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My Tribute to Brian | |||||
Posted By: poena.dare #CP# <pd@bungie.removethis.org> | Date: 2/15/03 10:41 a.m. | ||||
In Response To: *Ar-Isildur (Ar-Anarion) Follow the Gleam, Brian Brian Morden AKA *Ar-Isildur of *WP*, died today, February 15, 2003, at 5:38 AM, after a protracted three year battle with Ewings Sarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that targets young people. He was surrounded by his friends, family and his dog, Ali. Although I did not know him well, I still considered him my friend. The world is a lesser place now due to his passing. I asked the Disembodied Soul today, "Who is Brian Morden?" The Soul answered, "That question has many answers." I wish I knew the more of the answers to that question, then. I have very little to go by. Still, from what I've seen, Brain was an exceptional person. My first encounter with Brian was somewhere on BungieNet in a Clan Plaid hosted game in 1999. Brian was a good player and an honorable opponent. (Oh, and he pwned me.) The next time I ran into him was in mid-2001. He spent a fair amount of time on the forum at Halo.Bungie.Org telling the nay-sayers that Halo was going to be the best thing since sliced bread. He talked about his impressions when he played a pre-release version of the game at Bungie's offices. It wasn't until a year later did I find out why he was at Bungie's offices in the first place. Brian was always an enlightened Bungie fan. When people would post messages bashing Halo or Bungie he was right there with the facts and would tell people - politely - everything he could about the game. He never flamed idiots and he had a sense of humor about things:
In the months that followed Brian kept right on posting in defense of the Bungie Cause. As the date of Halo's release approached he kept a countdown going with other forum regulars:
Can you imagine how Brian felt? He had played Halo before any of us and because he signed a non-disclosure he couldn't talk about it. Now the cork was coming off the bottle! Brian spent the days following the release of Halo trading gameplay stories. Oh, and of course, there was a new crusade: refuting the nay-sayers who said Halo would never come out for Macs or PCs. At one point, for nearly 14 days, he posted almost entirely in haiku:
About this time I heard about his end-of-chemo party. Everyone who attended had a great time. I thought to myself, "oh, Isildur, had cancer, now he's better. Well, good for him." I continued to treat Brian just like he was one of the regulars - i.e. undestructable. We traded posts. We argued about inconsequential plot points. We laughed at his humorous post about his Senior Prom. (Unfortunately Brian's hompage.mac.com account is gone so there are no pictures... if someone knows how to recover them please let me know.) At one point, he deplored the HTML skills of many posters on the forum that he wrote a beginner's guide to using HTML called *Ar's Simple Guide to Simple HTML for Simple People. Almost 1,000 page views to date - so it must be helping. His good spirits continued to make the forum an interesting place to while away the hours. His hilarious Halo: Fall of Reach book report is a classic. Then, on Christmas 2002, he just dropped out of sight. I didn't think it was anything ominous; people drop in and out of forums all the time. It wasn't until SilverBrin updated us with news of his relapse that I realized anything was wrong. Once the word was out that Brian was not feeling well, we mobilized to let him know how much we cared. Regulars and lurkers alike sent cards, emails, and even contributed money. On January 25, 2003, he rallied enough that he could post to the forum:
I was happy when he posted. This was A Good Sign. It was also at this time I finally made the connection that Brian Morden was the Brian Morden listed in the credits in Halo. This, in turn, led me to discover the web page a family friend, Betsy Bryce, had on her site about Brian's visit to Bungie courtesy of the Make A Wish foundation. (Go to this page Right Now and read it if you haven't seen it before.) The story blew me away. All sorts of emotions assailed me when I read it. Admiration - for Bungie's contribution. Jealousy - because Brian actually got to play in Bungie's offices! Amazement - I had heard of the Make a Wish Foundation, but I never knew they actually do cool stuff! More jealousy - because he got to be the voice of the Dropship Passenger ("The Autumn! She's been hit!"). Sadness - because ...well, just because. A few weeks passed without hearing about Brian. We had our collective fingers crossed. On February 13, 2003, SilverBrin posted more sad news. Bungie (you guys rock - cubed) rushed a care package to him which included some exclusive footage of Halo 2. We were holding our breath for a miracle to happen. It didn't. This morning Miguel sent me the heart-breaking news that Brain had died. Shortly thereafter, his little brother, Jamin, posted on the HBO forum:
I grieve. The forum fills with thoughts of Brian. We all grieve. I only got to see the tip of the iceberg that was Brian. From what I saw he exhibited all the qualities of a mythic hero: Courage, humor, perseverance, forgiveness, love of life, love for his brother, and peace of mind. My life has been enriched by his presence and I know that there is a spark of him inside me that I will use to touch others who never knew him. Not of the sunlight, Merlin and the Gleam Question: Who was Brian Morden? The soul says: Stop asking me questions. Run along. Life's wasted on the living, I always say. |
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Replies: |
*Ar-Isildur | Ar-Anarion | 2/15/03 8:02 a.m. |
Here's to Brian | CYBRFRK | 2/15/03 8:35 a.m. |
Re: Here's to Brian | manitou | 2/15/03 10:58 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | DeAdLy_cOoKiE | 2/15/03 8:52 a.m. |
My thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family <3 *NM* | MereCatfish | 2/15/03 9:07 a.m. |
A Message from Betsy Bryce and His Grandmother | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 9:08 a.m. |
Tirion and SilverBrin | Miguel Chavez | 2/15/03 9:20 a.m. |
Re: Tirion and SilverBrin | Ar-Anarion | 2/15/03 8:26 p.m. |
Hear! Hear! | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 9:13 p.m. |
Re: Hear! Hear! | Firefly | 2/17/03 3:58 p.m. |
I've never seen... | RustedAngel | 2/16/03 12:41 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Miguel Chavez | 2/15/03 9:23 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | demonelite | 2/15/03 9:29 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | John | 2/15/03 10:19 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Odysseus | 2/18/03 11:46 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | dogsounds | 2/15/03 9:25 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Lion | 2/15/03 9:37 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Captain Spark | 2/15/03 9:42 a.m. |
Immortalize | cobaltnova | 2/15/03 9:49 a.m. |
Re: Immortalize | Hawkwings | 2/15/03 9:50 a.m. |
Everyone's Mortal but Brian | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 9:56 a.m. |
Re: Immortalize | Miguel Chavez | 2/15/03 10:02 a.m. |
Re: Immortalize | Tirion | 2/15/03 10:17 a.m. |
Re: Immortalize | Ar-Anarion | 2/15/03 11:06 a.m. |
Re: Immortalize | Captain Spark | 2/15/03 11:02 a.m. |
Brian Pic | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 11:15 a.m. |
Re: Brian Pic | Ghôlsbane | 2/15/03 11:23 a.m. |
Re: Brian Pic | Captain Spark | 2/15/03 5:37 p.m. |
Re: Brian Pic | Brian's mom and dad | 2/15/03 7:59 p.m. |
<3 will carry on | Aaron "NetBoy" Campbell | 2/15/03 10:16 a.m. |
don't know what to say... | oddworld18 | 2/15/03 10:18 a.m. |
We will NEVER forget..................... | skavenger_s7 | 2/15/03 10:20 a.m. |
From Brian's Dad | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 10:21 a.m. |
Condolences..... | tyr | 2/15/03 12:09 p.m. |
Re: From Brian's Dad | Dark Helmet | 2/15/03 1:24 p.m. |
My Tribute to Brian | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 10:41 a.m. |
Very sad... | StarWarsFanMan | 2/15/03 10:52 a.m. |
