Barkie Dawg, RIP

[LMS]

What I would like more than just about anything right now is to be proven so wrong on this one that I would have to post a Mark Twain "rumors of my death..." type of apology, but after several hours of work, I think I must report that our friend Barkie Dawg has died at the age of 57. I'm looking for the newspaper which would have published the obituary so I can post it here.

As many of you know, Barkie had been battling diabetes for years and had been seriously ill for some time. And many of us on this board have at least one memory of the Dawg sticking to his guns, and his principles, in the face of almost universal disagreement. He was a tough guy, and he never backed down from a fight.

But behind the posts was just about the most selfless person I've ever known. There are literally dozens of us on this board who have benefited from Barkie's advice over the years, and I am proud to say I'm one of them.

A short example to illustrate, If I may. Three years ago, I found myself out of work, out of the industry and pretty much at my lowest point after facing some pretty serious medical problems that my station's management decided it was easier to fire me for than ride it out. The week I was officially let go, I read a post by Barkie about starting a business that has literally changed my life. I wrote him to ask a follow up question, briefly summing up my recent medical history, not expecting much, but figured I might get a useful tip.

Ten minutes later, I get an email. It answered the question, mad e a few extra points and ended with "Give me your address." Well, damned if I was going to do that for a stranger. I wrote back thanking him for the advice. Five minutes later, I get another email. "I said give me your address, woof!" It was signed with his real name and his real address. I checked it out. This guy was for real. So, although still with some trepidation, I gave him my address.

Two days later a huge package comes to my door. In it was just about every production the Dawg has ever done, or so it seemed, and with it a note. "You can do this. If the Dawg can do it, you can."

We've been friends ever since, sharing mutual successes and setbacks not to mention commiseration and support as we both fought our various medical demons. I respected his opinion as highly as anyone I've ever known, and want to tell you that I would not be where I am today, professionally or personally, without old Barkie's support.

My great regret is that he was such a tough guy he didn't let on when things were getting really bad and that I didn't do more. Like most of us here, I stopped hearing from him about a month and a half ago. Nothing but voice mail and dead e-mails. Knowing he was still trying to restart his business in Florida, and that political commercials were going to be a big part of it, I assumed he was getting the studio in shape for 2006 and was as busy as ever, disability and all. To have my worst fears confirmed today - well, for those of you who knew him only from his public posts, this will sound strange, there's a big hole where the Dawg used to roll.

Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Barkie, and you know as I do that appearances are deceiving, the grizzly turned out to be a teddy bear. He was generous to a fault - with his time, his experience and his friendship. He knew what he believed and he lived his life on his terms. That's as much as anyone can hope to accomplish, I think.

So to close... here's hoping that wherever Barkie is now, there's always a Georgia home game, a Varsity chili dog at the ready, no New Jersey state troopers in sight and a dog named Uga that needs someone with a big bushy beard to walk him. Barkie, I'm gonna miss ya.

Woof!

[LunchPenalty]

My deepest sympathies, Barkie was a great guy.

J

[Diplomat]

May he rest in peace.

[sophie]

What horrible sad news. Barkie, on many occasions went out of his way to help me out. I'm at a loss for words.

[Michigan J. Frog]

Aww. Damn.

[The Fedora]

We've lost two great posters in this forum this year...

That's two too many. I am sorry to see both go.

Barkie ya big dawg, you'll be in my thoughts as you run around the doghouse in the sky.

woof.

[Pregnant Reporter]

Wow. I am so sorry to hear of this loss. One of the things that keeps this board challenging us and energizing us is strong personalities and a wealth of experience. I hate to see one of the true veterans go.

Thanks for such a heartfelt notification. Blessings to his family!

PR

[Randy Steinman]

While I'm still holding out hope, I'm afraid LMS is likely correct. I can't even begin to express how sad I am about this.

I've been trying desperately to get in touch with Bark for the past few days. No response...which is completely out of character for him.

LMS -- or anyone else who knew the guy on a 'personal' level -- please PM me. Something I need to ask.

[Major BBMD Peterson]

One of his last threads, I think. Classic Barkie:

http://www.medialine.com/medialineUBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=040614#000029

[tvcigar]

Very sad news indeed. Barkie was a big part of the medialine community.

tvcigar

[Cheeky]

Please tell me you're not serious. I hadn't heard from him in a while, but I thought he was on one of his road trips. I didn't know he was ill. :( :(

~Cheeky

[TVShootist]

RIP Barkie.

The last post made by Barkie can be read at:

http://www.medialine.com/ubb/NonCGI/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=040712

:(

[RoyMcAvoy]

I, too and for once, am speechless. 57 is way too young to go.

May his family be comforted from their memories and his wisdom.

May Barkie's accurate outlook on this business become a thread all its own.

May Barkie's beloved Dawgs keep on rolling to the SEC championship, and beyond. He loved that team.

I don't know if Mark The Voice would bite but I think that some of the current posters here (as well as the past) should be honored in a Medialine Open Forum Hall of Fame. I'm serious here -- one where that poster is honored for the quality of their posts and their willingness to offer help. If that happens, BarkieDawg is a certain first balloter.

Godspeed to you, BarkieDawg.

[AF Wifey]

What a shame. Gosh, the man even spent time helping me work through a media dilemna - it was obvious he really knew his stuff.

He sent me a photo of himself way back in July of '03...do you think he would have minded, or would anyone else mind if I 'put it up' and linked it to this forum?

It's your call...

[and123]

Originally posted by AF Wifey:

He sent me a photo of himself way back in July of '03...do you think he would have minded, or would anyone else mind if I 'put it up' and linked it to this forum?
While that's very thoughtful, I think even in death, one's internet anonymity should be respected.

RIP Dawg.

[LMS]

Wifey, I don't think he would mind, but I know I was waiting to post his real name and picture until I could get the obit. I'm trying to find where Mrs. Dawg is now to get it.

Also, for those of you who know the Dawg's real name, be aware that there is another obit out there for someone with his same name who died in the same time period. 91 years old, and irony of ironies, closely affiliated with UGA. I would have posted much earlier today but I wanted to make as sure as humanly possible that the two men's passings were different and I am sad to say that based on birth dates listed on the different death certs they are.

[ October 24, 2005, 07:21 PM: Message edited by: LMS ]

[Jane Craig]

Say it ain't so. Barkie was/is a feisty ol' dawg with a heart as big as the southern sky and a bite that put pups in their place without a lick of meanness.

I'm praying LMS is wrong but fear the worst. If he's really left us, I'll root for Georgia the rest of the season in his mmemory.

