DanGWanG left GH, he was pretty broken up about it. He told me that to him, DanGWanG was his keyboard professor. I gave him one of the 420 smileys after he told me that. The one on this board is one of the caps I have left from that buy.

- He loved Geekhack so much....so there's GeekHack all over the board. At the Chicago meet, we were talking about Head-Fi and other websites and he just sat there quietly listening. And then he just chimed in and said, "I like Geekhack" and we all just giggled and gave him some crap for his post count.

RIP Nate, I miss you already
That's a really nice board man. I really like it :)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 30 June 2013, 00:37:41

Nathan was international

http://deskthority.net/off-topic-f10/smallfry-nathan-walter-remembrance-t6064.html (http://deskthority.net/off-topic-f10/smallfry-nathan-walter-remembrance-t6064.html)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: smknjoe on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:02:30
It was just yesterday, I was wondering why I hadn't seen him chirping in on this, that and the other...
A very sad day and truly a loss for are community.

I haven't been here in a while but
This was awful, shocking news to wake up to this morning.  SmallFry was a friend and a pillar of the community.  A young hacker in the best sense of the word -- curious, intelligent, generous, fun-loving, and community-minded.  Geekhack will miss him.


This ^  Smallfry is certainly a member that sticks out in my mind as memorable. This is very tragic news and I wish his friends and family well.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Matt3o on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:03:43
dying so young and that way... I didn't know SmallFry well, but that is not really supposed to happen. it's just... unfair. It makes you think. It could have been anyone of us.

Please take this as an opportunity to thank god or whatever you believe in that you made through the day, that you are healthy and that you can enjoy your time in something frivolous such as keyboards. Because the very cold truth is that there are no rules that dictate that you'll live your full life up to old age.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: tanilolli on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:15:20
Such a shame to go at that age. He was way too young to go :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:20:01
I have no words, only sadness for what has happened. My condolences go out to his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jil_jil32 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:22:23
Looking at the banner and I can't believe what I've seen.
I like him. Not much more I can say now..

Rest in peace...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: The_Ed on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:29:34
I just noticed the banner changed. That's a nice touch, and truly honors his memory.

I've sold him stuff in the past, but I didn't really know him. For someone to die at 16 is just wrong... I would like to know if it truly was an accident or an act of negligence on the part of the car driver. So many innocents have been taken by those who abuse their privilege to drive.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: do_Og@n on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:34:20
I'm sad to say that I didn't know him very well but he was always willing to give advice and his opinion which I respect highly.

My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the world who goes without his great mind and personality.

R.I.P. Smallfry (GeekHack will miss you)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: okooko on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:38:44
I've been reading though this very thread all day (being and about) and didn't have a chance to get on the comp to pay my respects.

Although we never PM'd eachother, but he was always a very likable character and had a massive presence on these forums and his wealth of knowledge and willingness to assist others in this space made him a rare specimen.

There will be many of you he touched with his charm and personality in more ways than me, so I cannot imagine the heartache that some are pulling themselves through, but let me say that this unfortunate event will forever be remembered and it will unite the community and ultimately provide some sort of answer to his family in light of this tragedy.

RIP, may your spirit be with all those who have been touched by your brilliance
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:41:54
:(
He will be missed. GH and the IRC wouldn't be the same without him.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Sai on Sun, 30 June 2013, 01:49:42
R.I.P Smallfry.
You were a great asset to the GeekHack community.
GH will miss you.  :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: madderoftime on Sun, 30 June 2013, 02:01:18
This saddens me greatly. Used to be somewhat immune to things of this sort years ago but now being a father of 3 that are just over that age makes this hit home. I've had a dozen or so people that I have known only through networks pass on and it's just as tragic as in person. When it's young people just starting to experience the great things this life can offer and their candle is cut short it can shake the very foundation of what you are doing in your own life.
I'm very new to GH and have been reading many threads from the beginning to get a grip on things here. I've read many of his posts. I already looked up to him and was getting to know him. We never talked but I feel like we talked many times a day for over a month. Even yesterday. I had to go check the dates because I couldn't believe it.
My heart goes out to his family in RL dealing with this hardship and the family he had here.
R.I.P Nathan, to us your light is still clear and full of joy but the shadow of grief weighs heavy on our shoulders at your passing.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: zzAaron on Sun, 30 June 2013, 02:02:06
I will always remember that thumbnail picture of SmallFry. To me, he was always just there, every post, his presence was always there. He truly had a dedication to keyboards and especially the GeekHack community. I first "met" him when I first joined Geekhack after the rootworm incident. After that, I continued to see his presence in every thread as I continued to learn from this website. He was always there giving advice  and help to everyone.

To die at such an early age is disheartening. Knowing that he was 2 years younger than you and that much more dedicated to something he loved just makes me sad. I have not accomplished anything significant in life but for him, he had helped this community grow and prosper.

Thanks for your dedication.
You will be missed.

RIP smallfry.

.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: PointyFox on Sun, 30 June 2013, 02:04:48
 :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Wraul on Sun, 30 June 2013, 02:17:11
Things like this should not happen :'(

Personally I never had any real contact with Smallfry.
But seeing how he was an active poster I have read many of his posts and seen his little avatar all over the place.
He will be greatly missed.

My condolences to the family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: habitualapse on Sun, 30 June 2013, 02:19:34
Just seeing this now and it's so saddening. Rest in peace SmallFry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: nokcha on Sun, 30 June 2013, 02:30:02
Sigh.... :[
I don't even know what to say.
My condolences to the family and friends.

RIP
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ikoma on Sun, 30 June 2013, 03:14:48
Didn't know him personally but nobody deserves to get their life cut short at such a young age.
RIP Smallfry
We will all join you soon.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Moosecraft on Sun, 30 June 2013, 03:41:36
RIP SmallFry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 30 June 2013, 03:50:18
RIP SmallFry, you were a nice guy! ;_;
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Ragnorock on Sun, 30 June 2013, 04:01:32
RIP Nate, your charisma and willingness to do things for the community will never be forgotten. I'm very very sad that he'll never get to see the Eagle Scout keys that I had made purely because he wanted them so badly. As he was distributing them to the people he collected orders for, I don't have the full info for those people, but I will obviously take over shipping those out. As I am absolutely sure Nathan wouldn't have bothered collecting money for them, (it just wasn't his style at all, but correct me if I'm wrong and he did,) I will be staying true to that and shipping them out free to those participants. I invoiced Smallfry about $15 for the keys (at cost) so Atakp if you could let me know whether I should refund it or not that'd be greatly appreciated. Its only $15 but if I can give that back to his family I'd feel a lot better about it. I'm just not sure how all that works with his family accessing his Paypal etc.

Again, my condolences go out to his family, I'm heading over to the Caring Bridge site now to leave my respects. T.T
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: pitashen on Sun, 30 June 2013, 04:11:10
Was very nice of his father to inform his friends about the bad news on the internet. RIP. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: eRadicatedZomBiE on Sun, 30 June 2013, 04:41:56
For the short time that I've been apart of geekhack it seemed every topic I was researching or looking at he was there with his insight, I never knew the guy or spoke to him really, but when I saw this post, a wave of shock ran through me. RIP.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: would on Sun, 30 June 2013, 04:47:48
I registered to GH only a few months ago, and have been in read-only mode ever since. I never talked to Smallfry, but I did see quite a few of his posts, and he looked like someone worthy of paying attention to. My condolences to his family and the community as well.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 30 June 2013, 04:57:24
Regrettably, SmallFry and I never really had the opportunity to get to know each other intimately as others have but I still remember the first time SmallFry and I talked, as he was congratulating me on my first CC. Even now, I still remember that moment because I was so happy that someone was actually sharing my happiness with me on my first CC. I was just so happy that someone understood my feelings and where I was coming from as someone who was just getting into the world of keycaps (no one in my close vicinity is into keyboards as I am). I will remember you, SmallFry, as someone who shared his love for keyboards with others on this site with great character.

You will be greatly missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kelske on Sun, 30 June 2013, 04:58:36
Never knew SmallFry but his posts always seemed really friendly and gracious. My heart goes out to his family and you GH members who knew him well.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: poxeclipse on Sun, 30 June 2013, 06:39:10
Really sad to see a young life cut short. I talked with him once, when we had the Toronto meeting and he wanted to come up here.
Wherever you went, Nathan, I hope there are nice keyboards there.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: emptythecache on Sun, 30 June 2013, 07:06:21
I too was wondering where he went, this is the absolute worst answer :(

RIP SmallFry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 30 June 2013, 07:12:34
Omg I remember SmallFry well. This is very sad news. RIP buddy, you will be missed!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Bim Gao on Sun, 30 June 2013, 07:21:11
RIP smallfry
Title: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Saviant on Sun, 30 June 2013, 07:42:03
It is always sad news to hear about things like this. I am so sorry to see him go as he was always quite alive in his posts. RIP Nate :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: absyrd on Sun, 30 June 2013, 07:55:50
RIP Nater Tater. Good kid and great contributor to our community.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: 0100010 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 08:05:59
Heavenly Father, today I pray on behalf of Nathan Walter, that he is now in a better place with You.  Thank You for comforting him during his last two weeks on earth, and for giving his family time to say goodbye.  May Nate be content that his family will endure without him, that the pain of his loss will fade over time, but those with him in their memories will never forget his presence.  To Nates family I pray You help them in dealing with the loss of their son, that they may be comforted in the knowledge that he is with You, and they will see him again in time.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: affect656 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 08:15:03
This is terrible, someone so young leaving the world so early. RIP Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: salmo on Sun, 30 June 2013, 08:28:14
Wow.  How terrible.  I always enjoyed seeing him post.  So young, smart, and enthusiastic.  But really caring, too.  He really elevated this place.

I'm pretty new and not very prolific. But if there is a way to contribute to his family, I would like to participate.  As a dad, I feel for his parents.

RIP Smallfy.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: llovro on Sun, 30 June 2013, 08:31:00
oh my god.
Rest in paradise Nathan ...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: BLJ Consulting on Sun, 30 June 2013, 08:39:04
I’ll remember SmallFry as being level headed and optimistic, he stuck up for what he liked without denigrating what others like, and he seems to have a comfortable sense of humor, even about himself.   I recall he raved about the support he got from his family and especially how his dad was helping him with projects, keyboard related and otherwise.  His full life only magnifies the loss.

I don’t know when it appeared but I just noticed the smallfry header; it’s a great idea so thanks to GH for putting it up. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: foxer on Sun, 30 June 2013, 08:45:08
Oh wow. :( Take care up there, brother SmallFry.

He was an incredible addition to this board and will definitely be missed greatly.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 30 June 2013, 09:02:23
I'm speechless.
 
(http://img.ehowcdn.com/article-new/ehow/images/a04/hp/s6/respond-sympathy-flowers-800x800.jpg)

Sent with love and remembrance.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Goodfella on Sun, 30 June 2013, 09:24:46
First ran into him in IRC a few weeks ago, he was so helpful and friendly, asked him to work on my poker and he felt the need to disclose his age to me, can't believe how young he was.

He seemed like an incredible person for the brief period I knew him, my condolences to the family, I can't imagine what they are going through losing someone so young and bright.

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: tipo33 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 09:38:17
I have been moving and getting settled in, so I just found out.  I met SmallFry twice, at the two chicagoland meetups.  I'm speechless,  I'm not even sure what to write.   I will contribute something more meaningful when I gather my thoughts..
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Soarer on Sun, 30 June 2013, 09:49:39
It's difficult to find words; this is such sad news. Nate was such an energetic and enthusiastic member of this community, both on the forum and on IRC, who contributed a lot. He had no pretence, didn't try to be cool, he just was cool for being himself... a refreshing presence and a joy to have around. Yes, he could be an annoying young pup at times! Yet talking with him it was often easy to forget just how young he was. I will miss him.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 30 June 2013, 09:51:17
That's an awesome banner :)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: cytoSiN on Sun, 30 June 2013, 09:56:10
I too was wondering where he went, this is the absolute worst answer :(

RIP SmallFry

Ditto.  He was one of the first to take me under his wing and provide really constructive, useful feedback/advice when I stopped lurking and joined the community.  He will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: WRXChris on Sun, 30 June 2013, 10:16:52
I can't believe I'm reading this; my thoughts go out to SmallFry's family and friends.  I hope he is in a better place.  No one's life should be cut so short, especially such a good-hearted person like SmallFry.  He was an eagle scout and a respected member of a predominantly adult internet community (no small feat), and I'm sure he did many more great things in his short but sweet life.  RIP SmallFry, you will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: guilleguillaume on Sun, 30 June 2013, 10:38:10
I've just read the whole thread and I'm speechless. I couldn't believe what I was looking at when I saw the forum logo connected from my phone at work.

