Ryland Sanders has passed away.

April 2, 2011 12:24 PM

He hasn't been around too much lately, but longtime MeFites may wish to know that Ryland Sanders, aka RylandDotNet, passed away this morning is in hospice care (please read thread for details)

He'd been suffering from COPD for some time, but recently took a turn for the worse. Friends from another site who visited him yesterday report him as happy and unafraid.

Ryland created Says-It -- an outgrowth of his Church Sign Generator page, which has its own Snopes entry -- and God Hates Shrimp, and blogged at ABoyAndHisComputer.com and Tumblr.

He lived in Austin, was 43, and will be greatly missed.

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posted by Vidiot to MetaFilter-Related at 12:24 PM (241 comments total)

Some other friends are taking up a collection to help his family with funeral expenses as well.
posted by Vidiot at 12:28 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by grouse at 12:30 PM on April 2, 2011

I loved God Hates Shrimp. 43 is too damn young. I'm sorry for your loss, Vidiot.
posted by donnagirl at 12:34 PM on April 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

He linked to one of my web projects back in the old days (old-ish, anyway. 1998 or 9) and we exchanged a few emails about it. Just by the amount of traffic his little link sent me I knew he was an internet celebrity, although I wasn't aware of his stuff. Then many years later, after I moved to Austin, I saw he had appeared in my 'users near you' list, and I meant to drop him a line to say, "hey remember that?" but I never did. Shit.

He showed me unsolicited kindness and encouragement at a time when I could use it. That's one clear definition of a good person.

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posted by dirtdirt at 12:34 PM on April 2, 2011 [8 favorites]

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posted by pb (staff) at 12:35 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by edgeways at 12:37 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by lilac girl at 12:40 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

RIP. The community is considerably lessened by this; the world is as well.
posted by Astro Zombie at 12:42 PM on April 2, 2011

Nuts.
posted by Jofus at 12:47 PM on April 2, 2011

The church sign generator alone ensures his immortality.

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posted by fairytale of los angeles at 12:50 PM on April 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

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posted by stagewhisper at 12:50 PM on April 2, 2011

"News of Ryland's death was premature: he was revived on the way to the hospital and now in ICU."
posted by delfuego at 12:55 PM on April 2, 2011 [12 favorites]

Wow. MetaRessurection.
posted by jonmc at 12:58 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Holy SHIT, delfuego! Please, please, please let this be a case where someone gets to read their own obituary.
posted by maudlin at 12:58 PM on April 2, 2011

(Oh God, that may sound a lot worse than I meant. I mean, it sounds like a close call and I hope it remains a close call. Damn it.)
posted by maudlin at 12:59 PM on April 2, 2011

lets hope he recovers !!!!
posted by sgt.serenity at 1:00 PM on April 2, 2011

*crosses fingers and hopes for a recovery*

I didn't know he was a MeFite, but I was a big fan of Church Sign Generator and God Hates Shrimp.
posted by Infinite Jest at 1:03 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Holy shit! Strange day when ICU is good news. *crosses fingers*
posted by Space Kitty at 1:06 PM on April 2, 2011

Alive or dead, he's a he'll of a guy.
posted by ColdChef at 1:08 PM on April 2, 2011 [9 favorites]

Hang in there, man. Thinking of you.
posted by joe lisboa at 1:08 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by clavdivs at 1:08 PM on April 2, 2011

What news! Hope is restored!
posted by Astro Zombie at 1:16 PM on April 2, 2011

I hereby declare § to be the official emoticon for crossed fingers.

§
posted by dhartung at 1:19 PM on April 2, 2011 [28 favorites]

Just in case you see this before you embark on your journey, best wishes Ryland.
posted by stx23 at 1:19 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

"News of Ryland's death was premature: he was revived on the way to the hospital and now in ICU."
posted by delfuego at 12:55 PM on April 2 [3 favorites +] [!]


!

