Yesterday, I learned about the passing of a friend of mine. To say that it was a shock is an understatement; I had heard from him earlier this month, and I had thought that things were just quiet for the holidays. Hearing that he was gone over a week after the fact knocked me reeling.

 Winterhound776 was someone that I knew for a fairly long time. He came in as a client well before the 2020s, and we’d talked and spent time together and enjoyed a number of NSFW conversations. He was charming then, and had a confidence that went above and beyond what you’d expect in someone with his interests. You get so used to seeing people blushy and embarrassed and a bit ashamed of what they are and what they like, but not him. He embraced what he liked and showed it off with a swagger I’ve seldom seen in the most arrogant of individuals, and did it with a certain panache that you could only really admire it.

While we never got as close as I would like, he always offered a warmth and eagerness whenever we talked. There was never anything less than a genuine zest and passion for company, and I always felt appreciated in one way or another around him.

One thing that I will remember from his friendship and take away from his passing is that there should never be shame in chasing the things that bring you pleasure, or in embracing the things that make you happy. However it ended for him, he chose to prioritize his passions in a huge way, and he did it without being selfish.

I will miss him. And I know many others that knew him will feel the same. But I will remember that about him.

Goodbye, Nirimer. You were a good friend.