[Poo(h)]

If it's true .. this sucks.

Period.

[JackWSkeleton]

Barkie was a good guy. Me and him talked about tv show production for the longest time.

[The Sleeper]

I had a similiar experience with barkie like LMS. Barkie was quick with advice and honest.
He will be missed. I hope this is not true.

[RevRee]

Think of stepping on shore and finding it Heaven! Of taking hold of a hand and finding it Gods! Of breathing a new air and finding it celestial air! Of feeling invigorated and finding it Immortality! Of passing from storm and stress to a perfect calm! Of waking and finding it Home!

You will be missed Dawg

~RR

[s'news]

Woof.

[McCovey Cove Returns]

RIP Barkie. :(

[TV's Frank]

A timely reminder, perhaps, that this is just a message board ... and behind our silly screen names, real people live and breathe. Tease, ridicule, debate all you want ... but keep things in perspective.

RIP, BD. Your wit and wisdom will be missed.

[TVShootist]

RIP Barkie

:(

[FORMER DAKOTA PRODUCER]

Barkie will be greatly missed. He stood firm on his beliefs and was quick to share his wisdom.
:( RIP Barkie!

[Diggin' Bear]

I will hoist one in the Dawg's honor this weekend when our Georgia Bulldawgs take on those pretenders to our SEC throne.

We'll miss you, my fellow Dawg. Woof!

[Cadbury-Obsessed Newsmaker]

What sad news. :( I didn't have the opportunity to know him as some of you did, but there's no doubt his was a major presence on this board and he will be missed. 57 is far, far too young to go. :( I hope for strength for all his family and friends, and here's to Georgia kickin' the crap out of Florida next weekend for Barkie's sake (I'm a Georgia fan too, it's a shame to lose a fellow Dawg). So in honor of Barkie:

Gooooooooooooooo Dawgs! Sic 'em! Woof woof woof woof woof!

[ October 24, 2005, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: Newsmaker ]

[TVShootist]

I will drink one in honor of Barkie as well this weekend...

[gdiamante]

:(

[McCovey Cove Returns]

graemlins/cheers2.gif Go Dawgs. Win or lose, I'll lift one for Barkie Saturday night.

[ October 24, 2005, 07:48 PM: Message edited by: I'm Going To Gut You Like A Fish ]

[ProducerChic]

http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/smilies/sad/009.gif

RIP Barkie...

We'll sure miss you!

[Lucille]

It's amazing how many people Barkie helped on this board. He also offered assistance to me, name and identity unknown at the time. God bless this wonderful man's family and friends.

[Clyde]

My heart goes out strong and pure for the Dawg's family. His was a voice of conviction, compassion and wry humor. He's sorely missed.

Peace.....
and condolences,

Clyde

[Desert Rat]

I would have loved to work for him in a heartbeat...

I can count the fingers on my hand and have some left over......saying that about the many people I have worked with in this business over the years.

I also learned about the business from him, knowledge I can use every day.

God bless both him and his family..

[Gil]

Tough news for this community of fellow travelers. His was a voice of reason and experience where it was badly needed.

[The Fedora]

One more thing.

Please let us know where we can send flowers, or maybe contribute to a fund in his name. It's obvious the impact he made here.

We should do something as well.

LMS, Randy any ideas?

[Ferrycrossthemersey]

Considering this is a board for journalists, any chance we could actually CONFIRM this death, before we continue with the funeral?

[burgHer]

I think someone earlier on this thread is trying to do that along with obtaining a picture from Mrs. Dawg.

Considering people post here with screen names--releasing a person's real name has its' own complications.

[LMS]

Ferry, you make an excellent point. I've said this in a few PM's, but I'll attempt to put your mind at ease inasmuch as I can.

I subscribe to a database that gives me access to official government records, including all last known addresses, birth dates, business licenses and partial SSN's. Since I knew Barkie's address in FL and also his birthday, I was able to do a search for him. Under all of his addresses (I feel comfortable sharing this since Barkie said publicly on the boards many times that he lived in Florida, Atlanta and New Jersey) is the same SSN, date of birth and a notation that a death certificate is linked to this name/SSN, although it doesn't say which state issued it. There is also a death notice next to his name on a business license issued to a business name I know he had registered to him because I've sent mail there.

Like I said, I would like more than anything to be wrong, and for there to be some other explanation why everyone Barkie kept up regular correspondence with hasn't heard from him, and as a fairly frequent poster, I thought long and hard about putting up the thread with the information I have. I think I would have a hard time showing my screen name here if I'm wrong, and Lord knows there are enough people here who know my real name as well, so yes, it's a risk I took. But based on the public records, I'm as sure as I can be on this one.

[ October 24, 2005, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: LMS ]

[seer]

Originally posted by Ferrycrossthemersey:
Considering this is a board for journalists, any chance we could actually CONFIRM this death, before we continue with the funeral?THANK YOU!

[Peak76]

I didn't know Barkie like some of you did but enjoyed his writing.

Skepticism is good, but I think these other posters have done their homework. I'd love to see a post from Barkie laughing it all off at our mistake, but it sure seems that everyone who knew him did as much as they can do given the anonymous nature of the board and even qualified it by saying they're still trying to contact his family. What more do you want?

But if it's true, RIP, Barkie Dawg.

[ October 24, 2005, 09:08 PM: Message edited by: Peak76 ]

[imported_Seraph]

We'll miss you Barkie.

[Tripe Face]

I already miss Barkie.

I offer a couple of Irish toasts to him:

-May you be in heaven 1/2 hour before the devil knows you're dead.

-May the Lord keep you in His hand and never close His fist too tight.

Go Dawgs!

[Laughing Angel]

My heart just sank when I read the subject line of this thread.

If indeed BarkieDawg has gone on to glory, he will be greatly missed. I will keep his family and friends in prayer. A smart, solid, funny soul, may he rest in peace.

:(

[Love Biscuit]

Barkie was awesome and his help invaluable. I hosted and produced 13 episodes of a half hour traveloge show a couple of years ago. I was having trouble distributing it. I PM'd him and he gave me a ton of good advice, his personal cell phone number and when to find him while he was on the road. All from a man who didn't know me. Barkie, you and your family are in my prayers tonight. I hope the scotch is good where you are at. This guy was a saint.

[adam & doctor drew]

didn't know Barkie but enjoyed his posts... I am proud to be a fellow Georgia alum and will miss him here.

PS, the medialine hall of fame is a fantastic idea.... I hope the mods get it off the ground.