YAY
posted by anniecat at 1:23 PM on April 2, 2011

Metafilter 1 Death 0

suck it, death
posted by anniecat at 1:23 PM on April 2, 2011 [27 favorites]

§
posted by Kattullus at 1:25 PM on April 2, 2011

Maybe the "deceased 4/2/11" thing should be taken off his user page while we're all §-ing ?
posted by anniecat at 1:28 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

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posted by Salmonberry at 1:32 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Navelgazer at 1:35 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by The Whelk at 1:37 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Schlimmbesserung at 1:39 PM on April 2, 2011

I hope pb made a 'Mark as unDeceased' button and that Matt gets to use it!
posted by vacapinta at 1:40 PM on April 2, 2011 [7 favorites]

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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 1:47 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by nevercalm at 1:52 PM on April 2, 2011

good point, anniecat. took the note off his profile. nthing §.
posted by pb (staff) at 1:54 PM on April 2, 2011

What the fuck! Totally not cool to post this...but TOTALLY cool that he's alive!

I'm glad Ryland is ok...but maybe people should wait until they post shit like this on the internet. Its rather disrespectful.
posted by hal_c_on at 1:59 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by hal_c_on at 2:00 PM on April 2, 2011

This tweet is kind of awesome.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 2:00 PM on April 2, 2011 [3 favorites]

§
posted by shiny blue object at 2:01 PM on April 2, 2011

§

My best hopes for a good recovery.
posted by pjern at 2:03 PM on April 2, 2011

§
posted by nooneyouknow at 2:05 PM on April 2, 2011

I'm glad Ryland is ok...but maybe people should wait until they post shit like this on the internet. Its rather disrespectful.

The news of his death came from his father hours ago. There is absolutely nothing disrespectful here.
posted by ColdChef at 2:09 PM on April 2, 2011 [30 favorites]

Maybe someone should edit the main post?
posted by reductiondesign at 2:18 PM on April 2, 2011

§ for a full recovery. We're rooting for you, Ryland!
posted by Metroid Baby at 2:22 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Doktor Zed at 2:24 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

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posted by Faint of Butt at 2:27 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by sgt.serenity at 2:27 PM on April 2, 2011

Whoa. 43 is too young, I hope. §
posted by orthogonality at 2:29 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by clavdivs at 2:31 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:31 PM on April 2, 2011

What the ...?

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posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 2:35 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by eyeballkid at 2:38 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by marxchivist at 2:41 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by briank at 2:44 PM on April 2, 2011

Re§urrection!
posted by phaedon at 2:44 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by pointystick at 2:57 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Iteki at 2:58 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by juv3nal at 3:00 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Sparx at 3:05 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by palmcorder_yajna at 3:15 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by immlass at 3:18 PM on April 2, 2011

Holy fuck, that is crazy. I don't know Ryland, but hang in there, man!
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:20 PM on April 2, 2011

Ryland is a good guy and I have great memories of him from MeFi, and all the other venues we hung out together in. The most recent update is that he is currently in ICU and his parents are working with the hospice, to try to take him home.

Ryland's got a great sense of humour and is one of the calmest individuals I know, calmer than mathowie too. I am sure if he ever gets a chance to read this thread, he'll have a nice laugh. Heck, this is the man who invited people to come say goodbye to him next week in Austin, knowing that his time was nearly up. He wants us to celebrate his life and not be sad at his eventual passing.

Here's to you Ryland, you're a gem of a person.
posted by riffola at 3:22 PM on April 2, 2011 [12 favorites]

§
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 3:32 PM on April 2, 2011

Whoo hoo!
posted by chavenet at 3:45 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

§. COPD is a rough road. I hope that Ryland is comfortable and surrounded by all the love he deserves.
posted by dejah420 at 3:49 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by JohnnyGunn at 3:51 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 3:54 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by sonika at 3:55 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Skybly at 3:57 PM on April 2, 2011

break a leg kid
posted by caddis at 4:04 PM on April 2, 2011

Oh wow. I love says-it.com and have had lots of fun playing with the generators there, and seeing the new ones over the years. I thought it was very cool when he released the generator code under an open-source license a few years ago. Thank you, Ryland.

