  Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1761 Registered: 04-2005 |
I've just been rereading some of the emails Jeff and I exchanged, mostly just sending each other silly photoshops or images that we found on the net. I'm sorry that we never got the chance to meet in real life. My condolences to ItsMom and the rest of the ItsColby family. | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 1304 Registered: 12-2004 |
Oh, wow. RIP Itsjeff. You will be greatly missed by many who never even knew you, myself included. | ||
Rokk_krinn Member Username: Rokk_krinn Post Number: 49 Registered: 10-2003 |
I have never personally met any of you. However, I have checked this site almost daily since around 1998. I feel like I know some of you, and itJeff was one of those people who always had the knack for making me chuckle. RIP itsJeff... your humor and insight will be sorely missed by this forumer. (Message edited by rokk_krinn on February 18, 2007) | ||
Erikto Member Username: Erikto Post Number: 511 Registered: 11-2003 |
My condolences to the forum. I never met Jeff, but he seemed like a good guy and far too young to go like this. It's sad, but also heartwarming to see all you strangers sharing a moment of solidarity, even if it is for a tragic occasion. | ||
65memories Member Username: 65memories Post Number: 345 Registered: 10-2003 |
I want to extend my condolences to ItsJeff's family and friends. The warm remembrances on this forum say so much about the special person Jeff was and the positive effect he had on his fellow Detroiters. | ||
Ragtoplover59 Member Username: Ragtoplover59 Post Number: 47 Registered: 09-2006 |
I too Feel the Loss, Having never Met any of you, I have Known of Many of you through my years of "peeking" in on this Forum. The Pics of the Picnic's were such fun,I would read a post and try to Match the people to the comments. Gumbys pic's above of what I think were AIW's BD in Windsor,were another chance to Learn about Friends. And of course, Jeff's Photoshop Humor always brought a Smile to this unknown's face. The Sorrow I feel for this person I've never Met, Shows the way "DetYes" has Impacted us all ! RIP Jeff and Thanks ! (Message edited by Ragtoplover59 on February 18, 2007) | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 4801 Registered: 10-2003 |
I hope someone makes sure Jeff's family is made aware of this thread. He was a very special human being to have touched so many hearts and his quick and everpresent smile will be missed. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8399 Registered: 12-2003 |
Grief is a distiller. Let it wash away the negatives and loose ends, melt away the murky mundane memories...then sift through the happy remains. From the very first time I ever reminded Itsjeff of something he posted that made me smile...to the very last...what I will remember MOST of this kind, solid, joyful, loving, dear beautiful man is that deft shyhunker/aweshucksshrug/slowt urn/devilsgrin/sparkle of his that so naturally deflected the reflection of the sheer pleasure he delivered to us through his electronic alternate personalities. I miss his oh-so tangible presence echoed here in our ether. There is a fabulous party in heaven tonight, indeed God got back one of His best. This place remained special in healthy part due to Its' oversight. We, each and every one of us, are different because of this gem of a mere human. We are all better for knowing this man. I've never known one I could say that about. Those who say they knew him although they never met are speaking the truth...the facets he was able to air here showed the marvelous man within. | ||
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch Post Number: 748 Registered: 02-2006 |
Although I never met Itsjeff in person, I am going to miss him more than I can understand why. If his name came up on this forum, I had to read it, because I knew it was positive in one way or another. I was either in for a laugh, or I was about to learn something good. My condolences to all family, friends and forumers. | ||
Jjw Member Username: Jjw Post Number: 262 Registered: 10-2005 |
a man is as good as his word. jeff's word was always solid and meaningful. he was a great contributer to this forum and one of the true spirits of detroit. may god be with all of you who have known him and who have loved him. | ||
Urbantiki Member Username: Urbantiki Post Number: 842 Registered: 10-2003 |
I haven't posted here in years, but I feel the need to say 'goodbye' to Jeff here as well. He was one of my closest friends, and was always available to me and my family. He was one of two people that we ever allowed to babysit for my daughter - and that says as much about him as needed, if pressed. To those of you that never knew him, I'm truly sorry you were not able to know the man behind all the personas. Intelligent, kind to a fault, caring and loyal, and yes - one of the funniest, wittiest people you'd ever hope to meet. I reposted a portrait of him that I took a while back. I hope it makes you smile. http://flickr.com/photos/urbantiki/393681533/ -Bobby (Message edited by UrbanTiki on February 18, 2007) | ||
