It's undoubtedly been a cataclysmic shock to the community as a whole.

I couldn't believe this myself, but the news staring at me dead in the eyes didn't lie.

Even though I knew little of him personally, Neer was the rock on which the modern furry fandom was built. It's a shame that his story abruptly ended the way it did. It's hit all of us hard in ways we've never fathomed. No one, not even my worst enemies deserves to be left to the unforgiving mercy that is the U.S. healthcare system.

From a tiny pocket of like-minded peeps to a veritable furred family of millions stretching the globe. All this time, it's been an extraordinary achievement to do this much work only few of us can honestly dream of.

It is a day of great loss, but the great Dragoneer leaves a great legacy lasting until the end of time. Let us around the world celebrate his lifetime of service to get us to where we are now. His overall impact cannot be understated in how we all connect up to the bitter end.

I dedicate the last 8+ years of my life in the furry fandom to you. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and FA staff as a whole.

Vaya con Dios, Dragoneer. In the skies above, we will meet again someday. We'll be sure of it.

---

And now, an old Japanese ballad from 1915 that would fit in this instance. For now, farewell.

~Life is brief
fall in love under the pale, blue moonlight
before the crimson bloom
fades from your lips
before the tides of passion
cool within you,
for there is no such thing
as tomorrow, after all...~

~Life is brief
fall in love under the pale, blue moonlight
before his hands
take up his boat
before the flush of
his cheeks fades
for there is not a person
who comes hither...~

~Life is brief
fall in love under the pale, blue moonlight
before the boat drifts away
on the waves
before the hand resting on your shoulder
becomes frail
for there is no reach here
for the sight of others
life is brief
fall in love, maidens
before the raven tresses
begin to fade
before the flames in your hearts
flicker and die
for today, once passed,
is never to come again...~