§
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 4:08 PM on April 2, 2011

Jesus, I saw something in passing at one of the other sites we hang out at along the lines of 'thinking of you Ryland' and didn't stop to read the thread as I was heading out the door.

Here's hoping you recover fully and soon, man.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 4:12 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

I hope pb made a 'Mark as unDeceased' button and that Matt gets to use it!

It looks like when you die, you get banned from Metafilter. Glad I do not believe in an afterlife with grave goods and taking stuff with you and that kind of thing.

Best wishes.
posted by floam at 4:31 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Thanks, Ryland, for contributing a lot of silly fun to the lives of strangers, over the years!

§
posted by LobsterMitten at 4:32 PM on April 2, 2011

§
posted by arcticseal at 4:46 PM on April 2, 2011

§ for Ryan Sanders. So sorry he's had to struggle with COPD. I love his Says It, such a fun idea and still get wonderful bellylaughs reading the Snopes entry.

Chipped in, first with condolences and now with get well wishes.
posted by nickyskye at 4:50 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

§
posted by Skorgu at 5:17 PM on April 2, 2011

So, here's the latest update. We talked to Ryland's aunt on the phone at the hospital. Hospice has arrived. They are going to take Ryland off all life supportive measures: O2, medicines, etc, and make sure he is not in any kind of pain whatsoever. All we can do is wait, now, and hold him in our hearts.

We relayed to Ryland's aunt all the outpouring of love, respect, and affection that has been streaming his way. Told her how many friends he has all over the world who are thinking about him right now and wishing him a well and safe journey. She said she would make sure he knew just how loved he is by all of us. That he is lucid enough to understand and that it would make him very happy.
posted by dreamattack at 5:19 PM on April 2, 2011 [16 favorites]

Ryland has no hope of recovery. His episode this morning (and the confusion in it's wake) was part of the first steps of him shuffling off this mortal coil. His rich life is near it's end. Keep him in your thoughts and give generously if you're able. Thank you.
posted by ColdChef at 5:21 PM on April 2, 2011 [13 favorites]

Safe passage, Ryland.
posted by scody at 5:39 PM on April 2, 2011 [5 favorites]

Damn death. Damn it to hell along with all its minions.

Coldchef, I believe you, but I can still believe for a miracle. My boss literally cheated death a couple of times a couple of weeks ago (long story, I can share it later) so pardon me if I hold a shred of hope for Ryland.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:40 PM on April 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

Coldchef, I believe you, but I can still believe for a miracle. My boss literally cheated death a couple of times a couple of weeks ago (long story, I can share it later) so pardon me if I hold a shred of hope for Ryland.

I have never before hoped so hard that I am wrong and that you are right.
posted by ColdChef at 5:45 PM on April 2, 2011 [19 favorites]

I edited this post just to be accurate to people who might come across it and not read the whole thing. I know we were all working on the best information available but I felt weird having a thread that was above-the-fold. Hope that's okay.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:45 PM on April 2, 2011

Cigarettes suck. They took my mom. They took my dad. Fuck you, Phillip Morris. Fuck you to hell.
posted by crunchland at 5:45 PM on April 2, 2011 [5 favorites]

§
posted by Wuggie Norple at 5:46 PM on April 2, 2011

Peace to him, his family and friends in this breath-held moment.
posted by Wuggie Norple at 5:49 PM on April 2, 2011

I'm happy hospice is involved. They're wonderful. I simply hope his remaining time is comfortable and his family finds peace during this time.
posted by justgary at 5:53 PM on April 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

Crossed fingers for a painless passing.

§

Thinking of you, Ryland.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:57 PM on April 2, 2011

Go in peace, Ryland. I still remember reading this from his blog -- wow -- in 2005. Was a vague memory, but certainly made an impact for me to remember it among the thousands of blog posts I've read since then.

Glad hospice is there. Death from an illness that causes one to feel like they're suffocating is one of the most terrifying ways to go, I'm told.

Cigarettes suck. They took my mom. They took my dad. Fuck you, Phillip Morris. Fuck you to hell.

