A Sad Announcement

Blues

Blues

hovering overhead
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Oct 2, 1998
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It is with a heavy heart that I report that my good friend and co-moderator, Gus Kalanzis, (aka "Bastid"), has reportedly passed away.
To say that this is devastating to me personally is an understatement. He was a shining example of what a good person should be.
He and I moderated this forum together for several years before mutually agreeing on turning the reins over to Frank and Gary, and getting Spark's blessing in doing so.

I have written a short remembrance in the Community forum and wanted to invite you to it. Traditional knives were one of his great passions...as were his dogs.

Blues

Thread 'Gus Kalanzis aka "Bastid"'

I received a text message late last night from @Spark informing me that my good friend, and a good friend to many here, Gus Kalanzis, aka "Bastid", had reportedly passed away. The information was gleaned from Facebook. (I do not have an account there, but other moderators who were on the conversation have since reported that it appears to be the case, as more Facebook members have chimed in there.)

I hardly know where to start. Gus and I were original members here, before the site was taken over by @Spark from its original owner. We became friends online, spent many hours...
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Thank you. Please spare a good thought for my friend.

Elliott
 
I remember Gus as a fine upstanding Mod here, helpful and dedicated!! I remember him single-handedly packing up and shipping our knives one year!!
Sorry for the loss of your friend, Elliot!!
R.I.P.

Charlie
 
Elliot that is sad news indeed. I was actually thinking about him yesterday while grabbing my 2009 Forum knife. Two bladed Barlow from Queen. Gus went out of his way to make sure that the one I purchased was mad right. When I got mine I noticed that the slabs rattled. He took care of it.
He had a great sense of humor.
I'll miss him.
 
Condolences to Gus, his family and everyone that knew him.

Gus was not only a buyer of my knives but treated me as family. I want to share a few stories that will give a glimpse into Gus's personality.

Me and my wife at the time, flew into Atlanta for the Blade show (2013 I believe ) and he knew that me being in a wheelchair would complicate dealing with a cab from the airport to the hotel. Gus jumped right in and offered to pick us up and when the show was over drive us back to the airport. He made things so much more pleasant and easy for us on that trip!

Gus had purchased a MOP swell center jack from me. Years later on a phone conversation with him I mentioned my grandson was diagnosed with leukemia. Gus showed much concern and empathy for Gabe's diagnosis. A few weeks later that MOP swell center arrived in a mail with a note , wishing Gabe the best and wanting to gift the knife to Gabe as a way for Gabe to know that others where also pulling and thinking about him.

I feel fortunate to have crossed paths in this life with Gus. He will be missed.
 
Spending time with you and Gus at the Blade Show, and getting to introduce you to some of my good friends there, was a real joy, Ken.
I think it was earlier than 2013, though, as I recall...not that it really matters. Gus and I were both very proud to have you as our friend and to watch as your notoriety in the knife world grew by leaps and bounds.
 
This is truly sad news. I only knew Gus from the forum, where he was always helpful, friendly, and generous with his knowledge and advice. Our virtual community was a better place because of him.

Elliott, thank you for the heartfelt tribute you posted in Community. My sincere condolences to you and his family.

RIP, Gus.
 
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