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm Post Number: 774 Registered: 10-2003 |
Someone commented about how you get to know somebody through their posts without actually meeting him. Jeff was one of those. May God bless his soul, and may his family be comforted by the knoledge of how much he was appreciated here. | ||
Urbantiki Member Username: Urbantiki Post Number: 843 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sorry - here's the portrait...  | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 548 Registered: 10-2003 |
He made me laugh. God Bless. | ||
Citylover Member Username: Citylover Post Number: 2153 Registered: 07-2004 |
I won't make perfunctory remarks about itsjeff I really did not know him.But to those of you that did, I see you are hurting and just want you to know that I am thinking of you. | ||
Islandman Member Username: Islandman Post Number: 336 Registered: 08-2004 |
RIP and Godspeed Jeff. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1154 Registered: 01-2005 |
if strangers meet life begins- not poor not rich (only aware) kind neither nor cruel (only complete) i not not you not possible; only truthful -truthfully,once if strangers(who deep our most are selves)touch: forever (and so to dark) - E.E. CUMMINGS I'd like to offer my most sincere condolences to Jeff's Family and friends. He was a really good human being, and it's just a shame we don't get to see more of him...in this life. Please know that he made a big difference in his community, and he will be missed VERY much. -Quinn | ||
Schoolcraft Member Username: Schoolcraft Post Number: 100 Registered: 07-2005 |
Damn.Reading above thread and a few of his posts in the past its clear he was all heart and soul.My prayers go out. RIP | ||
Alsodave Member Username: Alsodave Post Number: 781 Registered: 10-2003 |
RIP Jeff and condolences to his family and friends. I've never met any forumers, but my life is a little better thanks to many of the contributors of this forum, and Jeff in particular. You will be missed. | ||
The_rock Member Username: The_rock Post Number: 1583 Registered: 11-2003 |
I share alsodave's thoughts. I have only attended one get-together of the Forum folks and that was a few years ago. So I know very few of you. Yet I am pleasantly surprised over the outpouring for one of your own. It's truly wonderful, even inspiring. There is obvious a great fondness over Jeff, and it appears he is most deserving of your accolades. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3655 Registered: 08-2004 |
I too was one of the folks who often traded EMAILs with Itsjeff. I always loved his acidic wit! He always made me laugh with his funny posts. God bless you Jeff Colby, you will be sorely missed. | ||
Blondy Member Username: Blondy Post Number: 1113 Registered: 10-2003 |
Bless your soul Jeff Colby. It was a beautiful soul. | ||
Krawlspace Member Username: Krawlspace Post Number: 294 Registered: 04-2004 |
Jeff was one of the few cats who could convince me to be social. I wish I could have said thanks to him. Damn... | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 1929 Registered: 11-2004 |
It's such sad, sad news. We were all really lucky to have had Jeff in our lives. He believed in bringing people together, and he believed in the good in people. Plus he was damn funny! | ||
Tkelly1986 Member Username: Tkelly1986 Post Number: 232 Registered: 01-2004 |
Very sad news indeed; a man that could bring common sense to chaotic discussion, his wisdom and insight will truly be missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends….God bless you ItsJeff. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 4848 Registered: 11-2003 |
Jeff Colby spent the time to give jjaba an Eastside tour. It took some coaxing but he made jjaba feel comfortable. His downtown walking tours were amazing. He knew every block, every corner. Itsjeff's Yiddischkeit sense of humor tickled us all and his advocacy for Cafe de-troit was amazing. Of his age group, there are few so commited to Detroit. He organized Cass Park pick-up drives because he was offended by defacing public places downtown. He wasn't afraid to roll us his sleeves, nor invest his money by living in Detroit. We are all very sad and I'm very sad today. He is one of a handful of members I've met on the Forum who sincerely showed their love to jjaba. RIP. jjaba. | ||
Sknutson Member Username: Sknutson Post Number: 798 Registered: 03-2004 |
Itsjeff was the only forumer I ever emailed directly. I live in CA, but as a former West Villager I felt a kinship with him, and I was sad the he was not at the one and only FSC outing that I attended a couple of years ago. RIP | ||
Belleislerunner Member Username: Belleislerunner Post Number: 291 Registered: 12-2003 |
Jeff's bio has updated on the funeral home website along with funeral visitation info. His parents, Nancy and Rich, family and friends no doubt would enjoy our thoughts via the online guestbook. http://www.sparksgriffin.com/ | ||