Awful young to be tobacco-related. COPD/emphysema in your 40s is more likely alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or another inherited disorder. (Cigarettes still stuck.)
posted by gramcracker at 5:58 PM on April 2, 2011

Safe passage to Ryland. Supportive thoughts to his loved ones.
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 6:06 PM on April 2, 2011

What a rollercoaster today has been. I hope this time is as peaceful and painless as possible, and that Ryland learns how missed he will be. Good thoughts are headed from my direction to him and his family and friends.
posted by lilac girl at 6:08 PM on April 2, 2011

§
posted by virago at 6:12 PM on April 2, 2011

May Ryland have a gentle and easy passing and may his loved ones have peace, comfort, and many fond memories of him.
posted by Daddy-O at 6:14 PM on April 2, 2011

§!!
posted by limeonaire at 6:24 PM on April 2, 2011

Ryland has no hope of recovery. His episode this morning (and the confusion in it's wake) was part of the first steps of him shuffling off this mortal coil.

Ah. Apologies for the inappropriateness of my earlier comment, then. I hope instead that whatever time he has left, short or long, is peaceful.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:36 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

§

Sending good thoughts and energy for a peaceful passing if this is truly his time. Wish we had more time with you, Ryland!
posted by garnetgirl at 7:58 PM on April 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

Ryland, *sorry to misspell you name previously, I love that you, who've so enjoyed and been so enjoyed the last decade on the web, have cyber company at this time.

If you are able to read this might offer you some comfort. Comforting Thoughts About Death That Have Nothing to Do with God.
posted by nickyskye at 7:59 PM on April 2, 2011 [11 favorites]

Seconding garnetgirl's words. I'm very sorry to hear how bad it is. I had hoped that the earlier news was a total mistake. My thoughts are with Ryland and his family and friends.
posted by anniecat at 8:17 PM on April 2, 2011

I don't know him and didn't know he was a mefite; but the Church Sign Generator was one of the increasingly few things on the web that really gave me a kick, old and jaded as I am. Best thoughts, Ryland. Nice work.
posted by steambadger at 8:18 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

§
posted by darkmatter at 8:23 PM on April 2, 2011

FWIW - Ryland never smoked a day in his life.
posted by dreamattack at 8:43 PM on April 2, 2011 [3 favorites]

btw, Ryland has never smoked.
posted by PaleFire at 8:47 PM on April 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

*Sigh* Nevertheless, §.

Peace to Ryland and his loved ones.
posted by Space Kitty at 9:30 PM on April 2, 2011

Safe journey, Ryland, whereever you're headed. Good luck, and thanks for the laughs.
posted by b33j at 9:35 PM on April 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Echoing all those above with wishes of a peaceful passage for you, Ryland.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 10:07 PM on April 2, 2011

If he was constantly around smokers, same difference.
Cigarettes killed my grandmother, who started smoking around the time they were being marketed as" torches of freedom".

May Ryland have a gentle passing.
posted by brujita at 10:09 PM on April 2, 2011

Seems he was,or is, well loved. Means a lot.
posted by Carbolic at 10:14 PM on April 2, 2011

Blessings on you and your family, Ryland. Glad we are fellow Mefians. Thank you for sharing your wicked cool sense of humor with the internets. You are in our hearts on this day and many to come. ♥
posted by Lynsey at 10:28 PM on April 2, 2011

The Church Sign Generator is so great, I was always impressed and bitterly jealous that I hadn't thought of it first.

I'm sorry you have to leave so soon, Ryland. We'll miss you.
posted by ErikaB at 10:49 PM on April 2, 2011

Here's hoping that the time he has left is full of people he loves. Fingers crossed for any kind of respite or chance of healing.
posted by harriet vane at 11:32 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by iamkimiam at 11:34 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by DreamerFi at 11:45 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by lilywing13 at 11:46 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by Dumsnill at 11:54 PM on April 2, 2011

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posted by hat at 12:15 AM on April 3, 2011

Ryland, hearing that you are happy and unafraid is the thinnest possible silver lining on this dark cloud. Nevertheless, I hope that you remain so for whatever interval you have left. Hospice care workers are the closest things to saints I've ever seen in my life, and I'm sure they're working to make you as contented and comfortable as possible.
posted by boo_radley at 12:33 AM on April 3, 2011 [1 favorite]

Ryland, I hope that somehow it reaches you that what you gave to us was worthwhile. Some might question the value of making people laugh or entertaining them, but it's important. And your creations have given me and so many others so much of that.

