How do you say goodbye to one of the best people you've ever had the priviledge to know? I should be used to it at my age. I sit and watch my circle of friends shrinking, getting ever smaller and smaller. The ironic thing about our relationship is that it began as an online friendship. My rule of thumb for social media being that the people there were make believe, made up profiles. But over the years many of these "profiles" became real people. Toby was one of those people. You knew him as @smithlabs, that was his handle here on Hive. I knew him as Toby, Toby Smith, and in the scope of the world wide web, a neighbor- he lived only three hours away. He passed away on May 19, after a long bout with cancer.
But I don't want to dwell on how he died, except to say he was preceeded in death by the love of his life, Deb. (4/13/23)
I'd much rather focus on how he lived. In addition to being an American patriot, he was a devout Christian- not the kind that spends their life telling people how they should live, but one whose life was guided by the teachings of Jesus. He belonged to a small church in Tulsa that focused on being of service to their fellow human beings rather than preaching. Every week they provided meals to Tulsa's homeless population. To tell you what kind of man he was, during the scamdemic the authorities shut down their food program but Toby and friends defied the authorities and continued providing meals for the needy changing locations to stay one step ahead of those who would shut them down.
Toby changed the lives of those that knew him, always for the better. The last thing he would have wanted is for those who knew him to be sad at his passing. He has graduated and is reunited with his precious Debbie. Yet knowing this, I'm still filled with an overwhelming sadness and sense of loss. I'm sorry it took so long for me to report... I'm just having trouble finding a way to say goodbye.
Thank you! I wasn't aware of the Hive Memorial Forest. I'm old and have been in ill health for several years so I haven't been able to keep up. I don't feel like my eulogy really did him justice.
I thought it was lovely, and it certainly got the attention of several people on-chain. You could always write another tribute in the future, perhaps on the one-year date if not before. 💜
Also, THANKS to @abenad for bringing your post to my attention. She shared it in the Dreemport Discord, and that was appreciated.
By the way, if you are in touch with any of his family, we can help them cash-out his account if they need the funds and know where his Keys are. I know funerals are expensive, and they might have other needs as well.
If I'm around I'll definitely do a one-year post. I'll contact his family and tell them of your kind offer.
Thank you! I think it's wonderful that you're doing this!
I was wondering why he had stopped posting.
The world lost a gem there.
It sure did. I feel honored to have gotten to know him in person
His account has some money in it, are you in contact with his son to see about recovering it?
I've spoken to his daughter. I'll contact them and inform them.
So sorry for your loss. It's hard losing friends.
Indeed it is, especially one this giving.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. I didn’t know him well, but I remember visiting his profile sometime last year. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Toby’s legacy lives on.... not just in memories, but in the kindness, strength, and values he showed every day
Thank you for the kind words!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I could feel a lot of emotions while reading this. Sending you my love and condolences. May he rest in peace right beside his precious Debbie.
Thank you, it just didn't feel like enough.
Ohho that's sad but take passence in every satuation ✨
So sorry for your loss and am sure the Hive platform is going to miss him too. My deepest condolences @richq11 .
May his soul rest well
Thank you very much. He is missed!
My condolences for you, his family, and his friends, and that this is a most beautiful tribute to Toby @smithlabs.
One of the most outstanding marks of a Christian and a whole person is that they want everyone to remember the good things in the memories of them being together, and the work of God in Jesus Christ.
It is good that he gets to meet up with Debbie.
Thank you very much!