[AF Wifey]

If there does come to be a 'physical' MediaLine Hall of Fame...in Hard Rock Cafe fashion, I think Barkie's old car or truck or whatever that was that he loved to go fishing in would be a grand first donation.

[ October 24, 2005, 10:10 PM: Message edited by: AF Wifey ]

[Sultanosurf]

It's ironic that LMS used just the kind of borderline personal intrusion that Barkie detested to apparently confirm his death.

Our careers crossed paths a few times thru the years, and he can be remembered fondly for his many kind efforts, as evidenced by the posts above. Most of all, he was a pro who knew both sides of the TV fence.

As for his board persona, it's somehow strange that after all the times he claimed he would quit and couldn't -- that he won't be back for just one more political post.

[ewink]

I teased old Barkie about always posting about Dubya.

But privately we were having a serious, friendly conversation about Master Control technologies.

:( :(

I miss ya Old Man. RIP my friend.

[mothball]

Say it isn't so!

Barkie's given me good food for thought, too. While I am still stuck in my overnight job for now, he helped sow the seeds that will eventually lead me out of this darkness into what I hope is a successful writing career.

I'm still hoping this report is in error.

[Judge]

I never knew Barkie, or asked him for help.

But there were times and threads where I had to follow his lead, and felt compelled to make it a good one.

I'll admit there have been times and arguments here where I've swung a bit below the belt.
Barkie never followed me, or anyone else.

I'd suggest we all honor his memory by trying to remember to stick to the high road, as he always did. I will say, judging by the early responses to this thread, he was in good company here.

Rest easy, friend.

[ October 25, 2005, 12:03 AM: Message edited by: Judge ]

[Stack It]

The old guard and voice of reason who offered a lot without asking for anything in return. I remember some of our ratings discussions and other internal issues we kicked around. I'm sure you'll do a good job running the station upstairs.

RIP Barkie.

[Steve Scott]

I never met Mr. Dawg.

And, quite frankly, I didn't always agree with his posts.

But, I appreciated his candor, his wisdom and his willingess to help people.

RIP Barkie. :(

[product of communism]

:( Barkie

ALSO:
I find it frightening that there's a service you can subscribe to which gives you access to someone's address, birthday and SSN.

Seems like a criminal could have a hay-day with that... ID theft anyone?

[Scarlet Termite]

A sad day indeed. Even though I am not in "the biz" and he knew it, Barkie was very welcoming in his PMs to me. Even the little bit I knew about him told me he was a sweetheart.

RIP, Barkie. This interloper will miss you.

[Steve Scott]

Originally posted by The Fedora:
[QB]We've lost two great posters in this forum this year...
QB]Pardon my ignorance...but who was the other ML poster who passed away this year?

[The Fedora]

Steve,

"Tally Atwater"

[Steve Scott]

Thanks. I'm sorry to hear that. :(

[Yeah, well...]

[commercial hack]

RIP Barkie... :(

[morning guy]

God Bless and my thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Dawg and family.

[overthehill]

Barkie was a friend to all on Medialine.

Yes, we may all have disagreed with his posts sometimes, but he often spoke the bitter truth about our business and the people in it.

The best to the Dawg family.

[Duh]

You know, if it's true -- and if it's possible, Barkie's haunting Dubya as we speak.

Please keep us posted, LMS. I'm holding out hope that you're wrong, and some of us still have the chance to meet him in person.

[rootboyslim]

I almost never agreed with Barkie. But when he wasn't here, I missed him.

I remember posting a health problem I had and Barkie sent me a PM with advice. Since we often argued on this board, he could have easily ignored me. But in those PMs, he made the time to know me and I him. He made me realize how petty the issues here really are. I was supposed to be in Naples in two weeks and was hoping to see him. I am very sad right now.

Barkie---a big woof from the root!

[Mom]

I just saw this and feel as though a close friend has died and I never even knew Barkie's real name. We PM'd each other a few times and shared a few secrets with one another. Actually the last time he PM'd me (at the end of June) his message made no sense whatsoever. I thought he must have sent the email erroneously to me when he meant to send it to someone else. It was about how his car insurance had gone down tremendously and how he could park anywhere he "damn well pleased." At that time I wondered whether he was having problems with his medication and diabetes management. But to hear that he's passed on makes me so sad. I always laughed anytime he advocated dropping local sports and every sportscaster from here to Timbuktu would start gnashing their teeth and screaming "FOUL!" Aw, Barkie, you were just some anonymous guy but you sure made an impact here on Medialine. God's speed good fellow.

[Rex Kwan Do]

I'll miss you Barkie.

As a veteran you gave me so much perspective on this business and opened my naive eyes to a lot of things. I never talked to you but seemed to always take something from your posts here.

Thanks and prayers. Rest In Peace.

[ZuZu's Petals]

Barkie will be missed.

There was a lot of experience and wisdom behind that crusty and brash online demeanor.

In this business, most of us know about 1:30 about everything. Barkie knew it all. Or at least had a well informed opinion.

So Long you old Dawg!

[Cookiehead Jenkins]

Respect.
It lives on forever.
The Dawg will always have mine!

[Fake Post]

Never met Barkie but I view him as one of the more intelligent posters here when it comes to the BUSINESS of television.

I would suggest to the moderators here that his advice on owning a production company be a must read for those who want to try and make a go of this business on their own.

Thanks for your help Bark. We will miss you here in cyberspace.

graemlins/cheers2.gif

[Murphy Brown 2003]

Oh my God. I still have PMs in my box from Barkie. He was such a great help when I was in between jobs and discouraged. He'll be dearly missed. My thoughts are with his family and with all the people he touched with his wit and generosity.

[Radio & TV]

.

[Produce man]

I joined Medialine in I think '01. Barkiedawg has been here longer than I. We've never chatted much, but I always have read his posts with great interest. He was what I consider one of the most valued members of this community. I pale in comparison, and hereby pay my respects to a truly good person.

[Trench Worker]

Barkie Dawg was one of the single most experienced and truthful people to write at Open Forum. Like Barkie, I am independently employed. I work in television journalism as a freelancer. Barkie was more entrepreneur than journalist, although he had experience working inside the establishment and from without.

Barkie never wrote anything about television production with which I disagreed. In his posts, he laid out, time and again, how one could sustain themselves in this business on one's own terms. He understood how anxiety-driven this industry could be and he wrote dilligently to persuade readers that they could, as he did, persevere.