I'm really sad about this and it was hard to read the whole thread without crying. I work in a hospital and I can imagine how hard the last weeks may have been for him and his family.

I'm here to help in anything we can do for his family and to honour him in any way.

Rest in peace Nathan.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rhubarb on Sun, 30 June 2013, 10:42:19
RIP from a first time poster long time reader. From the moment I started lurking geekhack, I could tell what kind of person he was, helpful and selfless; a true community leader.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: litster on Sun, 30 June 2013, 11:15:56
smallfry, wherever you are, GLHF.  You will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rknize on Sun, 30 June 2013, 11:21:24
I first got to know smallfry when iMav formed the initial moderator team in the GeekHack of old.  We were all trying to find our way.  Smallfry helped balance out the team with his high energy and positive attitude.

I just found out about his passing late last night.  So young and so full of energy and now robbed of his future.  You'll be missed, Nathan.  RIP.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: oluf on Sun, 30 June 2013, 11:51:43
So very sad... What a tragic loss.

Thank you Nathan... Thank you for spending your short time here with us. You will be greatly missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dave23 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 12:16:17
I am new to geekhack, but wanted to express my deepest sympathies to Smallfry's family and friends, for someone so young it is a terrible tragedy.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: evolyn on Sun, 30 June 2013, 12:30:35
one of the first members i talked and helpd me. Please send me ur clack pictures... oh no iam shocked. Well i wanna say thx u for beeing a help to me and nice geekhack friend u will be missed here and alot of strenght to ur family.
thx u alot.

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Glissant on Sun, 30 June 2013, 12:32:26
This is extremely saddening. My best thoughts and feelings go out to the family.
Nathan will be sorely missed.
I hope we can gather and do something thoughtful and nice as a community for the family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: typo on Sun, 30 June 2013, 13:39:47
I was not going to say anything. I just feel really bad though. he replied to a thread of mine on the 12th. I don't know what to say.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Saix on Sun, 30 June 2013, 13:44:44
His impact and memory ensures he'll never fade away. Thanks to this community for people like him to have a place to express his interests. RIP to an amazing fellow.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metalliqaz on Sun, 30 June 2013, 13:45:36
I don't even know what to say.  I've been away for a while getting married and I just found out.  I just can't believe this.  This is a terrible tragedy
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: elttaboi on Sun, 30 June 2013, 13:45:37
so sad. It's so unreal. I used to read his posts all the time and suddenly gone. :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metafour on Sun, 30 June 2013, 13:59:32
Humanity will be worse off without him. I can't help but think about all the lives he's touched here and all the lives that he would have touched throughout his life. Things like this just make me angry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Sniping on Sun, 30 June 2013, 14:59:16
A scary reminder that death can often only be recognized when it's too late. Living life to its fullest potential, treating every day like it's your last, and not taking your life nor health for granted is something that people often say, but seldom take into action. Thanks for your contributions to GH SmallFry, I sincerely appreciate what you've done for GH and the community.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sun, 30 June 2013, 15:22:59
I hope we can gather and do something thoughtful and nice as a community for the family.
we will, but i don't want to interfere with their business at hand, so we will need to take our time. please leave your messages here and on his caringbridge guestbook so his family knows how much he was loved, but we will wait for the family to have their time to grieve privately before we come together and make any grander gestures.

in the meantime, thank you everyone for your kind words.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: realex on Sun, 30 June 2013, 15:31:46
even though i did not have the chance to know nathan personally, it was obvious to tell what kind of a positive spark he impersonated for this community just be reading his posts.

my sincerest condolescences to his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 30 June 2013, 15:38:36
A scary reminder that death can often only be recognized when it's too late. Living life to its fullest potential, treating every day like it's your last, and not taking your life nor health for granted is something that people often say, but seldom take into action.

Many of us did a lot of stupid things in our youth, putting our lives on the line without thinking and just plain lucky to still be here today.
I didn't know smallfry personally but following the trails he left behind. I see a young man with a good head on his shoulders and who cares for others.

Then he gets hit while riding a lawnmower home - It's absurd and not fair.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: berserkfan on Sun, 30 June 2013, 15:46:56
I can't help but feel so...
There's a lump in my throat. A bit hard to swallow.
It wasn't so long ago he was hosting files and helping funkymeeb and me on the Birch keyboard.
I didn't even notice he'd stopped posting for 2 weeks.
When I saw the smallfry 1996-2013 thing on top, I didn't even believe it. I thought it just meant smallfry had decided to stop getting involved in this forum. 17 years old really
is too young to die.
It's just not fair.

I hope they arrest the driver. A lawnmower isn't a fast moving vehicle, so it's probably someone DUI.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 30 June 2013, 15:54:49
I can't help but feel so...
There's a lump in my throat. A bit hard to swallow.
It wasn't so long ago he was hosting files and helping funkymeeb and me on the Birch keyboard.
I didn't even notice he'd stopped posting for 2 weeks.
When I saw the smallfry 1996-2013 thing on top, I didn't even believe it. I thought it just meant smallfry had decided to stop getting involved in this forum. 17 years old really
is too young to die.
It's just not fair.

I hope they arrest the driver. A lawnmower isn't a fast moving vehicle, so it's probably someone DUI.

It could have been a kid who thought they had more room and was still learning how to drive properly or there could have been other mitigating circumstances that caused it to happen.  If it truly was an accident, I can only imagine how much pain the person who caused it must be in and the kind of guilt they feel.  It's something I would never wish on anyone. 

What happened to SmallFry was tragic and he should be remembered and celebrated for who he was, but please don't start blaming people and wishing suffering on others, especially when we don't know the surrounding circumstances. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Batmann on Sun, 30 June 2013, 16:02:50
That's a terrible news...words won't come out

Rest in Peace Nathan †




(In France we usually bring flowers for funerals, I'll  be happy to donate if something like this is worked out)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 30 June 2013, 16:09:38
That's a terrible news...words won't come out

Rest in Peace Nathan †




(In France we usually bring flowers for funerals, I'll  be happy to donate if something like this is worked out)

From the page that has been posted in here, it sounds like the family would like donations made to the Wisconsin Ronald McDonald house in lieu of things like flowers.  So maybe make a donation to it in remembrance of him.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Cafiend on Sun, 30 June 2013, 16:34:52
My condolences to his family and all of his loved ones.


Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sleepy916 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 16:45:37
It is really a shame, his time here was cut too short, RIP Smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TacticalCoder on Sun, 30 June 2013, 16:58:09
R.I.P. smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: iri on Sun, 30 June 2013, 17:23:56
i сan't believe this.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: cgbuen on Sun, 30 June 2013, 17:30:11
It was plain to see that he was so extremely smart, helpful, and friendly - enough so that I saw him as one of the greatest contributors to the GeekHack community, even at such a young age. It's very sad and very hard to believe that he's gone.. he will be missed by all. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Photekq on Sun, 30 June 2013, 18:31:21
(http://i.imgur.com/Hx5CM1Q.png)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Jack Karneval on Sun, 30 June 2013, 18:35:27
When I was checking the forum today I had noticed that the top header said "Smallfry" and not GeekHack like it normally does, at first I didn't think too much of it, but upon closer inspection I noticed there were dates under his name....

I am relatively new to the forum, and only just starting to get to know some of the personalities on here, but from what I've seen so far, GH has certainly grown to be an amazing community of helpful people, and I can clearly see that Smallfry was a large part in helping it get that way. Regardless of not knowing him, it truly pains me to see someone so young leave this world. I give my condolences to the family, I can't imagine the pain they're going through...


Let us remember that Smallfry lives on, through all of our keystrokes!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Krogenar on Sun, 30 June 2013, 18:46:49
I never really got to know Smallfry, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Sixteen is way too young.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dndlmx on Sun, 30 June 2013, 18:47:56
I didn't think he was that young, surprising.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: calavera on Sun, 30 June 2013, 18:50:47
Wow, I thought this was some inside joke at first. I didn't know smallfry that well, we only talked a few times, but he seemed like a nice guy.

RIP Nathan.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Glod on Sun, 30 June 2013, 18:56:24
i missed this until now and i just read this thread and really i am shocked

i never talked to smallfry 1v1 but only once and he seemed like such a cool mature dude, when i was 16 I was a idiot and smallfry seemed far from that. His posts were almost always positive.

As a person who fears the death of my friends and loved ones as well as myself i hope it is not too weird that i am choking up right now even though i never knew him directly.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Dianoda on Sun, 30 June 2013, 19:15:37
I first saw this post this morning from my phone as I was heading out the door for a hike with my family.  It was pretty jarring to read that the spunky young kid I met at the meetup in Gurnee a few months ago is no longer in this world.  I didn't really have time to read through more than mkawa's OP, and was just kind of in disbelief.  So I hopped in the car and went through the motions to get to the trailhead.  It was a good hike, I was distracted, but the weather was great, got some nice photos, and was thankful to share it with those close to me.  It's hard to imagine a life without them, what it would be like to lose one of them.  So to Nathan's family, stay strong.  I'm going miss seeing Smallfry's brand of enthusiasm pop up around here.  RIP, buddy.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: domoaligato on Sun, 30 June 2013, 19:21:58
I have browsed through this entire thread and do not really know what to say.
dangwang opened a reddit link to this thread also http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1hc8fa/news_smallfry_from_geekhack_passes_away_rip_my/
RIP Smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metalliqaz on Sun, 30 June 2013, 19:22:48
I've had some time to absorb this now and it has left me somewhat numb inside.  Nate was a good kid full of energy and promise.  He will be greatly missed here.  I know that if I somehow had the terrible task to choose who this community had to lose, he would be perhaps my least likely choice.  It just won't be the same here.  My condolences to his family and friends.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 30 June 2013, 21:04:38


 Never forget.


[attachimg=1]


Thank you Deskthority
http://deskthority.net/off-topic-f10/smallfry-nathan-walter-remembrance-t6064.html (http://deskthority.net/off-topic-f10/smallfry-nathan-walter-remembrance-t6064.html)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: RickyJ on Sun, 30 June 2013, 21:19:07
I saw this yesterday morning and froze, it's taken a couple days to be able to post coherently.  He was such a genuine and honest young man, always positive and friendly with lots of enthusiasm.

He reminded me of a more chipper version of a late friend of mine, who sadly passed on in March 2012 also at a young age.  Always going out of his way to help people, both on the forums and in person.

He has had a positive influence on us all here, which speaks volumes of his character and also of his family.  He will be missed.  He will be remembered.  R.I.P Nathaniel "Smallfry" Walter, thanks much for gracing us with your presence.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: lightsout714 on Sun, 30 June 2013, 21:19:42
Wow thought this was a joke when I saw the banner. That really sucks. First keyboard I sold on here was to him a couple years ago. 1996 man so young. Very happy to see that he is a believer, he's in a MUCH better place right now.

R.I.P. Nathan
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 30 June 2013, 21:52:39
I can't believe this.  I went camping this weekend and I did not check the message boards.  I saw "RIP Smallfry" in somebody's signature this evening and I thought that perhaps he decided to take a break from this time consuming and expensive obsession.

But it was the real thing.  I'm bawling my eyes out right now.  I can't believe this.  I met Nate at the most recent Chicagoland meetup in April and I was very impressed with the way he carried himself and all that he had accomplished in his short life.  What hurts the most is to see a young person with so much enthusiasm and smarts and good humor to be taken from this planet earlier than expected.

SmallFry constructed my Ergodox for me, which I am using to type this right now.  I now have a permanent reminder of his handiwork.  He sent it to me only a couple weeks before the unfortunate accident.  I still find this all a little hard to believe.  It's eerie, saddening, shocking to use this keyboard and read his handwriting on the package and read those PM's and see those old posts, knowing that he will never produce another one.  I'm a little numb right now.

