What sad news.
How thoughtful of you to let us know, Christine.
Thank you.
PattiOh

Dear Christine,

I do remember Vlad. I did not know he was battling cancer.
I'm very sad to hear of his passing.

Please send my heart felt condolences to Eric. He going to need a lot of support at this time.

God bless,
Edna

BTW...he was known as Vladpup for those who may not recall.

I think of Vlad all the time, and wondered how he was doing. I assumed he was not posting as much because of his eyesight. My condolences to Eric.
Vlad had such an interesting mind.
We traded plants two years ago, his onions are still in my garden, much cherished.

GGG

Oh, I'm so sad to hear about Vlad! :-( I remember him very well, not only as a wonderful gardener but as a truly unique person. I still remember how he saved his horse Monarch, due to be shot for a broken leg - he literally camped in the stables for months until Monarch was well again. I hadn't heard of him for a long time too, but I assumed it was due to the fact that many people left when iVillage took over and he was on dial-up, which made access to the forums a pain. I had no idea he was battling cancer, not even that he was ill at all. I cannot express how sad I feel about his demise. Please tell his partner how very sad I am to hear such sad news...

I hope someone plants strawberries over his grave. I seem to remember he loved these plants as ground cover and had them anywhere he could.

Eduarda

I am very saddened by this news. I remember Vlad well too, but also did not know he was battling cancer. Please send my condolences to his partner.
Lori

Had sad! I remember meeting him two years ago, he was such a funny and sweet man. I had heard he was ill, but I had no idea. How heartbreaking for Eric.

Thanks for letting us know Christine.

I am sorry to hear of Vlad's passing. Thanks for letting us know and condolences to Eric.

FlowerLady

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Wishing his family and friends strength during this very difficult time.

With deepest sympathy,
Marilyn

Hello Christine. It's very kind of you to let us all know. I'm sure he was much loved. I'm in the midst of landscaping my front yard. I will choose something particularly lovely to plant in honor of our fellow gardener, Vlad. Please give my sympathy to his friends, family, and particularly to Eric.

Regards,

Steven

I'm sad to think I didn't know Vlad, for he sounds like a wonderful individual. Still, this thread has touched me, so here is my tribute to him...to life:

for Eric and those left behind...

In and out
In and out
A web of life we weave

And in passing
Quiet passing
Memories we leave

Who was here?
How the air?
A being sentient

Hearts are touched
Thoughts survive
Elan dancing went....

Balsam

What a beautiful poem, Balsam.

Steven, loved your idea. I'm going to do the same.

Edna

Please pass condolences to Eric and Vlad's other friends and family. So sorry for his loss, Peace be with all.

Jenn

Thank you all. I will pass on your thoughts.

Balsam, that was lovely. Of course, it made me cry.

Vlad's cancer was insanely fast, which in itself carries blessings and curses.

Vlad is known 'round here (the DC, southern MD swapping area) for his strawberries. They would be a great choice to plant in his honor, along with any fruit tree.

He bought several types of both in his first year gardening. The berries took over, as you can imagine, so everyone has some of his strawberries. I have several covering my country roadside, and as I weed and water, I snack and think of him. It will be particularly poignant this year, because in addition to those berries, he would make me homemade bread, jam, and concoctions. He was a great canner. He grew raspberries with great success, even golden ones, and made fabulous treats.

Again, if you're in the area, our swap is on May 5th and his memorial service is the 12th. If anything, there will be a bunch of gardeners remembering a friend.

As long as we're remembered, we live forever. With the Internet, we outlive those who remember us.

Christine

Christine, thank you for posting this, and my sympathies to you, as well. I remember vlad and liked him so much--We emailed back and forth a number of times and had exchanged seeds before that. He was so kindhearted and funny.

I don't think he would mind if I shared an excerpt of one of his emails here (under the line below). He was just such a warm person, and rereading his words makes me smile now.

--------------------------------

It's been rather busy around here, especially for "the slow season," but i FINALLY got your seeds packaged and will get them to the post this week. Now there's a real delay for you!

Blame it on the Cat. Blame EVERYTHING on the Cat! One key to understanding the rules under which cats allow us to enter their universe is: the cat doesn't care what you think it did or how you feel about it. Therefore, there is no reason not to blame the Cat for EVERYTHING!

Did you know that boxes of carefully packeted and sorted herb seeds make great nests? Ivan the Indoor Jungle Cat has decided that boxes should be opened, half the contence kicked out, and the rest shuffled to form a comfortable nest.

Took a whole day to sort that mess out - and i wound up with a big bottle labeled "Mixed Herb Seeds."

...Ivan is about a year old now, and loves to pounce and play-fight. Unfortunately, he hasn't figured out how not to use his claws. i need a button that says "Red Cross blood drive? i already gave at the Cat."

------------------------------------------

Thank you again, Christine, and all of his loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.