I didn't know Barkie personally, but we responded an awful lot in posts to one another and via private message. My sense is that he was the type of person who, should you be stranded or marooned and challenged to survive, would have stepped to the fore and emerged as the group leader. Barkie existed almost totally on his own. He made productions he wanted to make always with their commercial viability in mind. That approach, of course, runs contrary to most of the everyday work that people who visit Medialine perform. The vast majority of people here have jobs. And there was suspicion and skepticism (at times) about Barkie's point of view.

For me, working as I do, somewhat outside the system, Barkie's posts hit the mark. Here was a guy untethered to the day-to-day grind, confident in his ablility to survive and writing to timorous newcomers, apprehensive of their abilities to move forward in such a competitive milieu. And I never saw Barkie mock anyone -- except himself. Instead, he laid out his professional modality in post after post to firmly assert that one could participate in a television production environment without being swallowed by it.

Barkie Dawg was a pillar -- a name brand. How many posters here can that be said of? Ten? Twenty? To attain that status, you have to be knowledgeable, interesting, eclectic, experienced and entertaining. Barkie was each of those. In spades.

Say it ain't so, LMS. But, no matter, we all go this route. Thanks for letting everyone know. The Dawg years are no more. Long live Barkie Dawg. May he rest in peace -- and with all the product placement the good lord can provide.

[ October 26, 2005, 01:41 AM: Message edited by: Trench Worker ]

[Lazlo Toth]

How sad.

[cinehead]

I never agreed with Barkie, but like everyone else it seems, I enjoyed his posts. Here's hoping the rumor is wrong and he logs in to find out how much everyone appreciates him.

[HushHush]

There are no words ... only tears.

I'll miss you Barkie!

http://www.emotihost.com/glass3/7.gif

[TVShootist]

If Barkie did actually die, then my prayers go out to this family, but... I still can't get it out of my mind that we have yet to seen proof or anything solid to tell me or you that Barkie actually died.

I think we should actually find out before we have this full blown funeral over him.

[bride]

:(

[Zeke]

Back in late 2001, I put a post up under what was then an anonymous ID (because those were allowed) that went into the thoughts I was having about getting out of the business and trying to persue different paths of life and/or sucess. He was always willing to answer back to any question posed to him, and with his large amount of his experience in the field of video production and everything related to it, I think he provided me and everyone else in here with something benificial. The guy just came across to me as very generous, full of spark and it all made you wonder if he slept much, realy.

This is a sad day. I will miss him.

[LMS]

I have a little more information, but I'm going to bury the lead.

I think even Barkie would have been amazed at the outpouring of support from all corners of this board. Posters I haven't seen in longer than I can remember have chimed in, and it's a tribute to Barkie that everyone is saying the same thing. A good, decent human being who would offer his advice and experience, and never expect anything in return. I should often be a little more like Barkie.

I've heard from many people who had developed personal friendships with Barkie over the years, and to a one, they have all said that Barkie, even now, would want us to respect his privacy and not reveal his name on the board. I know he valued his privacy very highly and think this is a good idea.

What I will add is that Barkie died near his home in New Jersey on September 13. There was a private funeral service on September 14. He was 57 and was survived by his wife and his mother. His church notice also breifly touched on his work with NBC/Universal over the years. There really wasn't anything more to the obituary than that, which was a surpirse to me, as we know his accomplishments here very well, although when I think about it, I don't think Barkie would have wanted anyone to make a fuss.

So unfortunately, our worst fears have indeed been confirmed. Rest well Barkie. You are missed.

[ October 25, 2005, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: LMS ]

[Irony]

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/a0101dog.gif

Sleep in peace, Barkie.

[Jane Craig]

LMS, thank you for letting us know. I hope that somehow Mrs. Dawg knows her husband was an icon here on Medialine and that many who never met Barkie have him -- and his family -- in their thoughts and prayers... :(

[Duh]

Incredibly sad.

[TVGeezer]

I hereby retire this internym.
The only real TV Geezer was and will always be BarkieDawg.
Thank you for posting... and goodnight.

[AutoTranz]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to read through a thread like this. I was starting to worry about him, seeing as how he had not posted here in quite some time, and his declining health.

I recieved a few helpful PM's from him over the summer. Some were pretaining to the technical side of broadcasting, and some pretained to the more technical side of life.

I learned a lot about TV, and life, in a just a few short (and humorous) private messages. I can't help but wonder how much I'd learn if I ever had a chance to sit and conversate with him...

R.I.P. Barkie. You're most certainly in a better place buddy.

[Love Biscuit]

God bless you Barkie. If your goal in life was to make a difference and help others you overachieved a million times over.

[Mr. Rugen]

I wanted to wait until it was confirmed to post.
Barkie was a good guy. He has been and will continue to be mssed around here.

Woof.

[Too Much Time]

What was Barkie Dawg's real name?

[Major BBMD Peterson]

Originally posted by Too Much Time:
What was Barkie Dawg's real name?Leonard Barkidawski. Great guy.

[News Is Broken]

Originally posted by Too Much Time:
What was Barkie Dawg's real name?Geez, didn't you read the other posts where the poster said they planned on respecting his privacy??

To me that means "Don't post his real name". Maybe on your planet it means something else? graemlins/eusa_shifty.gif

[Stormin Norman]

Bless you my not-so-old friend, and peace be with your family. You will be missed. And I too still have PM advice from the "bark" and I will now take the time to re-read and admire once again a gentleman who gave to people he did not even know.

[overthehill]

May I suggest someone print the comments on this thread and send it to Mrs. Dawg in a sympathy card?

I think she'd be glad to know his cohorts (at least those on Medialine) really miss him and his rascally attitude.

oth

[AF Wifey]

Originally posted by Mister Peterson:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Too Much Time:
What was Barkie Dawg's real name?Leonard Barkidawski. Great guy.</font>[/QUOTE]Nope, sorry, that's not his name.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

I did my bi-weekly check-in to see if there was anything worth reading today and this was on the home page:

Today in Openline
I'VE GOT A GREAT IDEA! Go to The Open Line Forum and start an intersting, thoughtful thread about, oh, I don't know, something like working in television news! What a concept! Maybe the brainless weenies who hack away at each other about who's cooler/smarter/less racist/more glib/intellectually superior will be stunned and actually have to think!

How ironic. The Mods begging for relevant worthwhile topics. Better content and business related wisdom.

And then I go on to read that Barkie has passed. He was one of the top 5 posters that brought real value to this board. He was everything the Mods are asking for.

And now he is gone. No more. Such a huge loss. And very few like him left here.