SmallFry/Nate was an inspiration because he was a reminder of what teenagers can be.  You would be impressed by this kid immediately and know that he was one of the teenager's up to something good.  Every time that I use this Ergodox, I will be reminded that this keyboard is a product of his commitment to quality, reliability, and helpfulness.  I am absolutely sure that his positivity and helpfulness impacted many others besides myself.

I cannot imagine what things are like for his family right now. A kid with so much potential to be taken early.  We never know when our time will come.  Please try to be kind because you never know what battles people might be fighting.

My Ergodox, built by SmallFry:
[attach=1]


Some of SmallFry's boards from the April 2013 Chicagoland Meetup:
[attach=2]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Oqsy on Sun, 30 June 2013, 22:35:36
SmallFry started his time here just as I stopped being active on the forum, with only a short overlap to interact on the forum.  However, I have remained connected to many of the regulars in the IRC channels devoted to geekhack users and their interests.  One such channel is #geekhack.minecraft (freenode.net).  SmallFry began playing minecraft with many of the regulars there, and I always enjoyed his company in the game, or the IRC chat.  He was engaging and wonderful.

Someone erected this inside SmallFry's minecraft home.  I like it.  I hope it stays.

(http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/7852/oo5n.png)

Goodbye, friend.  I miss you.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 30 June 2013, 22:40:07
Prdlm2009:

Thank you for the wonderful post. I believe you are lucky to have met Nate face-to-face. Nathan and I had a good vibe, and we had gotten to a cool mutual point. It would have happened a lot sooner if I didn't have life trauma issues last year when I distanced myself from GH for so long. He's a big reason I started coming back when I did. I'm happy for those of you that got to that true "friend" status with Nathan. So much of that is what this crazy place can do and is about. Nathan embodied that 100% and served as a prime example.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 30 June 2013, 22:51:27


Here is another photo from his Eagle Scout Project thread.


[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: duq on Sun, 30 June 2013, 23:14:05
RIP Smallfry.

Like many of us here, we have traded/bought/sold/talked keyboard stuff. He was one of the more regulars in the giveaway thread and seemed active in almost every other thread. Your presence will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rainb1ood on Sun, 30 June 2013, 23:30:40
Rest In Peace Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 30 June 2013, 23:32:51
Nate's Eagle Scout project thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35222.msg653341#msg653341). And a picture of his project. He refurbished his high school's score board.

(http://i.imgur.com/RCHdFWy.jpg)

His Eagle Scout thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42495.msg856214#msg856214). And his Eagle Scout GB (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42586.msg859542#msg859542) that Rag referred to before.

And just because, he once told me this was his favorite Taylor Swift song:


We were arguing over the best Taylor song. I swore it was We're Never Getting Back Together but he swore that older Taylor was better haha.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Sun, 30 June 2013, 23:39:04
Pretty much impossible to watch this with dry eyes:
http://nancyrsmithphotography.zenfolio.com/p471772628/h6edf7e60#h6edf7e60
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: domoaligato on Sun, 30 June 2013, 23:58:14


 Never forget.


(Attachment Link)


Thank you Deskthority
http://deskthority.net/off-topic-f10/smallfry-nathan-walter-remembrance-t6064.html (http://deskthority.net/off-topic-f10/smallfry-nathan-walter-remembrance-t6064.html)

for DT users that may not know how to see the header image to the SmallFry header image.

go to this page http://deskthority.net/headers.php
and click on the smallfry's
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: i3oilermaker on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:01:03
Looking at those photos of SmallFrys boards is breaking my heart...I can pinpoint the keys I gave him just because he was a cool dude and I knew couldn't afford spending much on caps.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:10:52
Yeah, was thinking the same thing.  Those rainbow keys I gave him and he must have thanked me a million times.  So polite.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Wildcard on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:11:19
I was browsing and came across the deskthority banner, I just couldn't hold the tears back. I loved his optimism. It was so funny reading how he would slowly trade up to buy his key caps and customize his board. I know several people are very happy with his great work.

I'm really glad he found this hobby to bring him some joy. And I'm glad, at his own pace, that joy continued throughout.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:13:57
now i'm a wreck again. thanks all for the fantastic media. i'll be offline until tomorrow
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: funkymeeba on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:15:25
Yeah, was thinking the same thing.  Those rainbow keys I gave him and he must have thanked me a million times.  So polite.

I somehow feel worse now since we never finished the deal on his meebcaps, and so now they are sitting in a box next to me. :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:18:54
Yeah, was thinking the same thing.  Those rainbow keys I gave him and he must have thanked me a million times.  So polite.

Looking at those photos of SmallFrys boards is breaking my heart...I can pinpoint the keys I gave him just because he was a cool dude and I knew couldn't afford spending much on caps.

The DanGWanG smiley (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45288.msg946323#msg946323) I gave him as well as the Breaking Bad caps are on the nav/arrow cluster...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: The_Ed on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:46:34
As my Dad puts it: "It's never the ones who deserve killin' that die"...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kravlin on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:51:01
I've been back and forth on being on geekhack but this really sucks.

Smallfry was always fun to talk to in the IRC, will miss him.

Rest in Peace
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: remedyhalopc on Mon, 01 July 2013, 00:58:00
Wow.

Just...unreal.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TranscendingLogic on Mon, 01 July 2013, 01:20:51
Just no words, but a heavy heart. Smallfry, you will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 July 2013, 01:30:43
For anyone who didn't see this before...how Nate came to be Smallfry and have that baller hat:

Some chump called me SmallFry in 5th grade after I ran into him. I promptly called him Medium Shake, and the names stuck at least for a little while for him. Mine was stuck forever, first with Timescale, and now with everything I do. :D

From this thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43273.msg882267#msg882267).
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: eyesmiles on Mon, 01 July 2013, 02:24:40
Smallfry was one of the members where I felt was always there, something like an old store that you always passed by as a kid that's always full of life and brought so much to a community. While you often overlook it due to hurrying about doing your own thing, your comforted by assuming it'll always be there. Then once you find out that it's gone, the realization of how much you've taken it for granted hits you like a blow to the gut.

It sucks knowing that one of the members whom I've taken a delight in reading their posts and learning a few things from on GH has passed. Smallfry's contributions to the community was so great that you can easily forget that he was just a young lad. GH and the world has lost a wonderful, young individual.

RIP Nathan. You will be missed sir :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Mon, 01 July 2013, 02:52:18
Smallfry was one of the members where I felt was always there, something like an old store that you always passed by as a kid that's always full of life and brought so much to a community. While you often overlook it due to hurrying about doing your own thing, your comforted by assuming it'll always be there. Then once you find out that it's gone, the realization of how much you've taken it for granted hits you like a blow to the gut.

It sucks knowing that one of the members whom I've taken a delight in reading their posts and learning a few things from on GH has passed. Smallfry's contributions to the community was so great that you can easily forget that he was just a young lad. GH and the world has lost a wonderful, young individual.

RIP Nathan. You will be missed sir :(
Your first paragraph couldn't be more accurate. This whole situation just feels so strange to me still. Honestly I never thought I was this emotionally invested in this community until his passing. With that said I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Mon, 01 July 2013, 07:02:06
Pretty much impossible to watch this with dry eyes:
http://nancyrsmithphotography.zenfolio.com/p471772628/h6edf7e60#h6edf7e60

For anyone who didn't see this before...how Nate came to be Smallfry and have that baller hat:

Some chump called me SmallFry in 5th grade after I ran into him. I promptly called him Medium Shake, and the names stuck at least for a little while for him. Mine was stuck forever, first with Timescale, and now with everything I do. :D

From this thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43273.msg882267#msg882267).

wonderful slideshow. i completely broke down when i saw his "Nater Tater" jersey.

smallfry was one of those people who wore his heart on his sleeve, who was himself wherever he was, and it's totally cliche to say this, i know, but we're unimaginably richer for having known him. he loved this community and told me multiple times how much he looked up to me and everyone else in the community for making the things we did. i was never sure why though, because he was plenty bright enough to keep up with most here. before i knew it, he was helping out others in their projects and leading his own. he was everywhere all at once here, always supporting geekhack the site, and always supporting geekhack the community.

i know i keep saying this, but i'm going to keep saying it over and over again because it keeps breaking my heart: nate, you were going to be the most capable scientist/engineer/researcher/developer/whatever you wanted to be, and it breaks my heart that you were taken from us.. so early. too early. we miss you already and won't ever stop.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Lastpilot on Mon, 01 July 2013, 07:05:59
SmallFry, I miss you man. We only talked a few times but you always made me laugh. May you always be remembered.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Mon, 01 July 2013, 09:14:28
I know I posted in here already, but it finally sunk in. This is the first time I’ve been touched like this from someone who I’ve never met in real life. Never once did you see him get into petty arguments, put someone down, or say anything negative. He was just as active in chat and PMs as his posts. The very last personal message I got from him, only 2 days before he was taken:

I agree that we should not send him anything. Good call Cap'n. I'll ping Beast, but I know that I would be willing to assemble for free. I may ask Beast to come with  me and we may be able to get the parts from Prof if we show up at some point.

I will see what I can do from my end regarding going to his house to pick it up. JD was talking to a lawyer, so I may be able to get that to force him to give up the parts. Not quite sure yet...



I’m so sorry about this tragic event.  :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Lunartuna on Mon, 01 July 2013, 10:17:26
Wow this sucks.


That kid had an energy that came through in his posts somehow and brightened my day sometimes just by reading them. He will be remembered and missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 01 July 2013, 10:44:08
I know I posted in here already, but it finally sunk in. This is the first time I’ve been touched like this from someone who I’ve never met in real life. Never once did you see him get into petty arguments, put someone down, or say anything negative. He was just as active in chat and PMs as his posts. The very last personal message I got from him, only 2 days before he was taken:

I agree that we should not send him anything. Good call Cap'n. I'll ping Beast, but I know that I would be willing to assemble for free. I may ask Beast to come with  me and we may be able to get the parts from Prof if we show up at some point.

I will see what I can do from my end regarding going to his house to pick it up. JD was talking to a lawyer, so I may be able to get that to force him to give up the parts. Not quite sure yet...



I’m so sorry about this tragic event.  :'(

I'm guessing this was about picking up parts from Prof? I never got that PM about it.....
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 01 July 2013, 10:56:15
There really is one instance that comes to mind that is a great example of SmallFry's character.  First of all, I knew that I could trust him with holding my keyboard a few hundred miles away.  Then I offered him a certain amount to assemble my Ergodox.  He flat out refused my initial offer and asked for less.  With all the time it took him to assemble the keyboard, I cannot imagine that he made more than a $5/hour putting together my board.  I am eternally grateful for his efforts.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: tgujay on Mon, 01 July 2013, 11:01:59
1996, he was as old as my little brother, I can't even imagine that.

Mod Edit: Just a reminder to keep language clean here please.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 July 2013, 11:47:24
(http://i.imgur.com/uNoOyKb.png)

Smallfry's IRC bouncer and bot are still going. But I think the server security settings got changed. I can no longer log into his bouncer. He helped me setup an account on his bouncer and get IRC running. I honestly didn't even know how to connect to the chat without his bouncer and had to teach myself yesterday.

We also had a little chat that we'd call ~dachat and we'd just hang out there. It was where I got my schooling on keyboards really. SpamFry is the last IRC project he worked on. When you link a video, the bot tells you the title of the bot. I always bugged him to make a bot that would put the GH Spy into ~dachat. He always said he'd work on it soonTM.

It felt weird/wrong when I had to setup the connection to IRC without his bouncer. And I'm still waiting for his tag to go from grey to white (meaning he's not away)...and then for him to be chatting away once again.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Rule16 on Mon, 01 July 2013, 12:06:44
R.I.P. SmallFry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Michael on Mon, 01 July 2013, 13:15:58
Tribute from Dan to Nate (http://dangwang.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/in-memory-of-smallfry/)



Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jwaz on Mon, 01 July 2013, 13:54:06
11:47 -!- SpamFry [~nate@CPE-75-86-196-80.wi.res.rr.com] has quit [Ping timeout: 240 seconds]

11:48 -!- SmallFry [~SmallFry@unaffiliated/smallfry] has quit [Ping timeout: 245 seconds]

RIP Nate.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: JustCallMeCrash on Mon, 01 July 2013, 13:54:07
:-(  Damn... I never met him, but he was always a super nice guy on here.  He'll be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 July 2013, 13:58:05
11:47 -!- SpamFry [~nate@CPE-75-86-196-80.wi.res.rr.com] has quit [Ping timeout: 240 seconds]

11:48 -!- SmallFry [~SmallFry@unaffiliated/smallfry] has quit [Ping timeout: 245 seconds]

RIP Nate.

