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FReeper boris blasts off into eternity (RIP)
Self | 19 April 2007 | Rockitz

Posted on 04/19/2007 12:55:43 PM PDT by Rockitz

Friend and former co-worker, boris, passed away the weekend of 7 April at age 55 and was laid to rest in the Hollywood Hills on 16 April. He maintained a relatively anonymous existence here at FR since signing on 19 July 1998 and most recently posted on 29 March. He was an accomplished rocket scientist with an MS in mechanical engineering from MIT (1975) and BS in mechanical engineering from Cornell and was involved in many programs throughout his career from directed energy systems (e.g. lasers) to advanced propulsion systems such as nuclear thermal rocket engines, Peacekeeper Stage IV, various satellite systems, space station propulsion, advanced pulse detonation system concepts, solar rockets, propulsion systems for MESUR (precursor to Mars Pathfinder) and ARTEMIS (Moon Base) projects, Mars ascent engine, through his most recent work on the THAAD program. Additionally, he was a corporate and national resource with regard to Russian rocket technology and worked on studies of the RD-170, RD-0120, RD-701, NK-33, and D-57 engine systems. He was also a PC guru who independently wrote and sold graphics software for a number of applications. Originally from the Baltimore, Maryland, he was Jewish by birth, a science fiction buff, and enjoyed the music of Mike Oldfield. He was a strong supporter of Israel, an early critic of global warming by humans, and as a proud gun-owner he frequently posted in supported of 2nd amendment rights. He was a diabetic and had double bypass surgery in 1999 at age 48. He got me interested in FR early and I lurked for a couple years before signing on. Our conversations helped form my own conservative perspectives as well as those of many others. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.


TOPICS: Announcements; US: California
KEYWORDS: banglist; boris; rip; rocketscience
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To: Rockitz

RIP Boris


41 posted on 04/19/2007 1:16:42 PM PDT by meanie monster
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To: RadioAstronomer

I’m sorry to hear this as well. I had a lot of arguments with him about space technology, but it’s a shame that he had to go so young (particularly when he wasn’t much older than I am...).


42 posted on 04/19/2007 1:16:43 PM PDT by NonZeroSum
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To: Rockitz; boris

Have a pleasant journey, boris. Thanks, Rockitz.


43 posted on 04/19/2007 1:17:04 PM PDT by leadpenny
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To: Rockitz
Just damn!

I always enjoyed reading Boris, though I didn't know he had such an extensive resume. 55, which ain't a whole lot older than I, is much too young to go.

R.I.P. FReeper Boris

44 posted on 04/19/2007 1:17:26 PM PDT by AFreeBird (This space for rent. Inquire within)
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To: Rockitz
I remember Boris and his many interesting posts on some of my science threads. I knew he must have been a rocket scientist because he was so smart.

Rest In Peace ROCKETMAN...you will be missed.

45 posted on 04/19/2007 1:19:14 PM PDT by blam
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To: Rockitz

I “chatted” here with boris several times, years ago, and remember discussing Mike Oldfield (’Tubular Bells’). May God bless his family, and may he rest in peace.


46 posted on 04/19/2007 1:20:15 PM PDT by Lancey Howard
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To: NonZeroSum

I am in my 50s as well. I had many a private talk with Boris. Sigh.


47 posted on 04/19/2007 1:20:22 PM PDT by RadioAstronomer (Senior and Founding Member of Darwin Central)
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To: Rockitz

Condolences to family and friends. May boris rest in peace.


48 posted on 04/19/2007 1:20:41 PM PDT by texastoo ("trash the treaties")
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To: Rockitz

Boris was a pretty sharp cat; sorry to see him go.


49 posted on 04/19/2007 1:20:49 PM PDT by randog (What the...?!)
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To: Rockitz

Way at the top of the list of my favorite posters. See you on the other side, my FRiend.


50 posted on 04/19/2007 1:22:55 PM PDT by BikerTrash
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To: Rockitz; Two Thirds Vote Aye

Thank you for the great tribute to your friend & FReeper boris.

2/3 rds...and “of interest” ping as you are in the same field as the man hi-lighted & thread author. (well, the little I understand about it all, I THINK you are in the same field)


51 posted on 04/19/2007 1:23:10 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Lancey Howard
I “chatted” here with boris several times, years ago, and remember discussing Mike Oldfield (’Tubular Bells’).

My fave "Oldfield" is "Wonderland" and "Five Miles Out". I wish I could have discussed those with Boris. I did not know he liked Oldfield as well.

May God bless his family, and may he rest in peace.

Dittos!

52 posted on 04/19/2007 1:23:55 PM PDT by RadioAstronomer (Senior and Founding Member of Darwin Central)
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To: Rockitz

That news is a damned shame.


53 posted on 04/19/2007 1:24:05 PM PDT by justshutupandtakeit (Defeat Hillary's V'assed Left Wing Conspiracy)
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RIP, boris.


54 posted on 04/19/2007 1:25:49 PM PDT by Cooter
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To: Rockitz
An excellent eulogy that any of us would be proud to receive.
 
My sincerest condolences on your loss.

Owl_Eagle

 

55 posted on 04/19/2007 1:26:25 PM PDT by End Times Sentinel (In Memory of my Dear Friend Henry Lee II)
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To: Rockitz

I remember reading his posts in firearms-related threads.
RIP.


56 posted on 04/19/2007 1:27:00 PM PDT by jrp
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To: boris

Rest in Peace, Rocket Man

Music by elton john
Lyrics by bernie taupin
Available on the album honky château

She packed my bags last night pre-flight
Zero hour nine a.m.
And i’m gonna be high as a kite by then
I miss the earth so much i miss my wife
It’s lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight

And i think it’s gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think i am at home
Oh no no no i’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids
In fact it’s cold as hell
And there’s no one there to raise them if you did
And all this science i don’t understand
It’s just my job five days a week
A rocket man, a rocket man

And i think it’s gonna be a long long time...


57 posted on 04/19/2007 1:28:57 PM PDT by Kevmo (Duncan Hunter just needs one Rudy G Campaign Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVBtPIrEleM)
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To: Rockitz

prayer bump


58 posted on 04/19/2007 1:30:50 PM PDT by Constantine XIII
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To: Frank_Discussion; XBob; KevinDavis; RightWhale; Brett66; xrp; gdc314; anymouse; NonZeroSum; ...

sad ping


59 posted on 04/19/2007 1:31:13 PM PDT by RadioAstronomer (Senior and Founding Member of Darwin Central)
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To: Rockitz

Smart man. Knew his sci-fi.

I’ll miss him.


60 posted on 04/19/2007 1:32:27 PM PDT by Wormwood (Future Former Freeper)
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