We will miss Barkie more than we know.

[ October 25, 2005, 05:17 PM: Message edited by: Ralphie the buffalo ]

[GustyXwinds]

RIP Barkie. You ARE missed!!

X

[Diggin' Bear]

You know, my mom always says something when we attend: funerals aren't for the dead - they're for the people left behind.

The thought occurs that it might be appropriate for someone (the mods?) or the thread originator to somehow (diplomatically, and without violating the Dawg's privacy) let Mrs. Dawg know about our writings.

I think our words might be helpful. It'll let her know that other people saw/heard the same good guy she saw, and that might bring some comfort.

[LMS]

Diggin', I've gotten quite a few letters expressing that same sentiment.

It would be my pleasure to include the bulk of tis thread when I send my condolences to the family at the end of this week.

[RadioLongAgo]

RIP Barkie...
From the Medialine resident Funeral Director.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Amen.
-An Irish Blessing.

[Illini]

I also was fortunate to get some helpful PM's from the Dawg. Will miss his wisdom and insite. :(

[Diplomat]

(If the funeral director will permit me, here's a eulogy for Mr. Dawg.)

Barkie was an original. I knew that the first time I read one of his posts. I didn't always agree with his political views, but I always knew he spoke out of sincerity. On matters of broadcasting, posters knew he spoke not only with passion but with his vast experience. One time he thanked me for referring to him as "distinguished." He said it was a nice way of saying he was old. Anyone can be old--that's just a matter of longevity. It takes experience to be distinguished.

He provided countless people on this board with advice and encouragement. He did not seek pats on the back for that. I believe he'd be a bit embarrassed at all the accolades he is receiving, but it just confirms what a few of us already knew. He did it because it was something he felt he must do. And those who received his advice and encouragement know they were indeed blessed.

We have the hope that he rests in that beautiful land where he is once again whole and free from pain, and no doubt putting together an infomercial about Paradise.

May God's grace, peace and mercy be with the Dawg family in their time of loss and sorrow, and may they be comforted by his memory and influence in the days and years ahead.

Amen.

[TVShootist]

Is there an obit for him online? I still cannot seem to get that out of my mind that we have yet to be given proof of his death

[Paper Trail]

pm me

[I'm a Ninja]

That's sad to hear of his passing. I'll drink a beer and watch an infomercial in his honor.

[Angel's Hell]

Woof! We'll miss Barkie!
Sorry to Mrs. Dog and the family!

[MyracleMan]

In the few conversations I had with him, Barkie struck me as a man with a wealth of knowledge on this biz, and who wasn't afraid to share it when asked.

A graemlins/cheers2.gif in your honor, Barkie. You will be missed.

Woof!

[Scooter78]

I will miss Barkie's intelligent conversation he provided to this site daily. I hope he is resting comfortably. I will bet Barkie is looking down on us right now and saying "why is everyone making such a fuss over me?" Barkie, you deserve it. We will miss you.

[Randy Steinman]

To be perfectly honest, folks, I'm having a bit of a time tough with all this. This will likely be much longer than it should be. But I just want to write something about Barkie.

I've spent some time this evening re-reading some of his emails and PM's. We would write every 3-4 months or so. The last one I received was in July, so there were no red flags for me when I hadn't heard from him since. I now desperately wish there had been, but there were not.

My big regret is that I never met the man in person. I knew it was only a matter of time before I would be in south Florida, and would get an opportunity to shake his hand. Sadly, there was no sense of urgency.

I once kidded Barkie how grateful I was that he had never been my GM. As a sportscaster, I would have been shown the beach his first day on the job. He completely agreed with that, then quickly added one of those ;) winky things.

For as gruff as he sometimes appeared on these forums, I promise you he had a heart of gold. I believe that's been validated these past few days by writers telling how he had offered help and guidance.

Truth be told, each of us would probably have been extremely fortunate to work for Barkie at some point during our careers.

I want to share one particular PM from him. Last winter, I had run a story about a young woman with Cerebral Palsy. She's a competitive Special Olympics runner. Against the wishes of some of my colleagues, I had chosen to not subtitle her SOT's, for fear she would feel humiliated by it.

I asked Barkie if I'd made the right decision. His response, in part, from April 6, 2005....

I was car shopping yesterday, and it's a little obvious that I walk with considerable difficulty. The limp and the walker make it obvious. Plus I'm driving a Chevy Venture van (the replacement for the old Dodge van with Dawgs stickers) with hand controls. I can see the salesman is super curious as to why, and he's straining to resist the question. So I introduced him to Fred2, my not so bionic prostetic leg.

I spent fourteen months in Kessler, West Orange (same rehab facility as Chris Reeve). Bumped into so many folks like me.. and worse. I observed a great variety of different attitudes towards their situations. Some were quite uncomfortable in talking about their situation. Denial I guess. Did not want to discuss anything.

Me? I'm discussing how great it is that I now have my own reserved parking spot at the front of the mall. Or that my pairs of socks will last twice as long. I have no problem dealing with my physical situation, or addressing it.

But some of us gimps are very uptight about our situations, and afraid to discuss it. You really need to make a decision how the subject feels about her challenge (ain't gonna use that disability word). If she's comfortable being "out there" in front of folks doing stuff I would think she would be comfortable with your helping your viewers understand her better.

Sometimes, the best way to make people understand about a disability is to let it hang out for all to see. Now this gets a little confusing here... My daughter's mother ****** (she and I were never married), at age thirty was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. She was about as open as anyone could be about her disease and her struggles (she eventually died from complications) with it. My proudest moment with her was the half hour she spent chatting with Jerry on the air one Labor Day.

I think you did the right thing, letting her speak for herself, but it would have been nice to subtitle it for the viewers.

---

That was vintage Barkie. Essentially, he told me I had screwed up. But nobody could have told it in a better way.

For what it's worth, I know for a fact that he had a great deal of respect for a lot of contributors to this forum. In particular, upandown, he thought the freakin' world of you. I vividly remember one conversation we had about your skills a few years ago.

Thanks to you, LMS, for finding out what happened and when. I was searching in Florida and Georgia, and would never have found his obit in New Jersey.

Thank you, too, to all those who know his identity, but have not posted his name here. Barkie never once "outed" himself publically. He adored his wife, who also remains anonymous. I truly feel we all need to respect that.

I have one more thing to share with you, then I'll call it a night. About three years ago, Bark and I were both saddened by the passing of a mutual acquaintance.

I am very glad that I saved this PM, dated December 15, 2002....