(http://i.imgur.com/NR6xhLY.png)

Like I said before, feels so wrong.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: thadood on Mon, 01 July 2013, 14:40:44
I'm new to these parts but it's obvious how much of an impact Smallfry had on the community. My thoughts are with his friends and family. He was way too young.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 01 July 2013, 14:43:41
Here in the new permanent setup of my Ergodox, assembled by SmallFry:

[attach=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: pexon on Mon, 01 July 2013, 14:46:53
Been super busy and haven't checked the forum for a while. This is crazy. Will miss you man, hope you are in a better place. Rest in peace brother
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 01 July 2013, 14:47:54
Here in the new permanent setup of my Ergodox, assembled by SmallFry:

(Attachment Link)

Awesome tribute prdlm2009.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: bisl on Mon, 01 July 2013, 15:11:22
:(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: hoggy on Mon, 01 July 2013, 15:58:10
prdlm2009, looks real nice - fitting.

Smallfry, goodbye buddy.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: bazemk1979 on Mon, 01 July 2013, 16:20:10
So young :( RIP
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Glod on Mon, 01 July 2013, 16:21:35
this thread has me literally crying again.

Here in the new permanent setup of my Ergodox, assembled by SmallFry:

(Attachment Link)

Something simple like that is really moving, keep it safe.

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: le_doosh on Mon, 01 July 2013, 16:23:01
Wow this is really terrible news, my thoughts go out to Smallfry's family. I would love to do the group buy as long as some of the proceeds go to Smallfry's family, I feel like that is only suiting.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: moonprismpwr on Mon, 01 July 2013, 16:49:35
When we heard about this tragedy, we were both really shocked and in disbelief. We want to send our condolences to Nate's family in this difficult time.

Smallfry was an amazing guy. It was so easy to forget he was a 16 year old kid, he was so mature and so lighthearted. He always made me feel included, even though I was never very keyboard savvy. We would talk via pm here and there about life, his moped, the cap he got as a present, how he liked the store Lids, and a lot of other off topic things. He was such an open and inviting guy. It's always a really hard thing to lose someone, but just the fact he was so young and had such a big personality, I can hardly wrap my mind around it. What is 16 really? It's a blink of an eye.

I hope his family will find peace and closure and take heart in the fact that their son was an exceptional person. It was a real honor and privilege to have known him. Sending all our love and best wishes, Maria and Noel
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Lycoth on Mon, 01 July 2013, 16:56:25
Sadly I didn't really know him, but I just wanted to pay my respects, and offer my best wishes to his friends and family, both from Geekhack and not.

R.I.P
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 01 July 2013, 17:01:13
RIP Smallfry.  Geekhack just won't be the same without you bro...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ShakeR on Mon, 01 July 2013, 17:37:09
Just now seeing this. What a tragic loss.  :(

Pretty amazing that he was posting on Geekhack.org till the day he passed (8 posts at that).  It really speaks to his spirit and passion for keyboards.

Smallfry was a big fish in our small pond.  He will not be forgotten.

My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Permeability on Mon, 01 July 2013, 17:44:28
Still in disbelief.. he was great and helpful all the time. He will be missed. R.I.P. Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Alessandro on Mon, 01 July 2013, 18:04:58
My goodness. He was a great, light hearted person and will be missed by all.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ShakeR on Mon, 01 July 2013, 18:18:40
Anyone know SmallFry's favorite Cherry MX switch type?
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 July 2013, 18:29:12
Anyone know SmallFry's favorite Cherry MX switch type?

His pride and joy, the Phantom he built, had 65g Blues. I know he liked MX Blacks as well.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ShakeR on Mon, 01 July 2013, 18:40:55
Anyone know SmallFry's favorite Cherry MX switch type?

His pride and joy, the Phantom he built, had 65g Blues. I know he liked MX Blacks as well.


Thanks CPT.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: biochem on Mon, 01 July 2013, 18:53:58
A terrible tragedy. The world is diminished with his passing.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mmmty on Mon, 01 July 2013, 19:43:17
Somebody help me find SmallFry's most memorable thread. Something about him finding an old report card from school. That was soooo funny.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43613.msg894741#msg894741
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: demik on Mon, 01 July 2013, 20:07:12
Anyone know SmallFry's favorite Cherry MX switch type?

His pride and joy, the Phantom he built, had 65g Blues. I know he liked MX Blacks as well.


wise beyond his years.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mmmty on Mon, 01 July 2013, 20:13:42
I'll let you have this one, demik : )
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Grim Fandango on Mon, 01 July 2013, 20:25:05
This is unbelievably shocking. My condolences to all who knew him well.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: demik on Mon, 01 July 2013, 20:39:56
Somebody help me find SmallFry's most memorable thread. Something about him finding an old report card from school. That was soooo funny.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43613.msg894741#msg894741


thread you're looking for was made by the_ed

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=32637.msg617477#msg617477

somehow the og pic was switched to a hapster
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: stoic-lemon on Mon, 01 July 2013, 20:57:08
I haven't been active here long, but I definitely remember his avatar and some of his posts here. Reading this thread, it seems like he was one of the people that makes this place so friendly and welcoming. My condolences to all of you who knew him, and to his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: The_Ed on Mon, 01 July 2013, 21:02:01
Somebody help me find SmallFry's most memorable thread. Something about him finding an old report card from school. That was soooo funny.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43613.msg894741#msg894741


thread you're looking for was made by the_ed

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=32637.msg617477#msg617477

somehow the og pic was switched to a hapster

Re-upped the pic for those who care.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rknize on Mon, 01 July 2013, 21:21:57
somehow the og pic was switched to a hapster

Sadster is the broken attachment mascot.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mmmty on Mon, 01 July 2013, 21:42:29
My bad. Still funny though.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aegrotatio on Mon, 01 July 2013, 22:38:31
So sad--enjoy the flawless clicky keyboards in the sky.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jalaj on Mon, 01 July 2013, 23:10:11
I can't imagine the pain and suffering that his family are enduring with their tragic loss.
His family deserves their privacy and space in this dark hour. Though perhaps at near future date the more esteemed members/admins can reach out to his family (if they haven't already) and corral the community into providing a heartfelt gesture. I think many members would like to contribute in remembrance of SmallFry's meaningful and impactful influence here.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Tue, 02 July 2013, 02:34:18
Smallfry was one of the members where I felt was always there, something like an old store that you always passed by as a kid that's always full of life and brought so much to a community. While you often overlook it due to hurrying about doing your own thing, your comforted by assuming it'll always be there. Then once you find out that it's gone, the realization of how much you've taken it for granted hits you like a blow to the gut.

Thank you so much for this. This summarizes what I could not put into words. SmallFry was always there, on the forums and IRC. He was just there. Now that he's gone, there seems to be a huge gaping hole. I miss him so much. I might forget keyboards, but I will never forget all the great people in this community.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 02 July 2013, 02:38:53
I remember talking to SmallFry more than once about the state of the GH community and how it had changed.  It pained him when prominent members left or faded away.  I would respond that change is inevitable and we should enjoy the good things while they last and embrace the new things to discover their joys.  He agreed but still missed seeing his friends around the forum.

SmallFry embodied many of the things I love most about this community.  GH will never feel the same but we'll continue on, having been enriched by his presence here.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rurushu on Tue, 02 July 2013, 02:44:25
Smallfry... even thought I barely know you, but from the few times of conversation we had, directly or indirectly, I know you're a kind and helpful soul, thank you for everything you had done for me, and the others who are in GH... may your soul rests in peace...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jcrouse on Tue, 02 July 2013, 06:34:44
At the first Chicago meetup Nate was accompanied by his father. He was awesome. We had many things in common in our work backgrounds, machining, autocad, design and basic manufacturing. We talked most of the afternoon. He was polite, knowledgable, engaging, helpful and proud of his son. It was apparent he and his wife did a superb job of raising a young man. We have heard of the eagle scout activities and church involvement, I just can't stop thinking of his parents, his father. Society needs more parents like these. This will change them forever. I have lost both parents. It changes you. I just can't comprehend the loss of a child. I have none. I only hope they can somehow find a way to find strength and comfort in their beliefs.

May God bless the family and Nate,
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: inteli722 on Tue, 02 July 2013, 09:26:19
Wow. I leave for the weekend, and this happens.

SmallFry was a great guy. He was very helpful to the new guys who didn't know much, and he was very nice to everyone. He contributed a lot to this community, and he will be sorely missed by me.

God bless you, Nathan and family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: eth0s on Tue, 02 July 2013, 10:45:56
I was on vacation, I just came back, or I would have posted something sooner.  I was deeply distressed to hear of the sudden death of smallfry.  He was so earnest and eager and so full of life.  I am sharing his parents' sadness today. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: MKULTRA on Tue, 02 July 2013, 11:54:26
Just logged on after vacation to see this.  Extremely tragic.  You will be missed m8.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 02 July 2013, 13:52:42
If anyone is interested, a story in their local newspaper:
http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/family_friends_remember_fun_active_teen_472229283.html

(PDF if you run into a paypal... )
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: DrugER on Tue, 02 July 2013, 14:04:43
I didn't know 'why geekhack logo changed to smallfry?'
but i heard today about you TT

do u read my reply?

REST IN PEACE! SMALLFRY
TT

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: tricheboars on Tue, 02 July 2013, 15:26:48
oh man. super sad. i really liked smallfry. this sucks.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheQsanity on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:05:30
Noooo!!! SmallFry!!! I only wish I had a chance to talk to you more! :'(((((
You were so cool!
This is unbelievable!
:'''(((((
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: fang65 on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:14:08
I only met smallfry twice once at the Chicago meet up and another at the great lakes. I got a kick out of him saying he thought tipos girlfriend was hot. He was such a sweet kid, and it's a tragic thing that he passed so young. I hope he is in a better place with all the keyboards he could ever dream of.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheQsanity on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:30:28
SmallFry you were a bright kid. I thought you would always be here even when I am gone. I thought whenever I left GH I would be rewelcomed by you as you always have for all our members. You were selfless in trying to help us communicate with TheProf. I never got the chance to really thank you for being you. I took a break from GH to focus on school and I regret not logging on to say what's up. You talked to us when we were bored in IRC. You always had something funny to say. I don't know what to say. My heart is broken. I am only slightly older than you but you had way more character than I did. When I was your age. The world has lost an amazingly talented person of life today. I will try to live it up for you SmallFry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: OrangeJewce on Tue, 02 July 2013, 17:04:17
SmallFry was an inspiration to the community, and to myself. Few here has touched me as much, or as greatly, as him. If I had to describe the man; nay, young adult; in one word, it would be selfless. He went above and beyond to help people and always put the community first.

I consider myself honored to have known him, even if it was just for this short time. May G-d lay his soul to rest. My avatar shall now remain an immortal tribute to his existence. And I shall cherish the Edoxen he built for me forever.

Cheers,
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: bisl on Tue, 02 July 2013, 18:24:33
SmallFry was an inspiration to the community, and to myself. Few here has touched me as much, or as greatly, as him. If I had to describe the man; nay, young adult; in one word, it would be selfless. He went above and beyond to help people and always put the community first.

I consider myself honored to have known him, even if it was just for this short time. May G-d lay his soul to rest. My avatar shall now remain an immortal tribute to his existence. And I shall cherish the Edoxen he built for me forever.

