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A Sad Announcement

Blues said:
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...
  • Sad
  • Like

Thank you. Please spare a good thought for my friend.

Elliott
Click to expand...
Elliot I am very saddened to hear the news.
I shared a few DM's with Gus over the years and he was always a nice guy to "chat" to, although it must have been a couple of years since I did so.
This is sad news, I am very sorry for your loss of such a good friend, and thank you for sharing with us during this hard time Elliot.
 
ken erickson said:
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.
Click to expand...
Ken, Gus absolutely loved your knives and cherished every moment he was able to spend with you.
I hope you don't mind but I have this authentic candid pic from Blade which I thought you might like to see....

 
Blues said:
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...
  • Sad
  • Like

Thank you. Please spare a good thought for my friend.

Elliott
Click to expand...
A sad passing for sure. My thoughts are with his family and you.
 
Gus would be embarrassed by all this attention, but I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to see this outpouring of love.

Truly, thank you. You guys have brought a smile, bittersweet, but a smile nonetheless.
 
Gus and Elliott not only started the traditional forum, they set the tone. People express joy and surprise at finding the porch. That porch environment was created by Gus and Elliott. We have all lost something today. But as long as the porch endures, so does something of Gus.

My deepest condolences to family and friends.

The thread below has a video of Gus expressing his joy at having received an new custom-made sword. A good way to remember him.
JParanee

Thread 'Blade 2014 Vince Evans Scottish Baskethilt Sword'

Our very own Gus Kalanzis was so very kind to bring this heirloom quality Scottish Baskethilt Sword by renowned artist Vince Evans

Please have a look at this video and lets all say congrats to our own Bastid :)

[video=youtube_share;NXRttLnIXos]

youtu.be/NXRttLnIXos
  • Love
 
Thank you for those very kind words, Frank.

Gus was the heart and soul, and he asked me if I would join him. I could never say no to him.

(And besides, he needed an enforcer. Though, you didn't want to cross him when he got mad on the rare occasion he did so.)

It was a great labor of love...as you and Gary have found out yourselves. I'm pretty darn proud of having chosen so wisely to leave the forum in both your hands.
 
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