If you must leave us so early, go easy. Go easy.
posted by louche mustachio at 12:58 AM on April 3, 2011

Be well, friend. Be well.
.
posted by stet at 2:27 AM on April 3, 2011

§
posted by sveskemus at 2:38 AM on April 3, 2011

Goodbye Ryland. I hope you pass gently and with peace in your heart, knowing that many friends are with you in spirit.
posted by dg at 3:19 AM on April 3, 2011

§

May you be in as little pain as possible.
posted by ocherdraco at 4:31 AM on April 3, 2011

This may be an odd thing to ask, but is anyone making sure http://www.aboyandhiscomputer.com doesn't disappear?

It always makes me so sad when people's websites go away when they're no longer able to take care of them (as with Leslie Harpold when she died, and Hoder since he's been incarcerated in Iran). I hope Ryan's presence online doesn't go away because he's not able to tend to it.
posted by ocherdraco at 4:36 AM on April 3, 2011

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posted by UbuRoivas at 5:12 AM on April 3, 2011

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posted by Bangaioh at 5:16 AM on April 3, 2011

Thank you, awesome internet dude.
posted by cashman at 5:56 AM on April 3, 2011

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posted by lapolla at 6:12 AM on April 3, 2011

§

Good luck and godspeed.
posted by josher71 at 6:54 AM on April 3, 2011

May your memory be a blessing.
posted by jasper411 at 8:50 AM on April 3, 2011

A while back Fred Phelps was doing something stupid that was pissing me off, so I went to register godhatesfredphelps.com and it was a redirect to godhatesshrimp.com and I was comforted by the fact that someone was already doing something better than I ever could with the domain.

Now it no longer redirects and is a web 1.0 wonder.
posted by cjorgensen at 9:00 AM on April 3, 2011 [2 favorites]

Ryland, I want to thank you for the joy, humor, and kindness you've given all of us. Laughter and joy and a buoyant sense of the ridiculous is the best armor against bigotry and hatred, and you provided it. I am sending that sense of hope and joy back to you today, with all my thanks.
posted by Elsa at 9:12 AM on April 3, 2011

§
posted by bakerina at 9:13 AM on April 3, 2011

I just talked to his aunt at the hospital. He's been pretty much out of it since last night. They have him on morphine and ativan and are keeping him comfortable. I will keep you guys updated as I learn anything new.
posted by dreamattack at 9:34 AM on April 3, 2011 [6 favorites]

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posted by klausness at 10:25 AM on April 3, 2011

Thank you, dreamattack.
posted by Astro Zombie at 10:28 AM on April 3, 2011

Thanks for the update dreamattack. Hoping for the best.
posted by garnetgirl at 10:31 AM on April 3, 2011

I'm so glad he's getting good treatment. If you ever saw someone die of COPD you would not wish them one more day of that.
I wish you peace Ryland, thanks for the laughs....
posted by Wilder at 10:43 AM on April 3, 2011 [1 favorite]

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posted by rollbiz at 12:12 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by HandfulOfDust at 12:14 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by cmyk at 12:40 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by litleozy at 1:48 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by humph at 3:32 PM on April 3, 2011

§
Ryland is good people. I wish his family well.
posted by hysdavid at 6:12 PM on April 3, 2011

Farewell, Ryland. Thank you for doing what you could to make our little corner of the universe brighter and happier.
posted by lord_wolf at 8:10 PM on April 3, 2011

Ryland is gone. He passed moments ago. I spent his last hours telling his family of all the people all over the world who loved him, all the lives he touched, all the people's lives changed just by knowing him.

He will live forever in our hearts.
posted by dreamattack at 9:16 PM on April 3, 2011 [6 favorites]

That was the saddest "Show 1 new comment" ever.