Cheers,

I'm really glad he got that to you before this happened. It's special now.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: oluf on Tue, 02 July 2013, 18:35:56
Some thoughts... Perhaps we could create a section in the wiki about SmallFry and his contributions to GH/the keyboard community? Include some funny posts and IRC logs.
I was also thinking we could setup a GB for a SmallFry keyset and dedicate any funds from it toward a contribution to charity in his name? Maybe you guys that knew him well could chime in about his fave keysets?
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dfj on Tue, 02 July 2013, 18:37:16
I have browsed through this entire thread and do not really know what to say.
dangwang opened a reddit link to this thread also http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1hc8fa/news_smallfry_from_geekhack_passes_away_rip_my/
RIP Smallfry.

Thank you Dan!
  This was beyond my abilities for a number of reasons, but his ability to make friendships exceeded our (well, certainly my own) ability to break them. His friends there needed to be informed.
dfj
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 02 July 2013, 18:54:10
I was also thinking we could setup a GB for a SmallFry keyset and dedicate any funds from it toward a contribution to charity in his name?

Maybe you guys that knew him well could chime in about his fave keysets?

Already happening. The new polycarb/abs set with the Cherry legends will have a Smallfry cap.

He loved SoWaRe and toned down sets. So like Olivetti Replica and White on Black Cherry doubleshots.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: oluf on Tue, 02 July 2013, 19:05:18
I was also thinking we could setup a GB for a SmallFry keyset and dedicate any funds from it toward a contribution to charity in his name?

Maybe you guys that knew him well could chime in about his fave keysets?

Already happening. The new polycarb/abs set with the Cherry legends will have a Smallfry cap.

He loved SoWaRe and toned down sets. So like Olivetti Replica and White on Black Cherry doubleshots.

Awesome! I thought that may be the case, but I wanted to put it out there... Count me in.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 02 July 2013, 19:16:27
"8:30a. smallfry is officially a moderator emeritus." - this is a nice gesture - thank you :)

I'm still half expecting to see him post somewhere, then it hits home again.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 02 July 2013, 21:06:14
SmallFry was an inspiration to the community, and to myself. Few here has touched me as much, or as greatly, as him. If I had to describe the man; nay, young adult; in one word, it would be selfless. He went above and beyond to help people and always put the community first.

I consider myself honored to have known him, even if it was just for this short time. May G-d lay his soul to rest. My avatar shall now remain an immortal tribute to his existence. And I shall cherish the Edoxen he built for me forever.

Cheers,

Likewise.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: deepthawt on Tue, 02 July 2013, 21:12:43
Smallfry was a bright light in a sea of stars.
Gloria and I are very sad to hear of Nates passing.


Nate was inspiring, engaging and energetic, I always looked forward to hearing what he was up to next.


This is a loss beyond words, and our condolences go out to all.




Gloria & David.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 02 July 2013, 21:21:37
"8:30a. smallfry is officially a moderator emeritus." - this is a nice gesture - thank you :)

I'm still half expecting to see him post somewhere, then it hits home again.

And when he doesn't, it hurts all the time.

I'm sorry. I don't usually get so emotional, and I didn't know Nate as well as some of you did, but he and I had been getting closer in our friendship over the past several months. Toward the end of the school year, he was feeling very stressed and he confided some personal things with me. I tried to cheer him up and give him some advice where I could. I told him if the atmosphere here or on IRC was getting to him that he should take breaks from being online and try to keep busy.

And now this.

I'm so sorry, Nate. I wish I could have had the chance to meet you in person. But you probably lived as much in your almost 17 years as some people do in 80. You will always be a part of GH, and I will never let you be forgotten. You were a friend to all. You were one of the biggest reasons I posted here as much as I did. I wanted to be like you in this hobby and know as much as you. You were an inspiration to us all.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Binge on Tue, 02 July 2013, 21:40:13
...and give you peace forever.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: captain on Tue, 02 July 2013, 22:03:27
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary
than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan."
--Irving Townsend
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: leesofi on Tue, 02 July 2013, 22:29:44
RIP smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: inteli722 on Wed, 03 July 2013, 00:11:49

Yeah, he wasn't really into that franchise, but it just feels appropriate to me. Again, my condolences go out to the Walter family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 03 July 2013, 00:30:20
[attachimg=1]

I was driving just after sunrise today for about an hour, I was thinking what I would say if Nate were riding with me.

Prolly keyboard stuff. Prolly girls. Prolly lots of stuff.

It's hard to drive safely when you are crying.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: gizzard on Wed, 03 July 2013, 02:14:44
sad.  RIP
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: bisl on Wed, 03 July 2013, 03:53:22
I think the best words I have to describe him are "disarmingly friendly"
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: plastboks on Wed, 03 July 2013, 07:03:47
Rest in peace SmallFry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Dgsbllx on Wed, 03 July 2013, 09:04:45
RIP
Wherever he may be, he will prosper.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kittykatmax on Wed, 03 July 2013, 18:22:50
How horribly, tragically sad.  RIP SmallFry. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Sinzz on Wed, 03 July 2013, 18:25:41
I didn't know him well, but I saw him posting a lot on the threads I followed. RIP Smallfry, and my condolences to the family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: REVENGE on Wed, 03 July 2013, 21:52:18
Smallfry was a great guy and a great member of this community. I can't believe this has happened, I recall speaking with him on IRC not so long ago.

RIP Nathan, we miss you.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: yicaoyimu on Thu, 04 July 2013, 06:21:05
I have seen SmallFry's posts around and wondered these days about the change of GeekHack logo. RIP SmallFry and my best wish out to his family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: RougeR on Thu, 04 July 2013, 07:27:12
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/uNoOyKb.png)


Smallfry's IRC bouncer and bot are still going. But I think the server security settings got changed. I can no longer log into his bouncer. He helped me setup an account on his bouncer and get IRC running. I honestly didn't even know how to connect to the chat without his bouncer and had to teach myself yesterday.

We also had a little chat that we'd call ~dachat and we'd just hang out there. It was where I got my schooling on keyboards really. SpamFry is the last IRC project he worked on. When you link a video, the bot tells you the title of the bot. I always bugged him to make a bot that would put the GH Spy into ~dachat. He always said he'd work on it soonTM.

It felt weird/wrong when I had to setup the connection to IRC without his bouncer. And I'm still waiting for his tag to go from grey to white (meaning he's not away)...and then for him to be chatting away once again.

only just seen all this as ive been to busy with work to go on the forum...still reeling from it a bit, so young...makes you think what would you feel like (hypothetically) if you went tomorrow, proud of your life? i wouldn't be...not yet.

anyway condolences to his family, knew him decently well in irc, we liked to bicker but he was nice.

its very morbid and sad to see his irc name there greyed out.....

(http://i.imgur.com/cbWXWFd.png/[img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/3Uu6gFA.png)

also i have a RougeR_ which needs to be removed at some point it only connects to GH so i could try and go into his server to do it or just ban it...feels so sad, his nick will live on for now, we could make him a bot...but i think it would feel morbid and sad to see
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dfj on Thu, 04 July 2013, 08:30:50
  Enough folks have requested that the bot he ran be revived, that I have allocated semi-permanent hosting for it. Extremely simple, it will decode some common urls so folks could read the human-language titles on links before clicking on them, it will also have a brief message/explanation of itself to spit out. Finally, it will be able to generate periodic announcements. The name is likely to remain 'SpamFry'.
  Recovery of the handle, and retirement of his main handle, ugh, fun. I'll go bug the Freenode ops, they might also shed some light on what other traditional options are reasonable for us irc folks.

dfj
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: AKIMbO on Thu, 04 July 2013, 08:45:09
  Enough folks have requested that the bot he ran be revived, that I have allocated semi-permanent hosting for it. Extremely simple, it will decode some common urls so folks could read the human-language titles on links before clicking on them, it will also have a brief message/explanation of itself to spit out. Finally, it will be able to generate periodic announcements. The name is likely to remain 'SpamFry'.
  Recovery of the handle, and retirement of his main handle, ugh, fun. I'll go bug the Freenode ops, they might also shed some light on what other traditional options are reasonable for us irc folks.

dfj

Thank you dfj.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Thu, 04 July 2013, 09:37:30
thank you everyone for the hundreds of heartfelt messages for nate and his family.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter/journal

they have read every single one, and i hope it has given them some peace that he was loved by people all over the world just for being himself.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 04 July 2013, 10:08:11
  Enough folks have requested that the bot he ran be revived, that I have allocated semi-permanent hosting for it.

Thank you dfj. And thank you for the header in the IRC.

(http://i.imgur.com/7ZhuqPK.png)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: captain on Fri, 05 July 2013, 13:17:38
I hadn't seen this posted, but forgive me if it's a duplicate.  Maybe add this to the OP? 
http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/family_friends_remember_fun_active_teen_472229283.html
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kmacwannabe on Fri, 05 July 2013, 16:10:37
As an atheist, I find it difficult for me to send condolences saying I hope he has gone to a better place, but in my 2.5+ years plus of lurking here, his posts were always enlightening and friendly and I could sure that when I saw his avatar that useful information was sure to follow. I guess what I can say is that I partially believe in self-fulfilling destinies, and whether or not you believed that you would go to heaven, I hope that you are enlightened and relieved whether you, existent or not, transcended, ascended, removed, or else after fighting brain injury for two weeks.

This is a member of the community that has lifted himself above reality, unfortunately now in more ways than one. Although my opinion means less than the thronging masses that experienced his wisdom and thirst for knowledge, I hope you can realize that he had an effect on me and probably other long lurkers as well. His avatar became, in my mind, synonymous with GeekHack. I would get worried if I could find a major post in which he had not contributed in a way that was almost directly correspondent to the precise syntax of the question I was trying to decipher.

You will be missed SmallFry, and even now as I continue my research I am sure that I will find more of your knowledge willingly shared with the community. I only wish he could have been more active on other forums. OCN could use a person like SmallFry was, and I wish I had gotten the chance to sign up and ask him a question before he so unfortunately passed away.

I find it hard to imagine a night spent trolling through endless datasheets and GeekHack posts without some help from SmallFry. It would be like having a burger without fries. You will be missed, Nathan, you will be missed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 05 July 2013, 16:34:38
(http://i.imgur.com/jl2uqPn.jpg)

Was going through some pictures looking for a new background when I found this. Nate had taken this picture to prove to OrangeJewce that his Ergo-Dox had arrived. But what I was more interested in was that sweet bench. Nate told me that his grandma had built that from old fencing and was pretty proud that his grandma liked to build stuff as well.

I suggested that we should start a GB for that bench. He thought I was joking, but I was deadly serious. Seems like quality work runs in the family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 05 July 2013, 18:50:31
I just encountered this information, and am part speechless, part overwhelmed by the urge to say "wow, this sucks." But i'm sure we all know this sucks, and we're all relatively similarly shocked, so i guess that comment doesn't help.

I didn't know the guy personally, but upon joining GH, his activity level, good attitude, and the value he brought to this community was readily apparent.

I always knew that when SmallFry was posting, it was worth reading; whether silly or serious, or somewhere in between.

I offer my condolences to his family and friends, and the knowledge that his contributions to this community were and will be appreciated.

Despite his untimely and seemingly premature departure, the life he lived during his short time, was one worth celebrating.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Fri, 05 July 2013, 19:49:44
This is and was of value to me:
 

[attachimg=1]


Not the public statement, but The Man.


Nathan gave of himself at many levels in a very generous way. He enriched my life experience, helped raise/set/remind me of some of my standards, and was a joy to interact with.


We people are here because of Geekhack. Geekhack is about people. Some of us pretty darn great, some of us...not always so much. Geekhack is a direct reflection of the people that make up and collectively share the virtual electronic space on the server. Way beyond odd, what brings us together initially are the items we use to type and convey our thoughts into that electronic space on that server (and very notably, probably not more than a couple square feet of hard disc space is where ALL of us and all of our stuff on Geekhack reside). The size of a tiny box you can carry, and if the power is turned off, it all stops. Very intangible, very humbling.


I've made the observation over an extended period of time that so many people on GH seem to get along exceptionally well online and in person (online at GH or off GH, in person even at non-GH events). I belong to other forums as many others do and I have not come close to a similar personal experience and bond with so many, so successfully. I believe Nathan is the embodiment of that spirit and shaped a large part of what GH is today. Geekhack is about people, and I'm saying that Nathan has shaped the direction of the people of Geekhack over the last 2 years. Specifically, Nathan is one major reason I chose to dip my toe in the Geekhack water and wade back in.