Randy -

To quote the great philosopher Billy Joel "only the good die young."

Having almost been there myself a few months back, I will certainly appreciate any more time I spend above ground.

---

Trust me, Bark. WE appreciated that time, also.

I'm on the road this Saturday night. But at 11:00 pm ET, I'm going to go outside and raise a glass to the night sky for our dear friend. I'll be looking toward the moon, if anyone cares to join me in a MediaLine toast.

This world is full of pretenders. Barkie was the real deal.

May you rest in peace, Sir. You have earned it.

[ October 26, 2005, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: Randy Steinman ]

[Randall Flagg]

-- Mr. Steinman --

Thanks to you, I wish had the opportunity to know Barkie Dawg.

Judging from your post, it's nice to know that love and admiration still exist in our world.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Friendship is nature's masterpiece."

Barkie would've loved to read what you've so graciously shared with us -- and would've called you 'friend.'

You're a lucky man; thanks for articulating your experience - the desire that all our best dreams can become reality...it's called 'hope.'

-rf-

[AF Wifey]

Dang it Randy...I'm bawlin' here.

Thank you, though, for sharing. I'll leave it at that.

[product of communism]

This is all too sad to believe. I im'd w/ Barkie a few times, but not in the past year. It's just so sad.

[sportzchick]

I was so saddened to see this thread. Although I don't post often... I read the board daily... and BD's post were always ones I clicked on. He was so knowledgable about the biz and was gracious enough to share his wisdom.
I also enjoyed reading his posts due to the fact I could relate to so many of his Florida stories... namely Jacksonville stories. I am glad I didn't delete any of the PM's he sent me. He sent me one about his Halloween costume last year. Nice to go back and read them. They put a smile on my face.

I'll miss his insight and what he brought to this board.

[Major BBMD Peterson]

My friend Mighty Dyckerson has a few thoughts on his blog (http://dyckerblog.blogspot.com) ...

[TVShootist]

http://www.kschaser.com/bark.jpg

[Mom]

Originally posted by Randy Steinman:
To be perfectly honest, folks, I'm having a bit of a time tough with all this.

I'm on the road this Saturday night. But at 11:00 pm ET, I'm going to go outside and raise a glass to the night sky for our dear friend. I'll be looking toward the moon, if anyone cares to join me in a MediaLine toast.
Randy,
I, too, am having a tough time with Barkie's passing, and am a little surprised at my reaction to the news. As I said earlier, I didn't know who he was in "real life" but he was so genuine on this board that I almost always laughed or at least smiled at his rather overt attempts to get everyone riled up. Whether it was calling Bush the biggest idiot on the planet or challenging everyone on this board to open their own production company, he was always a good read ( a little wacky at times but I think that was his intent. He was a player). When he shared a few things with me privately I understood more about him and how truly authentic he was. He adored, admired and respected his wife, that was clear. He loved to brag about her and I think it was also his way of saying, "I can't believe she loves an older, curmugeony fart like me." (Randy, any chance we'll learn more about their love story in your book?)
Anyway, I came back to this thread today because I wanted to suggest that we all choose a time to do something together to honor the Dawg's memory. I'm glad, Randy, you already thought of this. I, too, will raise a glass at 11 PM eastern time on Saturday night. I hope many more will join us. If we were to hum the same tune at 11:00, what song do you think Barkie would like to hear?

[Diplomat]

Going by what music I recall him mentioning, it'd either have to be something by Frank Sinatra or a hymn.

How about "My Way?" Because Barkie did things his way.

[Duh]

How about a Medialine team for the ADA or the JDRF walk(s) next year?

I'm partial to JDRF - my son's a diabetic.

[Dog Chapman]

RIP Barkie :( .

[Mr. Rugen]

I told my wife last night that Barkie had passed. She immediately said "Oh, no not (his real name)." I was surprised that she remembered, as I'd talked a lot with Barkie a year or so ago, but not much since. Not only did he leave an impression on me, but my wife as well.

I'm having a rough time dealing with his passing. I wish I'd spent more time talking to him about himself and less time talking about me.

I'd love to hear more about him.

[ October 26, 2005, 02:27 PM: Message edited by: Rugen the Impaler ]

[Major Kaos]

I found this poem in a book I read last night. Then, I learned of Barkie's passing. Seems fitting. RIP Barkie.

Who does not love the Titanic?

If they sold passage tomorrow for that same crossing,

who would not buy?



To go down...We all go down, mostly

alone. But with crowds of people, friends, servants,

well fed, with music, with lights!Ah!



And the world, shocked, mourns, as it ought to do

and almost never does. There will be the books and movies

to remind our grandchildren who we were

and how we died, and give them a good cry.



Not so bad, after all. The cold

water is anesthetic and very quick.

The cries on all sides must be a comfort.

We all go: only a few, first class.

[ October 26, 2005, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: Major Kaos (General Apathy) ]

[Tripe Face]

You know, Barkie, were he still alive, would have posted about 2 and 1/2 pages back with some nasty biting comment about the sappy, sacchrine nature of this whole thread.

But alas, he can't.

Nonetheless... everything said here is true. He was a true character and someone I was glad to know, if only through the internet.

Count, here's one story he shared with me:

"I am scared sh!tless when I contemplate what my daugther's Mom and I passed along to her. I want every damn avenue of research explored, no matter how many stem cells it takes. And as we say in the infomercials... but wait... there's more.

Back in the 60s when we were both young and very stupid. I was never married to F*****, my daughter's mother. We never saw the need. But that was the 60s. I was 20 in 1968. At age 54 I was diagnosed with the big D. (diabetes)

Meanwhile, at age 40 F***** was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. She died from it a few years later. I've been away from the MDA folks for a while now, but the last I heard F***** still holds the record for the longest appearance with Jerry on the telethon... their conversation also held the record for the most dollars raised in one conversation. She was scheduled for five minutes, and spent a half hour on air with Jerry."

Barkie Dawg June 2005
(Name hidden to protect his family's privacy)

[I Live For Deadlines]

I don't post often, but I read this board almost every day. The few times I did post, Barkie immediately pm'ed me a very personal and helpful response. His advice was something I had never thought of before...and it definetly gave me a new perspective.

I had no idea he was not doing well and I am sad to hear he is gone. I truly enjoyed his posts.

[AutoTranz]

I made a thread a while back, asking "how do you know if she's a keeper." He PM'ed me his reply...

Barkie said:
"Seriously, have some limb chopped off and see if she hangs around.