Ghetto_butterfly Member Username: Ghetto_butterfly Post Number: 677 Registered: 09-2004 |
I've been reading this all day and still can't find the words to express how sad Jeff's passing has made me. Just last weekend I ran into him without realizing it at first which made me miss him. I was deep in thoughts and oblivious to my environment when I heard "Ghetto Butterfly". I thought did somebody just really say that and when I turned around I saw him getting into his car. I thought Never mind, we will meet again. Turns out sadly so that it would have been the last time to give him a hug and exchange some words with him. I remember once telling him that he was so galant and gentlemen-like, he was born a century too late. God bless your sweet soul, Jeff. We lost a great human being. | ||
Gargoyle Member Username: Gargoyle Post Number: 49 Registered: 04-2006 |
My deepest condolences to family and friends of ItsJeff. He certainly had a great impact on those who read this forum. We have lost a special member of our group. And Detroit has lost a positive voice and tireless champion. I hope we can honor him by making our city a better place, each in our own way. | ||
Cheddar_bob Member Username: Cheddar_bob Post Number: 853 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeff was one of only a couple people I've met in my life that everybody liked and nobody disliked. I'm lucky to have met him a handful of times, and will miss him and his posts. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 285 Registered: 02-2006 |
I didn't know him personally but I enjoyed reading his post. RIP and I would like to bid him a formrunner farewell. 313 | ||
The_nerd Member Username: The_nerd Post Number: 385 Registered: 12-2003 |
I lurk here more often than post, but I always enjoyed how Itsjeff could soften the most hostile thread with a photoshoped photo or two. God Bless and RIP | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 644 Registered: 08-2006 |
Only 42 yo!? That's a damn shame! I know I've traded messages with him on here. | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 453 Registered: 06-2005 |
The several times I attended FSC evenings, Jeff made me feel welcome. When I helped with Cass Park clean-ups, Jeff made me feel appreciated. When I would read his posts, Jeff usually made me smile. He will be missed. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 5525 Registered: 02-2004 |
We will miss you Itsjeff. Danny, Ghettoman and Street Prophets salute you. | ||
Brian_no_5 Member Username: Brian_no_5 Post Number: 305 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeff was someone I was always happy to see. To me, he seemed always to be smiling, always ready with a joke, and always, always capable of making a deadpan retort as though reading from a script. He was so obviously intelligent and such a gentleman, yet his humor could run the gamut from intellectual to manrooter. I loved him for that – his ability to cut like a razor using the dull blade of crass references – and I secretly wished I could be even half as witty as he was. I knew I could never be as kind. I loved that he made me feel welcome wherever we happened to meet. To say the least, I have not been an extrovert over the past few years, yet he overlooked the fact that I misplaced dates or wasn’t a reliable poster or forum social event attendee and continued to invite me to the party. I would have deemed me unworthy, but Jeff opened his home. I’ll live to regret not making the effort to spend more time with people like Jeff Colby. I already do. You don’t meet a Jeff Colby every day of the week. You are lucky if you meet one once a year or even once in your life. There are many fine people in this city and then there are the precious few like Jeff who touch and inspire people in a way they will later cherish. (As I reread that sentence, I chuckle, remembering how he might have delightfully twisted such a string of words on the forum.) I am lucky to have met someone like him. Thank you, Jeff. I’ll miss you. -- Brian | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 925 Registered: 06-2006 |
I just signed the guestbook and am now crying. It's so nice to see that his online family has shown such love (he always showed us love). Lowell, has a donation via paypal been set up so we can donate and send flowers or make a contribution in his name to an organization? Could you oversee this if it's possible. I know many of us would contribute. | ||
Darwinism Member Username: Darwinism Post Number: 598 Registered: 06-2005 |
The best way to continue his legacy would be to carry the torch of the FSC. He would want that to flourish and bring more people together. Rest in Peace, itsJeff. You will not be forgotten. | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 195 Registered: 03-2006 |