Nathan gave of himself at many levels in a very generous way. He enriched my life experience, helped raise/set/remind me of some of my standards, and was a joy to interact with. In that sense, and my memories, Nathan will ALWAYS live on. I ask myself: WWND?


Thank you Nathan
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: dmreeves on Fri, 05 July 2013, 22:35:10
Terrible news, always sad to hear of someone dying so unexpectedly.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Turkishrambo on Sat, 06 July 2013, 07:51:17
This is and was of value to me:


(Attachment Link)


Not the public statement, but The Man.


Nathan gave of himself at many levels in a very generous way. He enriched my life experience, helped raise/set/remind me of some of my standards, and was a joy to interact with.


We people are here because of Geekhack. Geekhack is about people. Some of us pretty darn great, some of us...not always so much. Geekhack is a direct reflection of the people that make up and collectively share the virtual electronic space on the server. Way beyond odd, what brings us together initially are the items we use to type and convey our thoughts into that electronic space on that server (and very notably, probably not more than a couple square feet of hard disc space is where ALL of us and all of our stuff on Geekhack reside). The size of a tiny box you can carry, and if the power is turned off, it all stops. Very intangible, very humbling.


I've made the observation over an extended period of time that so many people on GH seem to get along exceptionally well online and in person (online at GH or off GH, in person even at non-GH events). I belong to other forums as many others do and I have not come close to a similar personal experience and bond with so many, so successfully. I believe Nathan is the embodiment of that spirit and shaped a large part of what GH is today. Geekhack is about people, and I'm saying that Nathan has shaped the direction of the people of Geekhack over the last 2 years. Specifically, Nathan is one major reason I chose to dip my toe in the Geekhack water and wade back in.


Nathan gave of himself at many levels in a very generous way. He enriched my life experience, helped raise/set/remind me of some of my standards, and was a joy to interact with. In that sense, and my memories, Nathan will ALWAYS live on. I ask myself: WWND?


Thank you Nathan

May i ask your relationship with Nathan? You seem to be really close to him... I don't mean to be  rude or anything, just a bit curious as im fairly new. Thanks for your words, he sounds like a great person.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: litster on Sat, 06 July 2013, 17:28:11
This one is for you, smallfry.  Inside it is the original Phantom prototype.

(http://i.imgur.com/ziN1acU.gif)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 06 July 2013, 17:35:34
^^^ Awesome Tribute ^^^
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: MrClaus on Sat, 06 July 2013, 22:41:25
May you rest in oeace Smallfry. Although this is my 2nd post. I would like to reach out my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and close friends of his. Its sad to see someone that I regard here as a legend of GH to go so soon. Just reading about what the seniors of GH said about him and his dad makes me feel so unfortunate to have not join this forum earlier.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: domoaligato on Mon, 08 July 2013, 20:29:37
komar has posted the final gh60 rev b. pcb pics here
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34959.msg954327#msg954327

dedicated to the memory of SmallFry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 08 July 2013, 22:27:00
It’s been a little over week since I found out and it feels like an eternity, Nate. I miss you. Everything on this site reminds me of you and the influence you had on this community and me. Earlier this evening, I linked some kids in the IRC to my Wiki and the projects we worked on reminded us of you. As I bought my Miami and CMYK sets, I thought of how much crap you would’ve given me. I’d give anything to have another conversion with you in ~dachat and have you laugh at my terrible taste in keycap sets.

You were my keyboard professor and because a friend of mine as well. I remember how touched I was when you mentioned me in the Awesome people thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42671.msg862448#msg862448). I remember how much fun I had staying up until 3-4 am, learning about Hi-Fi or random keyboard stuff. I remember I was secretly so stoked to get you as a Secret Santa. I thought in a small way I could give something back to someone who had given me so much joy and camaraderie.

When I first joined GeekHack, you were always so patient with me and very kind. And you were so involved with everything; I wanted to have a small part of what you gave and received from the community. 

All these little things remind me of you: your bot in IRC, your IRC bouncer, this Epsilon sitting on my desk, the caps on my board, the server in my apartment, my Wiki, the projects I’m trying to finish, my headphones...everything.

I miss you Nathan. Thank you for spending some of your time with me. I’ll never forget you.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: TheQsanity on Mon, 08 July 2013, 23:26:19
Every page I visit on GeekHack reminds me of SmallFry.

I miss you too sir.
<3
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Slict on Tue, 09 July 2013, 16:20:45
Damn, this is awful. Me and smallfry would play on the GH minecraft server together all the time. This is a real blow to me...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 11 July 2013, 11:08:54
According to this journal entry (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter/journal), today would have been Nate's 17th birthday. Happy birthday man. I'll be remembering you the best way I know how, by working on my keyboards.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 11 July 2013, 11:21:40
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Binge on Thu, 11 July 2013, 16:44:48
I'm getting too old to want feels  :'(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 13 July 2013, 10:52:53
I'm getting too old to want feels  :'(

no one ever wants feels like this.. :(

happy birthday nate. we miss y'all
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: urbanus on Tue, 16 July 2013, 07:45:51
Last year SmallFry posted about how awesome his dad was, because his dad got him a MX1800 as a gift.  We all congratulated him.

I hope you pass on our deepest respects and condolences.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: crthell on Thu, 18 July 2013, 10:39:32
Wow...just wow. He helped me out when I first got into mechanical keyboards (one of those dreaded "Which Keyboard Should I Get" threads.)

R.I.P. man.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sth on Thu, 18 July 2013, 16:29:23
no one ever wants feels like this.. :(

happy birthday nate. we miss y'all

better to feel than not.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Grim Fandango on Thu, 18 July 2013, 16:31:48
It is odd how he still has posts in some of the active topics on the forum.

Kind of puts things in perspective and makes you realize how you should not take things for granted, but appreciate your life and the people around you every day .
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 18 July 2013, 17:15:46
Every time I see the little SmallFry peeking out from behind the Geekhack logo at the top of the page I pause and remember.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Cafiend on Sat, 20 July 2013, 18:38:09
I'm new but from the start I saw that he was a good guy.

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 20 July 2013, 18:54:29
I still remember laughing over this for ages..

(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q603/magicmeatballs/excuse-me_zps9df4ddd9.jpg)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metalliqaz on Sun, 21 July 2013, 22:28:41
This may sound weird but has there been a GH'er in contact with Nate's fam?  I wondering what will become of everyone's gear that he was working on.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mickd on Mon, 22 July 2013, 08:59:05
I haven't been very active for the last few months so I only just found out about this... I am at a lost for words.

I never knew he was such a young man. His intelligence and maturity far surpassed his age.

RIP smallfry... and my condolences towards his family...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jameslr on Tue, 23 July 2013, 10:17:50
I didn't ever get a chance to meet him on the forums as I'm new, but this is just terrible. :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kmiller8 on Wed, 24 July 2013, 22:39:46
This is way overdue, but it finally hit me today. Here are some unorganized thoughts from me.

If you had asked me two months or so ago what I thought of SmallFry I would have told you he was one of the most annoying and intolerable people on the forums. After hearing about his death, my only thoughts toward him were numb. Now I've never realized what people were talking about when they say they felt "numb" towards something, and I still can't describe it, but it really is one of the worst feeling you can have about something, because once you move past numb, you realize how selfish it is to have "not cared" for that much time about something that important. Now I didn't know him that well at all, however there were a few times when I was a relatively new member that him and I would spend ah hour or two PMing each other in IRC about things happening in life. Him and I had some pretty deep conversations about friendship, school, and just general topics. He was quite the interesting child. I definitely felt somewhat connected to him, we both had trouble making friends in school, and were kinda the odd kid, I saw some of myself in him. However, one day I just finally got fed up with his constant spamming of the forum that I just turned a cold shoulder to him and didn't really have any kind of meaningful conversations for the last 6 months or so. I realize now that that was of course incredibly stupid and childish of me and that all SmallFry really wanted was a good friend, and I failed him on that. I'm pretty sure he had found plenty of other people to chat with in IRC though so at the time I didn't feel too bad about it. I guess it really is true what they say, you never really know what you got until it's gone.

I know this is terribly written, but I guess what I'm trying to say is, SmallFry, wherever you are, I'll miss you. Your presence may have annoyed me, but at the same time it made me happy, to see someone in your position always have something good to say, no matter how little or spammy.

Rest in Peace buddy you will be missed <3
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: uJalled on Thu, 25 July 2013, 14:19:36
I would like to pay my condolences to SmallFry's family. I only knew him through forum posts, and I haven't been on the forums for a while which is why this is so late. He was too young to pass away. His posts were always funny, helpful, and genuinely positive.

RIP SmallFry. You will be missed by everyone here on the forums who has been lucky enough to know you.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Krogenar on Fri, 26 July 2013, 08:52:18
I've got no experience with custom keyboard, but I think it would be really cool if the people who do design them (and design the circuit boards) were able to include an etching somewhere on the circuit board a small tribute, perhaps binary encoded (if space is an issue). I think that would be a really great tribute; something that will last, maybe not always visible to everyone, but visible to people who get into the nuts and bolts of a keyboard.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 26 July 2013, 08:53:17
GH60 boards already have this Krog.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Krogenar on Fri, 26 July 2013, 08:56:12
GH60 boards already have this Krog.

They do? That's awesome.  :D
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 26 July 2013, 08:57:02
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=34959.0;attach=27595;image)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 26 July 2013, 08:58:26
From here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34959.msg954327#msg954327).
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Krogenar on Fri, 26 July 2013, 10:04:57
From here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34959.msg954327#msg954327).

I love that it's there, under the keyboard -- I would have also included a link to a page hosted here at GH, in an Easter Egg sort of way, but regardless, that's a great tribute.

We were talking via PM making a Boy Scout merit badge in Smallfry's honor, so I'm wondering what kind of design would be appropriate. It could be something very simple -- a circle with the center saying, 'Nate "Smallfry" W." + his birth/death date + "YOU ARE MISSED"

I wonder if his avatar on the patch would be seen as too "happy"? He seemed like a very happy-go-lucky guy, and the avatar suited his personality, but would it be appropriate for a memorial-style patch? Suggestions?

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:22:55
This may sound weird but has there been a GH'er in contact with Nate's fam?  I wondering what will become of everyone's gear that he was working on.
yes, cptbadass and i are in direct contact with Nate's father. i informed him in no uncertain terms that anything that nate had in his possession at the time of his passing is now theirs, but he is insistent on making sure that everyone get the items that nate was working on or trading.

if there was an item that nate was working on for you that you would like sent, or if he was in the middle of a trade with you that was finalized and just waiting for shipping, please let me know and i will pass the information on to his father. it is clear that there was a strong morality that runs through nate's genes, another one of nate's traits that we will miss so dearly on the forums.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:38:26
I will also be meeting with Mr. Walter so if you do have anything left with the family, I can also pick it up and proxy/distribute/ship it to you when I return from Keycon.

For a badge idea? I was thinking the shape of a flat brim hat and maybe a french fry in the center. Does anyone else want to contribute ideas? Post 'em up here.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:15:23
I will also be meeting with Mr. Walter so if you do have anything left with the family, I can also pick it up and proxy/distribute/ship it to you when I return from Keycon.

For a badge idea? I was thinking the shape of a flat brim hat and maybe a french fry in the center. Does anyone else want to contribute ideas? Post 'em up here.

The FF mystery key 3 logo?
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 27 July 2013, 00:11:50
We already have the caps, seems redundant to have a badge with the same logo. But that's not a bad idea.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 27 July 2013, 02:58:34
We already have the caps, seems redundant to have a badge with the same logo. But that's not a bad idea.

Depends how the keycaps are going to be distributed.

If the badges are available for sale, then anyone could order one.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 27 July 2013, 07:44:34
just putting a quick note in here in case you're not checking the keycon thread. nate's father will be at keycon, and there will be a private place reserved that you can share remembrances with him (and possibly the rest of the family) and collect yourself.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 27 July 2013, 09:00:42
We already have the caps, seems redundant to have a badge with the same logo. But that's not a bad idea.

Depends how the keycaps are going to be distributed.

If the badges are available for sale, then anyone could order one.

