Posted on 02/19/2007 4:22:36 PM PST by PSIP
Edited on 02/19/2007 5:13:26 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
I just received a phone call from a fellow forumer who had some tragic news. ItsJeff, long time forumer, and one of the friendliest people I have ever met, has passed away. I was told that his mother hadn't heard from him for a few days, went to his house, found his car parked out front, and called the police. He apparently passed away in his sleep and was found in bed.
I know that many of you knew Jeff and this news will be rough on many. It's hard to believe, having just saw him over a week ago at the forum night at Foran's. He had just started a new job and had a very positive outlook on his new career in the insurance industry. He was so upbeat and happy as ever.
I'll pass along more information as I get it in regards to visitation, but I know they will be having one on Tuesday in Pontiac.
My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family for this significant loss.blessed to have known him and have him affect each of us.”
Lowell Boileau, an artist and DetroitYes! founder, called Colby’s death — and the Internet mourning — “a sad and remarkable event.” He added: “Hundreds, maybe thousands, would have only known of him online.”
Boileau said that Colby was the unofficial DetroitYes! social director who organized real-life outings and met many people face-to-face.
“He was the one there always making newbies on- and off-line feel welcome— a real angel and great ambassador for Detroit,” Boileau said.
Bernard Friedman, the chief judge of U.S. District Court in Detroit, knew Colby in real life as a friend and court employee.
“He was the epitome of public service,” Friedman said, explaining that Colby went out of his way to help people who were representing themselves, a daunting task in federal court. Colby even traveled on his own time to prisons to help inmates understand the forms they needed to file pleadings.
“He though that was his duty,” Friedman said.
Heider, Colby’s mother, said her son had “truly blossomed in the past few years” since he became involved with DetroitYes!’s online forum. “That meant the world to him,” she said. “He was conducting walking tours of Detroit and planting flowers. I never realized how involved he was.”
In addition to his mother, Colby is survived by his father, Richard Colby.
A memorial service for Colby will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m., at the Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, 46 William Street, Pontiac. A viewing will begin at 2 p.m.
DetroitYes!: http://www.detroityes.com/ Fark: http://www.fark.com
Update: Obituary
Name: Jeffrey Louis Colby
Date: September 16th, 1964 - February 17th, 2007
Obituary:
Colby, Jeffrey Louis; age 42; beloved son of Nancy Heider of Bloomfield Hills and Richard Colby of Kalamazoo. Died suddenly on February 16, 2007 in his beautiful home in Detroit, where he loved to entertain friends and family.
Mr. Colby was a Clerk of the Federal Court for 20 years and left that position February 8th to begin a new endeavor.
There will be fewer parties, and less laughter without his sharp, quick wit. He will be deeply missed by his aunts and uncles Mary and David Chapin, Stephen and Susan Greenhalgh, Robert and Polly Greenhalgh and Karen and Jerry Weiner, nine cousins, one step-brother, one step-sister and many, many friends and co-workers.
Mr. Colby attended Pontiac Central High School where he announced Pontiac Chiefs basketball games, and graduated from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep School in 1984. He also attended Wayne State University. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. from the Pontiac Chapel of Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home.
Services:
In-state at 2:00PM, Service at 3:00PM at Pontiac Chapel of Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 20th, 2007 (map/driving directions)
Prayers being offered for the family.
I always enjoyed his posts. May God bless his family and friends.
By the way, ItsJeff's last post here: "Go Tigers!"
May he rest in peace.
;)
Goodbye Mr. Colby. God Bless.
Excuse me?
Said what I said.
What a sad day. He was a great contributor and will be missed.
RIP Jeff.
I hope you made a mistake. You are exhibiting NO CLASS.
Prayers for his eternal rest, and for the comfort and consolation of his friends and family.
What are you trying to say, that this info posted is false...or what?
Small insignificant meaningless soul.
Fare well Jeff. Prayers with you. Forgive the ignorant.
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