9/11/01 I hads the first of nine surgeries that resulted in the loss of my right leg just below the knee.

Then go through three months of intensive care, fourteen months of rehab, and a few more months of falling down every damn time you try to walk with the new leg hardware.

If she stays with you through all that, and doesn't laugh at you the first time you try to do the deed with one less leg, she's for sure a keeper."

Learned a lot from those few words.

[HushHush]

Originally posted by Cruella Duh Ville:
How about a Medialine team for the ADA or the JDRF walk(s) next year?

I'm partial to JDRF - my son's a diabetic.Hubby and I volunteer at the JDRF every Friday. I'll be thinking of Barkie every week.

[WxGuru]

About a year ago, I thought I was going to be in his neighborhood & sent him a PM asking if I could buy him a drink at that favorite watering hole of his.

He said look for his trusty (rusty) vehicle with the dawgs stickers, come inside and look for the old coot with the Santa Claus beard & he'd buy ME the drink.

I regret that the trip was cancelled last minute.

Woof, Barkie. Woof.

[24 7 engineer]

:( RIP Barkie, you will be missed.

[AF Wifey]

I’m hoping things eventually work out that Barkie’s picture will be shared with you all. It’s always nice to place a face with someone you “know” – not sure exactly why he arbitrarily sent his to me, and he never asked for mine in return, but I thought that was a really nice gesture, along with just saying complimentary things about some of the things I’d posted, and this was long before I’d ever asked him for advice.

Let me try and paint a picture OF the picture he’d sent me…

He looked to be @ his early to mid 50’s, brown hair – not dark, a mustache that grew down around the sides of his mouth – much more blonde than his hair. His eyebrows were a more reddish color – and seemingly raised in interest, or maybe that’s just where they lived. His eyes are very “bright” – both in color and in expression - either a pale green, green/gold or hazel color. He wore glasses with lenses that would be considered “large” in diameter to most, though don’t appear to be thick.

Very nice and uniform face complexion, he was obviously being interviewed in this picture as there is a mic being held up to him. He was wearing a charcoal grey suit, with a navy and white pinstriped shirt, and a red tie.

He looked to me to be a very gentle man, very caring…big ol’ teddy bear kinda guy.

Just thought I’d share.

[No Talent Hack]

Thanks Barkie. You touched many with your words, more with your experiences.

[ciscoubr]

RIP Barkie. I never knew the man, but looking back, I wish I did.

However, after seeing how selfless BarkieDawg was, I'd like to leave this for him...

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
That's a chin held high as the tears fall down
A gut sucked in, a chest stuck out
Like a small town flag a-flyin'
Or a newborn baby cryin'
In the arms of the woman that you love
That's something to be proud of

Ciscoubr.

[NewsWench]

Hello LSM,

I too believe Barkie to be a wise man. So sorry to hear he's been silenced.

By the by, that was a lovely tribute to him.

Sorry for your lose.
later,lunch, NewsWench

[mothball]

Damn. I had so hoped it was an error.

I'll be thinking about Barkie for sure these next two months, as I put these finishing touches on the book. Yeah, it ain't a TV show, but not all of us were meant to spend our lives behind (or on the other side) of the camera.

Godspeed.

[tvchick5]

{Why don't we let the talk of posting a picture go. It seems everyone on this board knows the real Barkie, and it has nothig to do with his physical appearance. I don't need to see it. I know his heart.}

To his family, please know your loved one made an impact on some small part of the information super highway. His words of wisdom and caring soul will live on forever. He touched so many lives and may never know the ways. For all your insights, caring words, and kind concerns, we salute you. God calls the good ones home too soon. He leaves the rest of us to keep their memory alive.

We will try to live up to your drive for excellence. Thank you, and God Bless.

---tvchick5

[TVShootist]

Originally posted by transylvaniachick5:
{Why don't we let the talk of posting a picture go. It seems everyone on this board knows the real Barkie, and it has nothig to do with his physical appearance. I don't need to see it. I know his heart.}
With all due respect, there is a lot of people (myself included) who didn't know Barkie, and for those of us who didn't know Barkie it would be nice if we could put a face to the name.

I know there is all this talk about not wanting to reveal who he is out of respect for the family, but really what is a picture of him going to tell us? It still doesn't reveal his name to us, or where he's from, or an address.

I don't know, I personally think I'd be more affected if I could put a face to the name.

[Tripe Face]

Originally posted by TVShootist_:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by transylvaniachick5:
{Why don't we let the talk of posting a picture go. It seems everyone on this board knows the real Barkie, and it has nothig to do with his physical appearance. I don't need to see it. I know his heart.}
With all due respect, there is a lot of people (myself included) who didn't know Barkie, and for those of us who didn't know Barkie it would be nice if we could put a face to the name.

I know there is all this talk about not wanting to reveal who he is out of respect for the family, but really what is a picture of him going to tell us? It still doesn't reveal his name to us, or where he's from, or an address.

I don't know, I personally think I'd be more affected if I could put a face to the name.</font>[/QUOTE]I DID know Barkie, traded numerous PMs with him, he shared with me his real first name, and his wife's first name. But he never gave me his last name or picture. He chose to stay anonymous to the board at large. And because his wife chose (I assume) not to join this board, I respect his decision.

[tvchick5]

Thank you Tripe. If someone chose not to reveal their photo in life, why should we do this in death? I had many conversations with Barkie. Privacy was important to him. Why don't we leave the issue of a photo out of our tributes to him.

[sandbagger]

A few years ago, I was the token conservative and Barkie was the token lib of this board. Even though I wanted to strangle him sometimes, I respected what he said because he never attacked me personally. Well, when I got a reporting job in Georgia, I immediately thought of him. He and I made arrangements to meet him and his lady in Atlanta for lunch. I ended up having to work...but he sent me all of his personal information and he was just a class act. God bless you, Barkie.

[ATVChick]

RIP Barkie. You and I didn't always agree politically but I would have worked for you in a heartbeat.

May your family find comfort knowing how many people your life has touched on this board, if even only for a brief moment in time.

[ October 28, 2005, 10:46 AM: Message edited by: ATVChick ]

[Lazlo Toth]

Did his first name begin with the letter D?

I was on a diabetes forum and they announced that a person who regularly posted there had died recently. They planned to keep his posts on the board as well as the pictures that person had posted of his grandchildren.

[AF Wifey]

Laz - nope.

[Lazlo Toth]

Thanks, wifey.

[That wx girl]

Barkie you will be missed! Thanks for your wisdom and the memories.

[Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh]

I spoke with him once. Full of life even though times were tough. He's done much and helps many. We picked on him, and some cut deeper than others. But I don't think anyone can deny his willingness to see the cup half-full at all times.

I'm sorry for his close friends and family. :(

[Diggin' Bear]

I think it's safe for a fellow alumni to say - and he would love it - that the guy was a downright dirty dawg.

He'd be right up front cheering out team on as they chomp them Gaturds.

I really, really hope God remembered to stock the pond with the right kind of fish, that he purchased a Larry Munson 'Best of Georgia Highlights' tape, owns a Varsity franchise for Heaven, and won't allow anyone named Spurrier near our beloved Dawg.

[ZuZu's Petals]

Originally posted by transylvaniachick5:
Thank you Tripe. If someone chose not to reveal their photo in life, why should we do this in death? I had many conversations with Barkie. Privacy was important to him. Why don't we leave the issue of a photo out of our tributes to him.Right. It would only mess with the way most of us have him in our mind's eye. It would only distort the memory we have of him - with something that doesn't really matter anyway.

kind of like when you see the DJ behind the great voice and the conflicting images forever distract you

Not saying Barkie had a face for radio - just that our vision of him is better left to our imaginations - considering our medium here - it's better that way.

Good fishn' Barkie

[ October 28, 2005, 02:51 PM: Message edited by: ZuZu's petals ]

[NewzieChik]

I've been out of town for a few days and away...it's quite a shock to come back to his news.

RIP BarkieDawg. You were never afraid to say what needed to be said. You were never afraid to help someone in need. In a business where you can grow callous and cold by the time your first contract is over, you were never afraid to be human. Thank you for sharing that with the rest of us.

Woof.

[Bob Sakamano]

Very sad. :(

[Traffic Goddess]

I'm just finding out about Barkie's passing and I am so saddened by it. I sit here still crying from the beautiful tributes written...LMS and Randy- you did wonderfully, among others...but yet I have to smile because I remember Barkie's great sense of humor. He seemed to always know when I was having a rough time of it and he could easily make me laugh by sending me a PM that would have me in hysterics. Barkie really KNEW people and better than that, he liked people and wasn't afraid to try and change things for the better by getting involved.
More than anything, I hope that Barkie knew how much he was loved and appreciated by people outside of his close family. I say that, because for some reason, I don't think that we here at Medialine are the only group of people that Barkie touched for the better.

Mrs. Dawg and family, thanks for sharing this incredible man with us and we are all so very sorry for your loss.

Barkie...dammit, I wish I'd known that you were so sick. It's hard to think about you without crying, right now, and I know that's something you'd hate. But, I promise to remember the smiles, too, and those will come again with time. So long, Dawg.
~Traffic Goddess

[ October 28, 2005, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: ***** Goddess ]

[Aholeindhead]

Barkie is one of the reason that I took the job that I have today. May He rest in peace and his memmory will live in me, even if it was just a voice in my head as I read his words on a screen.

[Emily Latella]

Next time I pass through Atlanta or Athens I'll have a Varsity dawg in his honor. I remember him saying The Varsity was his kind of gourmet dining.

[ October 29, 2005, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: Emily Latella ]

[House Cat #1]

Never met Barkie, or talked to him.
But from his posts I read here, I could tell he was a person of character and intelligence.

We need more like him to visit every once in awhile. It kind of keeps us young 'uns grounded.

[AF Wifey]

It was obvious he had a wealth of knowledge...I don't know if he ever did, but if not, I wish he'd have written a book.

One can't just ask a simple question and receive the plethora of a response that I did...and I'm not even in the media business! He just plain cared about people.

Rather than feel sorry that he is gone, I'd prefer to feel luck that I knew him at all.

...

[Historian]

I just happened to log on and saw this.

I am absolutely stunned.

Barkie was such a staple of the posts here. So sad to lose one of the good guys.

Godspeed, Dawg.

[Zorro]

bump

[Chris Kittinger]

Woof, and thanks for the advice and kind words when I needed them. RIP Barkie.

[AnalogKid]

Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[Desert Rat]

As I sit here in the Hartford airport waiting to go home on part of my extended vacation (I'm off until Thanksgiving) this thread reminded me of how precious life really is...one should never take it for granted.

I went back to Connecticut to see my parents and family...well the ones who stayed in Connecticut. My parents are now in their mid 80's and to see the smiles and joy in their faces when I arrived....it reminded me how lucky I am that they are still alive for me to see them.

Doublely so because it looks as though I'll have to have some surgery when I get home (compressed disk...probably need to have spinal fusion done).

Remember always tell your loved ones that you love them, you just never know.

As for posting any other personal info about Barkie, that's not what he wanted.....we should respect his wishes.

[ November 02, 2005, 08:58 AM: Message edited by: Desert Rat ]

[cornjolio]

I'm just one more of many who received advice from Barkie. Never spoke with him, only a few PM's in which he reached out a helping hand. I didn't even ask for it and he reached out. Cheers to you Barkie Dawg. You have earned a high spot in your new kingdom. Thanks for everything you've done to touch so many. Even in subtle ways like the way you helped me.

[Sig Kauffman]

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted on Medialine, and I was shocked to learn of Barkie's passing. I will think of him whenever I see an infomercial or cut Mr. Food. God bless Barkie and his family.

[ November 02, 2005, 04:03 PM: Message edited by: Sig Kauffman ]

[ProducerGirl]

I'm very sad to see that Barkie has passed. I had emailed him a couple of weeks ago to tell him that Ralphie (my oldest lhasa)has kidney failure and is dying. He never responded. I thought it odd. I've been busy caring for Ralph, and haven't had much time. I thought I would log on today and send him a PM to let him know I'm probably going to have to put Ralphie to sleep. Then, I discovered this thread.

I began corresponding with Barkie through email right before my trial. I was under some pressure to settle the lawsuit. Barkie encouraged me to go to trial and get a jury verdict. He told me that people needed to hear my story. I'm glad I followed his advice. Staying true to myself was the best move I ever made. Barkie was one of my strongest supporters in my quest to improve women's rights in broadcasting. I thank him for that.

We talked about way more than just women's rights in broadcasting. We talked a lot about our dogs. He loved his dogs. We talked a lot about Ft. Benning and the army. I shared with him stories of my kids. And, of course, we did a little trash talking during football season. What would football season be without some trashing talking?

Billy Joel was right when he said "only the good die young." I will miss Barkie greatly. Tomorrow, when I see my baby of 10 years into heaven, I know there will be someone there to take care of him.