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posted by tumid dahlia at 9:18 PM on April 3, 2011 [3 favorites]

Thank you, dreamattack, for letting us know. Goodbye, Ryland.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 9:19 PM on April 3, 2011 [1 favorite]

tumid dahlia: "That was the saddest "Show 1 new comment" ever.."

Yep. I got a shock. Sad, I was posting to say I made a says-it tape cover for my friend's birthday the other day.

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posted by bdave at 9:22 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by zadcat at 9:39 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by PaleFire at 9:39 PM on April 3, 2011

I'm so sorry dreamattack, thanks for sharing the goodwill back and forth here.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:41 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by ottereroticist at 9:42 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by dg at 9:46 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by scottymac at 9:50 PM on April 3, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yet more proof that only the good die young.

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posted by malibustacey9999 at 10:04 PM on April 3, 2011

Thanks, dreamattack, for keeping us abreast of what's happening, even if the news were sad.

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posted by Kattullus at 10:22 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by milov at 10:34 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by immlass at 10:38 PM on April 3, 2011

Also, just to pass this on, in his last coherent moments last night, Ryland's last words were written on a note to his family: "WTF?"
posted by dreamattack at 10:49 PM on April 3, 2011 [63 favorites]

glad he and his family and friends got a little time back for quiet goodbyes.

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posted by hat at 11:19 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by nile_red at 11:20 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by mrbill at 11:31 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by UbuRoivas at 11:45 PM on April 3, 2011

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posted by Salmonberry at 12:46 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 1:30 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by crossoverman at 2:43 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Bangaioh at 3:17 AM on April 4, 2011

Sorry for your loss.
posted by crunchland at 4:23 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by nenequesadilla at 4:27 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 4:53 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:24 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by pemberkins at 5:24 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Wulfgar! at 5:36 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by JohnnyGunn at 5:36 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by ddaavviidd at 6:06 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by dirtdirt at 6:09 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by theora55 at 6:25 AM on April 4, 2011

Very sad news.
posted by GriffX at 6:47 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by yaymukund at 6:48 AM on April 4, 2011

Although Ryland was not an aviator, whenever someone passes, I always think of these passages from the poem "High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee, Jr:

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
posted by matrushka at 7:01 AM on April 4, 2011 [3 favorites]

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posted by notsnot at 7:17 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by JoanArkham at 7:18 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Pendragon at 7:26 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Morrigan at 7:37 AM on April 4, 2011

Godspeed, Ryland.
posted by waa at 7:57 AM on April 4, 2011

Ryland's last words were written on a note to his family: "WTF?"

If I am lucid in my final moments, I am *SO* stealing that.

Farewell, Ryland.
posted by briank at 8:09 AM on April 4, 2011 [1 favorite]

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posted by burnmp3s at 8:24 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by ardgedee at 8:46 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by SpecialK at 8:49 AM on April 4, 2011

.

I recently used his Jeopardy! clue screen generator for a silly little project. I really hope somebody keeps says-it.com going; it's far too cool to let disappear into the ether.
posted by Faint of Butt at 8:59 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by rtha at 9:00 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by steambadger at 9:01 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by tommasz at 9:16 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by katillathehun at 9:29 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by bkeaggy at 9:38 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Lynsey at 9:38 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by DreamerFi at 9:53 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by saturnine at 10:02 AM on April 4, 2011

Brilliant last words.

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posted by ignignokt at 10:04 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by orthogonality at 10:16 AM on April 4, 2011

A worthy last tweet from Ryland
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 10:25 AM on April 4, 2011 [9 favorites]

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posted by joedan at 10:30 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by zombiehoohaa at 10:32 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by safetyfork at 10:47 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by juv3nal at 11:14 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by madamjujujive at 11:18 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by thewittyname at 11:32 AM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Metroid Baby at 12:19 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:27 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by vespabelle at 12:55 PM on April 4, 2011

"I drank what?"

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posted by loquacious at 12:57 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by Brainy at 12:57 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 1:00 PM on April 4, 2011

Those are good last words.
posted by Astro Zombie at 1:13 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by terrapin at 1:26 PM on April 4, 2011

Thanks dreamattack for the update, for letting us know. Sad as it is.

