User talk:Michael Bard
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- /Archive 1 - Up to March 17, 2009, including older emergency status reports
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Aneurysm and Passing
Semi-Final update, March 23th: The funeral is over. Michael was buried with a Coke and Sci-Fi Novel in his hands, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
A second reception will be held in April (tentatively scheduled for April 7th) for the TF / Furry community. Please remember that Michael was not "out" as a fur to his family, and be respectful of this fact on the online memorial pages and other such places his family may read.
- We are also making plans for a BBQ during the next TSA-Bash in Memphis. Morgan organized the last one we had (during the Toronto Bash) so it would seem fitting. --Viqsi 22:40, 20 March 2010 (UTC)
On the evening of Friday the 12th, approximately halfway through his shift at a gas station, Michael "Morgan" Bard was recorded on security camera footage as he collapsed at work. He was working alone, and was found approximately 4 hours later by his relief, who noticed something was wrong due to the gas station not being locked up. While breathing, he was unconscious and unresponsive. He was immediately rushed to Toronto Western Hospital, which is the best stroke/brain injury clinic in the country.
On Sunday the 14th, at approximately 1 PM Eastern Time, the doctors pulled the ventilator, to verify that Michael's autonomic systems were still intact. He immediately started to breath on his own, although with occasional difficulty. At this point, the doctors report that the swelling of the brain had stopped and they placed him on "saturation level" (maximum) Oxygen to attempt to help his brain recover.
Unfortunately, this was a false hope. On March 18th, 2010, the results of Michael's brain scans came back. There was extensive, permanent damage to his brain and zero chance of recovery. The family, with support of the doctors, decided to remove all life support other than pain medicine and allow him to pass on peacefully, something that fate chose for him to do on the morning of Friday, March 19th, 2010.
Michael's family and friends were able to say goodbye to him in the hospital. Jacob O'hare was also able to be at his side, as well as some of his friends in the Toronto furry community.
On March 23rd, 2010, with friends at his side, a SciFi novel in his hands, and a coke hidden inside the casket, Michael was laid to rest.
A second reception for the furry and transformation communities will occur sometime in April, and is currently scheduled for April 7th. In addition, there has been talk of a memorial annual writing award in Michael's name, although details on this are still up in the air.
In Memoriam
I can't believe this... It's just so sudden. I can't even find words to describe how I feel. Mister Bard is a truly excellent writer, and his stories and words have served as inspirations for me: both for my own writing and for my life. I really hope he can pull through this... Best wishes to him, as well as his family and friends.--Drake 03:07, 15 March 2010 (UTC)
My sympathies to his family, and best wishes for his recovery. This was a real shock to learn about; I'd really been looking forward to meeting him at last. Now I may never. Jeez, just... wow. As slim as his chances might be, considering what happened, I hope he manages to pull though. -- Xodiac 05:25, 15 March 2010 (UTC)
How? What? This cannot be happening! All I can do is think of all the good things he did and said. He is a fine author and has a great sense of humor. I am glad that I got to meet him in person once and even share a muffin. *crys *prays. Christian OKane (Misha).
Michael is a man easy to argue with, because he could make it fun. We both had different tastes in art and writing, he could make a point and draw a line to demonstrate his meaning. To his family, I hope he finds his way back, speaking as a family member of a stroke sufferer who spent nearly 3 months in a coma before recovering, there is always hope. Grellden Oak
God Damn. I hope to god that he pulls through. Mr. Bard has written some of my favorite stories, and I've always liked his work. I never actually met him, but I still think I would be terribly saddened to loose him. Here's hoping for the best.--Guvnor Of Space 12:41, 15 March 2010 (UTC)
Best wishes and here's hoping... for the better. Though I never met him, his stories have inspired me numerous times. My sympathies for his family and those who know him personally. -- Arto "FoxOfWar" M.
I only met Michael briefly, at Anthrocon '08; but I had corresponded with him occasionally, during his stint with TSAT; and I have greatly enjoyed his writing. I am greatly saddened by this, and pray for a miracle (if one is possible); if not, then I hope that whatever Power there be will receive his spirit in love. William Steinmayer (Lucius Appaloosius).