The Mortal Coil | Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands | 2/15/03 2:59 p.m. |
Cherish your gift | suzy | 2/18/03 3:08 p.m. |
Re: My Tribute to Brian | Ghôlsbane | 2/15/03 3:55 p.m. |
Re: My Tribute to Brian | Ghôlsbane | 2/15/03 4:02 p.m. |
Re: My Tribute to Brian | Barnolde | 2/16/03 5:25 p.m. |
I didn't know him at all | Chowdy | 2/18/03 12:58 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Postman | 2/15/03 11:18 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 11:29 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Break Point | 2/15/03 11:37 a.m. |
When all is said... | Red Loser | 2/15/03 11:38 a.m. |
I am amazed at just how tough he was... | Nijhazer | 2/15/03 11:59 a.m. |
You will not be forgot | Novakog | 2/15/03 12:01 p.m. |
good luck and god speed *NM* | myrad_dragon | 2/15/03 12:02 p.m. |
*salutes* *NM* | R.G. | 2/15/03 12:14 p.m. |
No greater pain. | Shishka | 2/15/03 12:18 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Cropuscular | 2/15/03 12:20 p.m. |
A few words... | Gawyn | 2/15/03 12:20 p.m. |
I'm not one who often cries | Ross Mills | 2/15/03 12:36 p.m. |
Re: I'm not one who often cries | Lion | 2/15/03 1:09 p.m. |
For those who don't visit Subnova | Ross Mills | 2/15/03 1:16 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | bnb5550 | 2/15/03 12:46 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | bnb5550 | 2/15/03 12:52 p.m. |
things are being worked on, please wait *NM* | Miguel Chavez | 2/15/03 12:57 p.m. |
So sad... | mnemesis | 2/15/03 12:55 p.m. |
Re: So sad... | Ar-Pharazon - The Helmet | 2/15/03 1:27 p.m. |
Re: So sad... | Tarrsk | 2/15/03 1:37 p.m. |
Godspeed Brian *NM* | dr_saius | 2/15/03 1:42 p.m. |
Forever <3 | Pallor | 2/15/03 1:58 p.m. |
Re: Forever <3 | Ar-Anarion | 2/15/03 2:24 p.m. |
Hero | ferrex | 2/15/03 2:07 p.m. |
Yes he is. *NM* | Djof | 2/15/03 2:18 p.m. |
Re: Hero | Halo-Wannabe | 2/15/03 2:28 p.m. |
Re: Hero | ninja on fire | 2/15/03 2:42 p.m. |
Well said | Acrappa | 2/15/03 7:09 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur, rest now. | Brian Josselyn | 2/15/03 2:47 p.m. |
<3 To You Brian *NM* | goatrope | 2/15/03 2:59 p.m. |
Brian: Words are all i have, i wish i had more *NM* | guy who doesn't post....too often | 2/15/03 2:59 p.m. |
May Brian Morden rest in peace. Amen. *NM* | gd | 2/15/03 3:07 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Steven | 2/15/03 3:20 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Razorback | 2/15/03 3:26 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Skeletor | 2/15/03 3:26 p.m. |
Our loss is Heaven's gain. May God dry your tears *NM* | Scalrag | 2/15/03 3:28 p.m. |
A message for Brian | butcher | 2/15/03 3:30 p.m. |
Re: A message for Brian | mehve | 2/17/03 2:14 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Alexis | 2/15/03 3:31 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Hippieman [B.Org] | 2/15/03 4:06 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Total Codex | 2/15/03 5:21 p.m. |
Thanks Issy <3 | Appleicious | 2/15/03 6:07 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Miles A.K.A ¤¦FLAWED¦¤ | 2/15/03 5:57 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Spartan ][ | 2/15/03 6:13 p.m. |
I never met him... | Exogenesis | 2/15/03 6:12 p.m. |
I'll miss you, Brian... | Louis Wu | 2/15/03 6:41 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | vector40 | 2/15/03 6:52 p.m. |
Re: no words | poena.dare #CP# | 2/15/03 9:21 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | AlexbroPA | 2/15/03 6:53 p.m. |
Of man. | mr_bill | 2/15/03 7:10 p.m. |
Obituary for *Ar-Isildur | Brian's mom and dad | 2/15/03 8:10 p.m. |
Re: Obituary for *Ar-Isildur | Demjin D "Dem" | 2/17/03 2:57 a.m. |
Re: Obituary for *Ar-Isildur | Spnkr | 2/17/03 4:32 p.m. |
For *Ar-Isildur... | jankerz | 2/17/03 8:17 p.m. |
Re: For *Ar-Isildur... | Millie | 2/17/03 8:56 p.m. |
Re: Obituary for *Ar-Isildur | MrFluffyPants26 | 2/17/03 8:45 p.m. |
<3 *NM* | HUNTR-KILLR | 2/18/03 10:18 a.m. |
Farewell Issy!! The Wolves sing for thee!! | Phelan *WP* | 2/20/03 11:42 a.m. |
Re: Obituary for *Ar-Isildur | Dark Teno | 3/31/03 6:41 p.m. |