So tragically funny and apropos to Ryland's sense of humor, his last words in netspeak shorthand.

My loving condolences to you, his friends and to his family.
posted by nickyskye at 2:59 PM on April 4, 2011 [1 favorite]

WTF, indeed. Sleep well, friend.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 3:04 PM on April 4, 2011

Ryland's obituary, posted by an aunt on his facebook page a short time ago.

a legacy of life
by Ryland Sanders on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 7:18pm

Ryland Buford Sanders Jr was born December13,1967 in Austin Texas. He graduated from Burnet High School in 1986. After High School he attended ITT. Ryland found his future in computers.

Ryland lived an unassuming life but he touched so many lives. He left a legacy of love and caring that is just now being realized by his passing. Ryland left his family with tears but with an insight to a life lived quietly but profoundly. He exhibited courage facing what he knew was coming with the same grace he lived he his life. . There are not many people who can leave this world leaving a foot print that the rest of us can not fill.

In his last hours Ryland was surround by the people who loved him the most. He is survived by his beloved mother Alinda Hackney and his dad Charlie. He also leaves behind a sister Lisa and a brother Bruce. There are two nephews, a niece and one great niece. He is also survived by his aunts Sandra, Joy April, Diane and Phyllis and his uncle Fred. He will be missed by his great aunt Dolly. Ryland had numerous cousins and great cousins. Laura Turner and August Motloch were cousins who were like sister and brother in his youth. He had a close network of friends that were a big part of his life.

There will be a memorial service at 1:00 pm Sunday April 10th at McKinny Falls State Park.

The family wants to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Austin for all their help. We are also grateful to the nurses and staff at Seton hospital for making an unbearable situation as smooth as they did.
posted by dreamattack at 6:37 PM on April 4, 2011 [6 favorites]

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posted by Kinbote at 7:32 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by HabeasCorpus at 8:02 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 8:15 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by gaspode at 8:21 PM on April 4, 2011

Deep gratitude to hospice workers.
posted by Lexica at 8:28 PM on April 4, 2011 [1 favorite]

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posted by Sapphireblue at 8:34 PM on April 4, 2011

bless the hearts of all who are mourning his passing.

may those who love him have the strength to endure this transition, and those who hold him dear keep his memory alive with crystalline clarity.

the good go too soon.

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posted by batmonkey at 11:25 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by mwhybark at 11:44 PM on April 4, 2011

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posted by brujita at 1:30 AM on April 5, 2011

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posted by litlnemo at 4:49 AM on April 5, 2011

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posted by TheophileEscargot at 5:07 AM on April 5, 2011

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posted by taff at 5:35 AM on April 5, 2011

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posted by joe lisboa at 6:03 AM on April 5, 2011

From one of Ryland's aunts: "On April 3 2011 Ryland left our world. Because of his generosity a burial will be 6 to 8 weeks away. My nephew donated his body to research. We will have a memorial service for him on Sunday April 10th at McKinney Falls park, 1:00pm. [Austin, TX]"
posted by dreamattack at 12:41 PM on April 5, 2011 [1 favorite]

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Damn.

I remember the church sign generator, jumped in with both feet.

Thanks for your updates, dreamattack.

Thanks nickyskye for info on COPD, that image, scared the hell out of me, I Do smoke. To think, Rylander Never smoked!

peace
posted by alicesshoe at 2:43 PM on April 5, 2011

goodbye, pal.

--lcbo
posted by the_ill_gino at 3:30 PM on April 5, 2011

[this is sad]
posted by urlnotfound at 4:34 PM on April 5, 2011

RIP Mr. Sanders. You'll be missed.
posted by misterioso at 4:56 PM on April 5, 2011

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posted by biscotti at 8:17 PM on April 5, 2011

Ryland Sanders' biography.
posted by nickyskye at 2:31 PM on April 9, 2011

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posted by klausness at 7:54 AM on April 10, 2011

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posted by iconomy at 11:52 AM on April 11, 2011