What can I say? He was a good friend with a good sense of humor and always stirring up trouble and making me laugh. I'll miss him deeply. *Cries* --Christian O'kane (Misha)
My first main exposure to TF stories was through the Blind Pig, and Bard's were some of the ones I reread the most. He is a skilled writer and and though I never met him I can tell from my fellow writers that he was a great person. Best wishes to you, Michael. --Lloyd Brunnel 15:09, 15 March 2010 (UTC)
Writing an article about Tales from the Blind Pig triggered my decision to start WikiFur. I might not have done it at all without Michael's archive. And he's written so many stories; co-edited TSAT and Anthro . . . I very much hope he can pull through this, somehow. GreenReaper 21:29, 15 March 2010 (UTC)
This person was a good friend of my buddy Jaggers and when I heard about what happened from him, I felt very sad. I didn't know him personally, but I myself have a thing for transformations, which is what he writes about. It's always sad to hear about someone being close to death or being dead. Even if it's from another friend. I'm sure his stories will live on... You're in my prayers Michael... Vene 15:30 CDT, March 15, 2010
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. I met him a few years ago at the Bash, and he had to be the friendliest and most outgoing guy there. I feel bad for not keeping in touch since then. 15:41 EDT 16 March 2010
This whole situation has me deeply concerned, not just for Mike, but for all those he's touched in the past; he's always been a great addition to the community no matter what the circumstance. I can't tell how relieved I am that there's still a chance left, even if only a slim one. I hope we can still keep him around; he's contributed so much, and he deserves the opportunity to do more... and perhaps more importantly, receive more. Keep up the good fight, hon; we're watching, and hoping for the best. --Viqsi 20:19, 16 March 2010 (UTC)
This has caused me to shy away from IRC for a bit due to how this affected me. I have never been good at news like this and when it happens to someone I consider a good friend, it's amplified tenfold. I am so glad that the news isn't final yet and I hope that, eventually, Bard will be able to come back to us. Jacob, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and hope your strength will get you through this unbelievable ordeal. If you're inclined to, please pray. If not, please hold Bard in your heart and mind. I will be. --Sheep 11:09, 17 March 2010 (UTC)
my prayers arev with him and his family and firends in this time, hope he recovers. Jereth
*continues to pray and hope for the best* --cathal
This was not the conclusion that I was hoping for. I hadn't wanted to post anything until it was really known what the outcome was and I regret that I'm posting this now. My most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and to Jacob who is with Morgan now. I will truely miss my dear friend and cherish the time that I knew him. Fulminar
I first got to know Michael when we competed against each other for Raven's 1000 Words contest (he beat me, but it was oh so close). Since then, I have treasured every chance I've had to spend time with him. He was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful man who had a great deal of love in his heart. God Bless, Michael. Requiescat in pace. --MatthiasRat 21:58, 18 March 2010 (UTC)
So long Michael. Settlers of Cataan isnt gonna be the same without you there to woop our butts on a regular basis. :) --Devin 00:58, 19 March 2010 (UTC)
See you on the other side, Morgan. I can speak for the whole #rubberfurs chat in that we will miss you dearly. I'll remember your warm greetings to the chat fondly as well as how you were a good friend to all. Goodnight, sweet prince. --LeatherPhox
People like you made the world brighter and happier. I wish I could have known you better. I pray, to whoever is listening, that your soul finds its way to a peaceful, happy place. I send my most sincere condolences to all your friends and family as well, and I wish them strength through this difficult time. I wish they find what peace they can, when they can, and that they can once again smile in remembrance someday, instead of shedding tears. --Stig
I regret that he and I did not get along better. He was a good man, and he will be missed. --Hallan
Though I talked often to Morgan online, I still feel like I didn't know enough about him. But what I do know is that I'll miss him. It's a weird feeling to know that he's not just popped out for a few days and will be back. The channel will never be the same without him. --DrakeFox
Mike (And yes I'm still calling you Mike), you were a very creative and intelligent friend. You were there for my first convention, and I always seemed to run into you at others. On top of all that, you were aggressive about pushing the equine agenda! It's rough knowing I won't be able to see you again, or talk to you online. You and your crazy "I'm gonna strap medical braces to these hooves" inventions. I don't think I ever really said it, but I was jealous of your abilities! What's funny is that I've never read a single one of your stories. I feel bad for that. I hate that you're gone, you were a damn good friend for anyone to have and it's not fair. It's not fair at all. My thoughts are with your family and Jacob right now, I hope that all of y'all find the peace that you need. --Pony
There are no words. Goodbye, Michael. I'll see you, Blankpage and KelVix sooner than I expect, I think. --KiTA 16:25, 19 March 2010 (UTC)
...Goodbye, Michael. Thank you so much for what you've done for us. Thanks for everything. I hope that wherever you are now, it's a happy and peaceful place. You were a great person, and rest assured we will remember you fondly. Requiescat in pace. ...And KiTA? Thank you so much for keeping us informed all this while.--Drake 17:05, 19 March 2010 (UTC)
*will miss you so very very much* --clemaxgra
A few minutes ago a link to this "video tribute" was posted on IRC. It says so much and so perfectly captures him that it deserves to be linked to from here. Requiescat In Pace, Morgan. Run with the IPU (May Her Hooves Never Be Shod!) -- ShadowWolf 20:25, 19 March 2010 (UTC)
Bard was my mentor when I first joined the list and through numerous 4am RP sessions he helped me grow from a kid only interested in TF P0rn into a creative writer able to create real characters that could live and breathe in my mind. In the time since I have sought to help other young TF writers in the same way that Bard helped me. I'll admit that I could have done a better job keeping in touch with him, we hadn't talked since 2006. but I always read his stories when they appeared on the TSA-T list and offered my encouragement and thanks in return. He was a kind soul that overcame a lot of crap in life and had finally reached a point where he could be happy with friends and lovers, able to do the things he loved. I am sorry I couldn't be in his circle when he left us, but he was never far from my thoughts and my hopes that he find a fulfilling life. 44 is FAR too young for anyone to go, especially someone with the creative talents of Michael Bard. The TF community has lost one of the few writers who could consistently make one think. I'll miss you bud. - Sturmovik.