Flynn has already said he wanted to do something with the caps for the family and then sell the rest to the community at cost or have the profit donated to the Boy Scouts of America/Nate's Family/Charity.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 27 July 2013, 10:00:02
I haven't been hanging around the forum lately, but if mkawa's avatar is a good representation of the new key legends, then "SmallFry" is spelled wrong.  He repeatedly insisted on that capitalization in IRC.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 27 July 2013, 21:21:31
they aren't, they're a quick mockup that hashbaz did quite a while ago. for the time being i'll switch to Hashbaz's avatar
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 29 July 2013, 10:05:11
CPTBadAss just submitted my order! Thanks to the both of you!

I traded SmallFry an alixinhzai case Poker/GH60 case in exchange for assembly services. Today I got a call from the Post Office near his town. They wanted someone to sign for the case but the carrier was confused since it was my name on the package being delivered to his address.

I had to explain what happened and now the case is being forwarded to me.

ur order now
Poker    Crystal Clear   Crystal Clear   Crystal Clear   Pure Black   Pure Black   Christmas Red   fixed switch

I forgot if this will fit my GH60 (I ordered a ANSI 1.5x plate) but regardless, I'll be making a tribute board: Klaxon caps and this case on my GH60. I'll never swap the caps or sell the board.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: majnu on Tue, 30 July 2013, 07:40:36
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Nathan and to all those people who knew him well on the forums. Such a great loss to us all :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: GON on Mon, 05 August 2013, 09:26:11
So sorry to hear that...
He was an eager member of GH.
Rest in Peace an in Memory of all GH members, Smallfry.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: microsoft windows on Mon, 05 August 2013, 19:23:49
Rest in peace! Just said a prayer today.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Game Theory on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:25:58
His mom posted about being at Keycon.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: MOZ on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:47:10
His mom posted about being at Keycon.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter

Thank you.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:53:24
Just in case that the link is hard to find later, the text from the post:       

Yesterday and today, we spent time with a bunch of people from the Geekhack community....it's a group of people who love keyboards the way Nathan did. I found myself listening to people talk about keyboards with the enthusiasm Nathan always had for these things, and while I didn't understand most of what they were talking about, I heard the spirit of my son in what they said. It made me emotional to hear their words because in them I heard the things I had not wanted to listen to when Nathan was here. I so wish I had paid more attention....not that I will ever understand what they are talking about or be interested in what they like, but to hear the spirit of my son is so beautiful, such a gift.
       Some of these folks came to the house today to see Nathan's keyboard collection and tell us about it. They continued to talk about his contributions to their world and how he continues to add to new members. People still want to know him. This is all such a mystery to me that people who never met my son in the flesh could have such love and passion for him. This type of love is true, rich faith.
         I thank them for their friendship because in that friendship, my son truly found a place that he could feel good, feel at home. I'm so pleased that he found this place! And while I would have loved him to have completed more homework and less Geekhack posts, I will always be thankful to Geekhack for their place in my son's life!

Eternally blessed,

Mama Fry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Latin00032 on Sun, 18 August 2013, 22:11:28
Just in case that the link is hard to find later, the text from the post:       

Yesterday and today, we spent time with a bunch of people from the Geekhack community....it's a group of people who love keyboards the way Nathan did. I found myself listening to people talk about keyboards with the enthusiasm Nathan always had for these things, and while I didn't understand most of what they were talking about, I heard the spirit of my son in what they said. It made me emotional to hear their words because in them I heard the things I had not wanted to listen to when Nathan was here. I so wish I had paid more attention....not that I will ever understand what they are talking about or be interested in what they like, but to hear the spirit of my son is so beautiful, such a gift.
       Some of these folks came to the house today to see Nathan's keyboard collection and tell us about it. They continued to talk about his contributions to their world and how he continues to add to new members. People still want to know him. This is all such a mystery to me that people who never met my son in the flesh could have such love and passion for him. This type of love is true, rich faith.
         I thank them for their friendship because in that friendship, my son truly found a place that he could feel good, feel at home. I'm so pleased that he found this place! And while I would have loved him to have completed more homework and less Geekhack posts, I will always be thankful to Geekhack for their place in my son's life!

Eternally blessed,

Mama Fry

The feels.
Chopping onions!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 21 August 2013, 18:54:00
For everyone who has asked me or said they wanted to do something to help commemorate/remember SmallFry, please check below.

Future SmallFry memorial plans can be found here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47366.msg1008461#msg1008461).
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: nullstring on Fri, 23 August 2013, 18:43:59
As a more casual member, I didn't really know the guy like many of you.
I'm not really one for words, so I'd rather just not say much.

Once everything is brought together, I'll be purchasing my first real set and making what I believe is my first donation.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: audioave10 on Fri, 23 August 2013, 23:58:57
Wow...I'm glad this thread is still busy. I haven't been here for a year...and I DO remember Smallfry.
Very sad as he will be missed badly. Condolences to his family.
 :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: wyatt8740 on Mon, 26 August 2013, 16:52:18
I am rather new here, but I lurked a lot before I registered and I feel I know him somehow.
...I'm just as old as he was...
I don't know what to say, but I'm a bit shocked myself.
RIP.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: grave00 on Mon, 26 August 2013, 23:52:46
I second the post above.  I was moved to write when I noticed this bit of advice I just tracked down was from your friend.  Just a little tidbit on holding the spacebar pins in.  Gonna try it.  His words live on here.

You can also use paper. Anything that would increase the size a hair amount. -smallfry

Worth noting, his advice ended a 2 hour struggle at work with about 2 minutes at home.

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: ynrozturk on Wed, 28 August 2013, 14:34:14
I am new to this community so I did not know him, unfortunately. I'm sure he was a great guy.

My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Thimplum on Fri, 30 August 2013, 11:15:03
R. I. P. SmallFry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Chau on Fri, 30 August 2013, 14:25:56
My heart goes out to all of Nathan's family and friends.

You left us too soon mate.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Netbootz on Tue, 03 September 2013, 13:23:40
I'm new to GH but read through this thread - moving. So sorry to hear a young man passing.  Especially feel for his parents and family.  Also feel for the guys that interacted with him in here.  This part of life is difficult.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Gunni on Fri, 06 September 2013, 09:48:33
I'm new so unfortunately I did not get to meet you, but judging from everyone's kind words you were a very good person.

You will be sorely missed, my heart goes out to the family and friends involved.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Ninjerk on Fri, 06 September 2013, 18:14:56
I'm an infrequent user, and just clicked here.

This is sad. I didn't know Nate, but he was just a 'baby' really. Seemed like a really good kid, and it's heart breaking to see and hear about good young people dying.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SNF on Mon, 07 October 2013, 17:29:27
RIP Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: MyNameIsFinn on Sat, 26 October 2013, 21:03:14
Just heard about it, I've been gone. He was always looking to help though. I was trying to get a price check, on what I don't know. But he wanted to help.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/dzh06r.png)
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Rebel on Mon, 28 October 2013, 04:06:09
R.I.P. is all can say for the man, even i didn't know him, it is obvious that he was beloved around here.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Cycane on Mon, 28 October 2013, 20:09:20
R.I.P :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: F u r u y á on Sun, 03 November 2013, 14:18:40
I got tears in my eyes after reading the story (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45288), the blog (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter), and the visit (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47366). I previously knew SmallFry has passed away but this is the first time I took some time to read more about it. I'm not very active in GH but I'm always lurking around from time to time. He was such a young kid, and I can't image how hard it must've been (and it's being) to the family to lose a son like that (he is young, healthy and active, and suddenly he is no more). My sincere condolences to his family.

GH helping the family's funding through selling/auctioning items is a really nice idea. You found a way of translating your passion for keyboards to other people that doesn't necessarily understand the value in this hobby, it's a beautiful gesture. I would never pay hundreds of bucks in a single keycap, but I'm eager to see some collector's keycaps to be sold for hundreds and the money being converted to the family.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jevvix on Thu, 07 November 2013, 01:29:10
I lurk a lot but have ran across his posts several times. From what I can tell he was a great and helpful guy. What a tragedy this. Condolences to his family and friends.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 08 November 2013, 21:41:56
Alright, I guess now is the time to post in this thread.

If you've ever looked, you'll see that my account was created on the day after this thread was originally posted. Prior to that, I had never once been to GH. I feel I've finally grasped who Smallfry was, even though I've only been here 5 months (feels shorter). Smallfry wasn't "some user." He was... Smallfry. He knew so much, and he was willing to share that knowledge with everyone. You could always get excited to see a new post from him.

I guess that's as close as I'll ever get to properly expressing my thoughts on this.

-TS
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Internetlad on Fri, 15 November 2013, 15:07:28
wow, as somebody who used to browse here a fair bit, coming back and finding this is heartwrenching.  I never knew him in real life but he was never anything but a class act on the boards.
RIP.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 21 November 2013, 20:03:02
Went back to using the Ergodox at work that SmallFry built for me.  A great reminder of a kid that did so much in his small time.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Reptile on Wed, 04 December 2013, 16:35:04
Man this sucks. I haven't logged on here in forever and this is one of the first things I see. I've lost way too many friends that were too young. R.I.P.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 04 December 2013, 16:39:41
Man this sucks. I haven't logged on here in forever and this is one of the first things I see. I've lost way too many friends that were too young. R.I.P.

Welcome back, Reptile. Yeah, it's been rough without him here. He was like a sanity check, sometimes, you know?
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Wed, 04 December 2013, 21:45:17
ditto. welcome back reptile. you might want to hit the keycon 2013 forum. nathan was an amazing kid, and i'm sure it's hitting you like it hit all of us at the time. there's a bit of closure in the keycon forum. what one can get from such a tragedy, anyway :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: DarkShot on Wed, 01 January 2014, 17:30:58
Well..

I went on hiatus and arrive back to learn of this. It's a shame to lose someone to unfortunate events, and hits close to home at that as he was my younger brother's age, born in '96.

Albeit late, I do hope that his family gets closure and that he rest well. RIP, brother.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CalmB4tehPwn on Wed, 01 January 2014, 17:42:14
I know there's a lot of people here that look at me oddly for mourning Smallfry, since I joined after he had passed, but I continue to dig through old posts, and I keep getting to know him better. It hurts, to know I'll never get to know him.

Yesterday I found the GH Great Coffee Exchange, and I went to go add my name to the ledger, just to be stopped in my tracks.

I'm a parent, and I can't even imagine. It's obvious we was something special, just by going on these forums. He touched so many people, and continues to brighten the lives of people he didn't even know.

I just can't even. I don't know.
Words fail.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Wed, 01 January 2014, 18:05:53
It's comforting to see that even now Smallfry posts are still helping people. I had just began to talk with him in IRC and on group Skype chats shortly before his passing. Since then I haven't really been on the IRC or any Skype chats which is something I really should get back to doing. There is no better way to really get to know people here. A few days after his passing, maybe a week, I opened up my Skype for the first time since I spoke with him in a group chat only to be greeted with this. (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/02/yrazute9.jpg)
I kept it open on my Skype for days because I didn't want to click decline, even tho I knew I had to.... Happy New Year Nate. I'm sure we would have had some great conversations. Cheers!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 01 January 2014, 19:41:46
:'(

I had something similar happen to me a while ago. It's hard.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: LargeFry on Wed, 08 January 2014, 21:44:16
Just wanted to drop a line and let you guys know that we still stop by periodically to see what is going on.  I always check this tread and appreciate the comments.  Thanks for keeping my son alive in your comments.

LargeFry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 08 January 2014, 21:47:13
Just wanted to drop a line and let you guys know that we still stop by periodically to see what is going on.  I always check this tread and appreciate the comments.  Thanks for keeping my son alive in your comments.

LargeFry

He will forever be here as new and old members run across his posts!! I run across the occasional PM from Smallfry when I'm looing for older pm's, he was so helpful.

Hope you family is doing well and surviving this brutal winter!
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Voixdelion on Mon, 03 March 2014, 22:13:43
What a bummer. 

*raises glass* 

Cheers, SmallFry -  Until we meet again...

 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sth on Mon, 05 May 2014, 06:05:06
Just wanted to drop a line and let you guys know that we still stop by periodically to see what is going on.  I always check this tread and appreciate the comments.  Thanks for keeping my son alive in your comments.

