As a writer, it pains me to say that for some stories, there just are no good words. The passing of Tim Bolgeo is one such story.
Rather, I would tell other stories about a man who was larger-than-life on many levels. The problem there is, where to start? Would it be about him having the cop who pulled him over for speeding sending him on his way without even a warning, then racing away from the nuclear power plant where Tim was headed as fast as he could? Would it be about the “report” on the loss of the Shuttle on a secure government server that ended with “It’s all Uncle Timmy’s Fault?” Would it be the sunburn that nearly got him courtmartialed many years ago? Would it be the extra duties he took on in Vietnam? Would it be, well, suffice it to say that there are several more to choose from.
I hate to admit it, but I can’t remember when I first met him. What I can say is that from the first he knew me, and acted as though I was family from the start. When he got the idea of starting LibertyCon, I found myself — whether I wanted to or not — railroaded into working the convention. By the time I heard the train, it was already over and past me — something not uncommon with Timmy as many will attest. It was an amazing time, setting up the first science programming and helping Klon with general programming. I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve stayed in his home, shared a room at conventions, or just sat and discussed everything from history to books with him. He taught me to play Killer Cutthroat Spades, encouraged me as a writer and offered good advice on life and work over the years. There are many tales there, from blanks getting slipped into his pistol at the range to his flask being liberated on the sly to provide drinks for guests at the dance. So many tales. I’m not sure he ever met a stranger, and today I remember the man who was a friend to all (even some who were not friends to him) and was there for his friends when needed.
It was an honor to know him and his family, and to be a small part of getting LibertyCon started. My prayers go out for him, for Linda Vannucci Bolgeo, Brandy Spraker, Jason, and all his family. I would ask you for your prayers, thoughts, or whatever you do for them all.
Absent Companions