You were a great friend to me, Michael.. you will always be missed and never forgotten..You helped me perfect my Vinnie fursuit immensely.. and for that I can never repay you enough...Its going to be very hard not seeing your warm, smiling face anymore... rest in peace, my friend... --- Vinnie/Vinnie Luponero
I remember reading many of Michael's stories when I was younger and just starting to get interested in TF. I later got to know him better during an ill-fated Winds of Change revival attempt in the round robin style, then started catching him on IRC. We got to know each other, and I encountered him at a few cons; he was always someone I looked forward to catching. We'd kinda drifted; school had kept me busy. I'd meant to catch up...but now I won't get the chance. I may not have been the closest to him, and I haven't done much writing in years, but I'll sorely miss him; he was a great idea board, a patient listener, and a brilliant writer who made me think. Rest in peace. -Arrow Quivershaft
Over the past several months, I worked with Morgan on the Furnal Equinox convention committee (and happened to be sitting in con ops with him two weeks before his passing), as well as being in common contact in a few other online venues. The thing that struck me most about him is that he could always be counted on for a "Hey Scani!" in any venue, regardless of the circumstances. It's something for all of us to aspire to. Thank you for sharing your writing gift with the world, Morgan, as well as your many other skills. It will not soon be forgotten. May flights of angels guide you on your way. -- Scani
A finer soul I have yet to meet. People like him are few and very far between, and I am glad to have considered him among friends. I'll miss you, and I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that. I'll miss your "Hey Midway!" greetings, and your preposterous otta puns. -Midway
Hello All. Michael was a very good friend and Roommate of mine. We have finished talking to his family and with respect for him, he would request that no Furry related information, pictures, or anything related to not be given to his family. With respect and love for Mike. He will always be fondly remembered. - Silvax69
It's been nice knowing you. Strange, now, that you're gone. I'm not sure what will happen without our silly funtime rivalry on #MK.... it was a pleasure doing such frivolous battle, and maybe we shall meet on some far distant shore, at the last light. I doubt it. Good luck, and godspeed... wherever you may go. ~Rich; 2319-20 March 2010
To say the least, we have lost an amazing writer this day. Let him pass in peace, and write for people in another life. ~KaiRouge
I've kinda been avoiding posting here for a while, mainly because I didn't really know what to say. Michael is really the reason I'm here at all. I only really started writing because what I read in The Blind Pig. I always enjoyed Michael's stories, and he also hosted the largest TBP collection. His writing advice in the Shifti Writer's School was a great help. I only spoke with him every now and then on #tfnet, but he was always fun to be around. I'll miss those short, awkward, conversations, as well as his stories that are yet unwritten. --Concerned Reader 16:35, 24 March 2010 (UTC)
Heh. It feels weird addressing this to `you`, Morgan, since you`re already gone, but nevertheless... I didn`t get the chance to know you as well as I would have liked, but you were good to talk to (despite your spatula-phobic ways), and I was looking forward to getting to know you better in the future. I respected you first as a writer, because that was my introduction, but you were a good person, kind and full of encouragement. It`s not right that you were taken away in such circumstances. And although you are gone, I take solace in this: you will be remembered. Thaeus 07:19, 30 March 2010 (UTC)