Posted on behalf of Jason Horwath | Appleicious | 2/15/03 10:17 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | bentllama | 2/15/03 10:47 p.m. |
Rest in Peace *Ar, <3 *NM* | Matt(Uh...#5?) | 2/15/03 10:55 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | *THASF* A.K.A. The Halo And Sonic Fan | 2/16/03 12:48 a.m. |
A Truly Good Guy Has Left Us | Clefton Twain | 2/16/03 1:48 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Elan Sleazbagano | 2/16/03 1:56 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Jerry | 2/16/03 2:56 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | MereCatfish | 2/16/03 3:29 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Cunbelin <3 | 2/16/03 6:25 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | opie301 | 2/16/03 1:03 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Pud | 2/16/03 8:46 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Claudia | 2/16/03 7:02 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Uriel | 2/16/03 9:22 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Sep7imus | 2/16/03 11:54 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Warbow | 2/16/03 12:29 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | sorangath (my real name is michael ) | 2/16/03 4:01 p.m. |
Please Read | wildcat | 2/16/03 4:16 p.m. |
*Ar-Isildur helped me remember... | Bullseye | 2/16/03 5:04 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur helped me remember... | Maestro | 2/16/03 6:41 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur helped me remember... | Appleicious | 2/17/03 2:53 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur helped me remember... | Zodiac~TN~ | 2/17/03 9:56 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Lindsey Falbo | 2/16/03 5:30 p.m. |
Re: God speed young man... God speed | Lophan | 2/16/03 11:55 p.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Ol' Dirtae | 2/17/03 12:08 a.m. |
I'm glad you and Loph made it here *NM* | Miguel Chavez | 2/17/03 12:43 a.m. |
Farewell | SR Omniscient | 2/17/03 12:46 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Da Loaph | 2/17/03 1:01 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Ciarán | 2/17/03 6:15 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | blackfriar | 2/18/03 4:06 a.m. |
Share the <3 always, we are all family :) | Demjin D "Dem" | 2/18/03 6:43 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | El Bastard | 2/18/03 7:35 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Heineken ßås†å®? | 2/18/03 11:08 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | The halo destroyer | 2/18/03 11:15 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Ghôlsbane | 2/18/03 11:22 a.m. |
Re: *Ar-Isildur | Djof | 2/18/03 12:16 p.m. |
hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | NoNdRE of clonon | 2/18/03 5:08 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | thunderhawk555 | 2/18/03 5:11 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | Break Point | 2/18/03 5:13 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | NoNdRE of clonon | 2/18/03 5:35 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | oddworld18 | 2/18/03 5:15 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | thunderhawk555 | 2/18/03 5:19 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | NoNdRE of clonon | 2/18/03 5:37 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | Shishka | 2/18/03 5:51 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | Miguel Chavez | 2/18/03 7:09 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | oddworld18 | 2/18/03 7:13 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | NoNdRE of clonon | 2/18/03 7:22 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | halover | 3/31/03 6:57 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | ragereset | 3/31/03 7:00 p.m. |
Re: hey, there is XBOX in heaven, right? | poena.dare #CP# >BS< | 3/31/03 7:29 p.m. |
I thought Xbox WAS heavan......................? *NM* | Skavenger_s7 | 4/1/03 7:38 a.m. |
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