LargeFry

thanks for giving us a chance to get to know him. take care.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Mon, 05 May 2014, 20:35:18
nate will always be a part of geekhack. always.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 05 May 2014, 20:39:03
I was browsing a thread from exactly a year ago and almost necro'd it because I didn't catch the date was 2013 then can across one of Smallfry's posts....at first I was like...what? Then realized the date.... :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 05 May 2014, 21:15:01
nate will always be a part of geekhack. always.

(Attachment Link)

Where can I get one of those?
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Dubsgalore on Mon, 05 May 2014, 22:18:26
(http://i.imgur.com/adjcznP.png)

I remember taking this screenshot and sending it to him to congratulate him on 6K

Geekhack was pretty different back then...really miss it...

 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 05 May 2014, 22:42:41
Ah, his "Thanks much" sig.  And Soon (tm).

He is missed on a daily basis.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Mon, 05 May 2014, 22:46:52
nate will always be a part of geekhack. always.

(Attachment Link)

Where can I get one of those?
he had it custom made on a family trip to the mall of america

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Dubsgalore on Mon, 05 May 2014, 22:49:30
Ah, his "Thanks much" sig.  And Soon (tm).

He is missed on a daily basis.

He was the first person from Geekhack I talked to...I'll always remember that night on IRC
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 27 June 2014, 23:52:57
1 year today. RIP buddy. Geekhack isn't the same without you.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 28 June 2014, 12:24:04
Nathan

Smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metalliqaz on Mon, 30 June 2014, 01:03:50
A year already?  Things move so fast...
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: cherpalla on Sun, 31 August 2014, 10:01:22
Just wanted to post to anyone watching this thread that I have created a tribute Cap to SmallFry, profits go to support GH, the Nathaniel Walters scholarship fund and to feed the hungry.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57263.msg1455582#msg1455582

Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 02 July 2015, 12:01:47
Glad that Geekhack is back. But to me it was kinda fitting. Almost like an extended moment of silence. The 'hack went down Friday or Saturday of last week? And in that little scramble that I'm sure you all did with me to try and fill the void, I almost forgot that 6/27 is a date that has real significance to me. The anniversary of Smallfry's death.

In March I had the chance to hang out with Hoffman and Halverson at Midwest Gaming Classic. Turns out my drive brought me near Gurnee Mall, site of the first Geekhack meetup I went to in Chicagoland. I think I realized like twenty miles out that I'd be passing it. I think I was teary eyed for the next sixty miles. And threw up a salute when I passed by.

Nate was the person who taught me most how cool DIY and Making Stuff Together is here. He gave me a crash course in keyboards so thorough, I told him he was my Professor and I was earning my Bachelor's of Keyboard Science. I think part of building keyboards for me is a way for me to keep a part of his memory.

But anyways, I still think about you Nate. I miss you. Rest in paradise.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sth on Thu, 02 July 2015, 15:12:50
thanks for the reminder cpt.
rest in peace SmallFry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 02 July 2015, 18:16:43
thanks for the reminder cpt.
rest in peace SmallFry

+1
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: mkawa on Fri, 11 September 2015, 09:13:44
I was contacted by Nathan's mother today. The drunk driver who murdered nathan plead no contest. Sentencing will happen in November.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 11 September 2015, 10:07:49
I was contacted by Nathan's mother today. The drunk driver who murdered nathan plead no contest. Sentencing will happen in November.

It's good that the legal process is finally coming to an end. It will give much needed closure to Nate's family and friends.

That said, a long prison sentence for the drunk driver will not bring back our friend. I hope the offender may be able to do something positive toward preventing this type of behavior in others, which leads to so much pain and sadness.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 12 September 2015, 18:11:02
Thanks for the update.  I actually did not know an drunk impaired driver was involved in the incident. 
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: njbair on Sat, 12 September 2015, 18:29:15
Thanks for the update.  I actually did not know a drunk driver was involved in the incident.
I never heard this part, either. A friend of mine lost her mother to a drunk driver. Her mother was on the highway, on her way to attend my friend's college graduation.

I drove drunk more times than I can count, before I gave up drinking altogether about 12 years ago. Thank God nothing bad ever happened as a result, but I think sometimes how much different life would be for me right now if I had taken someone's life.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 12 September 2015, 18:34:10
Thanks for the update.  I actually did not know a drunk driver was involved in the incident.
This. I missed the update as well. Praying for all involved.

It's a real shame a life can be taken so quickly but justice isn't served for such a long time.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Sent on Sun, 13 September 2015, 00:44:46
Thanks for the update.  I actually did not know a drunk driver was involved in the incident.
I never heard this part, either. A friend of mine lost her mother to a drunk driver. Her mother was on the highway, on her way to attend my friend's college graduation.

I drove drunk more times than I can count, before I gave up drinking altogether about 12 years ago. Thank God nothing bad ever happened as a result, but I think sometimes how much different life would be for me right now if I had taken someone's life.

I lost one of my childhood friends to a drunk driver six years ago.  It's beyond sad that so many of us have experienced a tragedy like this in our lives.  As jd said, though, it's great that the legal process is winding down.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 13 September 2015, 03:02:25
There would have to be something out of the ordinary to have caused a tragedy like this.  mkawa's comment suggests such a reason.

Thank you for the update, hopefully Nathan's family will receive some comfort and closure from this.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 23 September 2015, 02:21:41
I still keep this on my desk, unchanged since I did it when he died. Can't bring myself to change it.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: alienman82 on Sat, 21 November 2015, 02:00:08
removed.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: SamirD on Tue, 05 January 2016, 08:01:14
I just ran into this thread.  Being in Wisconsin too, I can't help but imagine being close friends with someone like Smallfry.  Being a fairly new member (activity-wise), I never knew him.

His remembrance here in this thread even years is a testament to the man he was.  I can only hope to achieve such levels of respect and admiration over the course of my life.

RIP Smallfry.  You are still present among your friends here.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: berserkfan on Fri, 08 January 2016, 09:51:42
Impressive to see that 3 years after his untimely death SmallFry is still remembered.

This is the mark of a man (actually he was a boy, but he was really mature) who has left positive feelings in the people he came into contact with.

 :thumb:
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: LargeFry on Thu, 10 March 2016, 11:03:31
A quick correction, the driver who hit Nathan (SmallFry) was on heroin, not drunk.  He was sentenced to 5 years in prison and 10 years extended supervision.  The driver went into rehab and was clean from shortly after the accident on.  The accident might have save the defendant's life, as he finally got the help he needed to get clean.  The judge told the defendant “This young man has caused you to do what you couldn’t do for several years, but he had to die to do it.”

As JD said, no sentence will bring back Nathan, and maybe the defendant is on a better path now.  In any case, we are glad this part of the journey is over.

We stop by periodically and read some of the past and current posts in this and other threads.  Thank you for all your kind comments.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 10 March 2016, 15:02:38
Thank you for the update.  I'm glad you're doing well.

Still sorry Nathan didn't get to build the board I gave him.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 10 March 2016, 19:54:35
Thank you for the update.

I can only admire your ability to see a positive aspect of this dreadful situation.

I hope you are able to move forward a little every day.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 07 April 2016, 22:40:03
A quick correction, the driver who hit Nathan (SmallFry) was on heroin, not drunk.  He was sentenced to 5 years in prison and 10 years extended supervision.  The driver went into rehab and was clean from shortly after the accident on.  The accident might have save the defendant's life, as he finally got the help he needed to get clean.  The judge told the defendant “This young man has caused you to do what you couldn’t do for several years, but he had to die to do it.”

As JD said, no sentence will bring back Nathan, and maybe the defendant is on a better path now.  In any case, we are glad this part of the journey is over.

We stop by periodically and read some of the past and current posts in this and other threads.  Thank you for all your kind comments.

Thank you for the update.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: sth on Wed, 15 June 2016, 02:55:55
almost three years. still feels like we were just talking on irc the other day.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 15 June 2016, 05:44:10
almost three years. still feels like we were just talking on irc the other day.

Can't be that long - only seems like last week we heard the news :(
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Baby_Fry on Sat, 30 July 2016, 22:08:04
Hey all,

I don't know how much this thread is checked anymore, but my name is Emily, and I am Small Fry's younger sister. Just to give a bit of an update on my life, I am now 18, and have been working as a camp counselor at a summer camp where Nathan and I went to camp. I just wanted to ask if any of you would possibly have a note that my brother may have hand written to you. I am searching for handwriting for a tattoo that I would like to get. I want to have Semper Vic written on my thigh in my brother's handwriting. Semper Vic is the high school wrestling team's motto, meaning always victorious. It doesn't always mean that you will win every match, because my brother didn't, but rather that you will act like a champion in your everyday life with how you treat others, yourself, and the world around you. I believe my brother greatly embodied what the team meant it to stand for. To explain further, the old wrestling singlets have Semper Vic written on the thigh, which is the reason for the location. I would greatly appreciate if you could get back to me.

Thanks much,
Emily
Baby Fry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 30 July 2016, 23:01:53
@Baby_Fry, I'll keep looking, but here is something I found here:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35796.msg681731#msg681731

(http://i.imgur.com/5SJXZ.jpg)

Edit: ...and this is my 12,000th post. RIP SmallFry; we still remember.



The only handwritten note I ever received from Nathan would have been included with the headphones he traded me, and unfortunately I don't think I kept it.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: Baby_Fry on Mon, 01 August 2016, 13:25:16
@jdcarpe,

Thank you so much, that is very helpful. I greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Emily
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: kenmai9 on Mon, 01 August 2016, 13:46:25
Hey all,

I don't know how much this thread is checked anymore, but my name is Emily, and I am Small Fry's younger sister. Just to give a bit of an update on my life, I am now 18, and have been working as a camp counselor at a summer camp where Nathan and I went to camp. I just wanted to ask if any of you would possibly have a note that my brother may have hand written to you. I am searching for handwriting for a tattoo that I would like to get. I want to have Semper Vic written on my thigh in my brother's handwriting. Semper Vic is the high school wrestling team's motto, meaning always victorious. It doesn't always mean that you will win every match, because my brother didn't, but rather that you will act like a champion in your everyday life with how you treat others, yourself, and the world around you. I believe my brother greatly embodied what the team meant it to stand for. To explain further, the old wrestling singlets have Semper Vic written on the thigh, which is the reason for the location. I would greatly appreciate if you could get back to me.

Thanks much,
Emily
Baby Fry

this is beautiful.

RIP smallfry
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 27 August 2016, 20:58:03
Hey all,

I don't know how much this thread is checked anymore, but my name is Emily, and I am Small Fry's younger sister. Just to give a bit of an update on my life, I am now 18, and have been working as a camp counselor at a summer camp where Nathan and I went to camp. I just wanted to ask if any of you would possibly have a note that my brother may have hand written to you. I am searching for handwriting for a tattoo that I would like to get. I want to have Semper Vic written on my thigh in my brother's handwriting. Semper Vic is the high school wrestling team's motto, meaning always victorious. It doesn't always mean that you will win every match, because my brother didn't, but rather that you will act like a champion in your everyday life with how you treat others, yourself, and the world around you. I believe my brother greatly embodied what the team meant it to stand for. To explain further, the old wrestling singlets have Semper Vic written on the thigh, which is the reason for the location. I would greatly appreciate if you could get back to me.

Thanks much,
Emily
Baby Fry

Gah!  I had a handwritten note, but I believe it was disposed of long ago.  Oh well.  I think jdcarpe provided some help there.
Title: Re: In remembrance: Smallfry aka Nathan W.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 27 August 2016, 21:09:45
A quick correction, the driver who hit Nathan (SmallFry) was on heroin, not drunk.  He was sentenced to 5 years in prison and 10 years extended supervision.  The driver went into rehab and was clean from shortly after the accident on.  The accident might have save the defendant's life, as he finally got the help he needed to get clean.  The judge told the defendant “This young man has caused you to do what you couldn’t do for several years, but he had to die to do it.”

On another note, related to the heroin addict that took Smallfry from this world, I have lost one of my first friends in this world and also an extended family member to heroin addiction this year.  The damage that heroin addition and the root causes of such addiction are doing to this country for the last few years affects nearly everyone.  What to do about, I don't quite know.