I did not have the good fortune of meeting Jeff, but I know that reading his posts on here would brighten any day. I don't know how many times I'd go to one of the computer labs between classes in a bad mood only to leave with a smile after seeing one of his photoshops. To the many on here who knew him and called him friend, my thoughts and heart go out to you and his family. Rest in peace, Jeff. Andy (Message edited by andyguard73 on February 18, 2007) | ||
Ray Member Username: Ray Post Number: 851 Registered: 06-2004 |
Rest in peace, Itsjeff. I wish I had met you in person, but even viewing you through the peephole of an online forum, we could all see that you were a person of great character. | ||
Rambler Member Username: Rambler Post Number: 87 Registered: 12-2003 |
I don't ever post anymore, but I did meet Jeff at the Forum Picnic in 2005 and I remember him introducing me to everyone. He was about the first person there, I think, ready to start everything up. I can see from these posts that he was all that and much more. RIP | ||
Jenniferl Member Username: Jenniferl Post Number: 355 Registered: 03-2004 |
I am in shock. I've never met Jeff personally, but I always enjoyed his posts and I will miss him. God bless you, Jeff! Rest in peace. | ||
Hardhat Member Username: Hardhat Post Number: 192 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeff obviously touched a lot of people in a positive manner during a life that was cut short. We should all be so fortunate to have such nice things said about us when we go meet our maker. There's a life lesson in there somewhere, maybe in the "Do Unto Others" category. RIP. | ||
Kathinozarks Member Username: Kathinozarks Post Number: 201 Registered: 11-2006 |
What a swell person. Jeff should've been here much longer and I am going to cry now. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 487 Registered: 01-2006 |
I met Jeff by accident during a community event. He mentioned this forum to me and I'm very thankful for that. He did some volunteering in various aspects with Detroit STAR Inc. and his input is one of the greatest things that ever happened to our organization. He was a GREAT person that I will never forget. I never got the sense that there was a bad bone in his body. Heaven became a much more friendly place with the addition of ItsJeff. (Message edited by DetroitSTAR on February 18, 2007) (Message edited by DetroitSTAR on February 19, 2007) | ||
Maryellen22471 Member Username: Maryellen22471 Post Number: 43 Registered: 02-2004 |
my condolences to itsjeff's family and friends. RIP ItsJeff | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8400 Registered: 12-2003 |
I'd like everyone to stop a moment and scroll back through the comments on this thread. Just look at post times. This is the loveliest thread progression of all time, we have been IN LINE, each sharing our piece of Itsjeff back through our shock. He is in another level entirely, according to some able to perceive what we're going through here. I would like to believe that, and imagine him smiling down on us even now. Bye Jeff. Thanks. Damn Big Shoes to Fill. | ||
Ravine Member Username: Ravine Post Number: 671 Registered: 01-2006 |
By the time a person reaches a certain age, the kind of person they are, and have been, shows on their face. I did not know Jeff, but I know what I see in those photos, and my condolences go to all of you who were lucky enough to have known him. | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1403 Registered: 04-2005 |
Good observation Gannon, its almost a vigil for our friend Jeff. | ||
Mama_jackson Member Username: Mama_jackson Post Number: 210 Registered: 06-2006 |
Such sad news, he was so young, too soon to leave this world. I always loved to read his post. What a sense of humor! Rest in Peace, Jeff. | ||
Doctors Member Username: Doctors Post Number: 710 Registered: 10-2003 |
Although I don't think I ever interacted with him directly, on this forum, many of his funny post and thread topics put a smile on my face. May itsJeff, Rest In Peace. | ||
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw Post Number: 342 Registered: 07-2005 |
wow, that's really sad.  I didn't know him personally, but he was always really nice here on the forums, and from what everyone's saying here he was a really great guy off the forums too. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3656 Registered: 08-2004 |
Although we may or may not find out what caused Jeff's passing, I do remember him posting back in December that he would post later because he had to leave for an appointment to have a brain scan done. I later posted on that thread (can't remember which one)... that I hoped he was OK, but he never responded back. It's kinda like we are all here together right now at a cyberspace wake, talking to each other about how he has touched each of our lives in different ways. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 1356 Registered: 10-2003 |
Was out of town for the weekend and just saw this. So sorry to hear this news. What a shock... | ||
Michigansheik Member Username: Michigansheik Post Number: 178 Registered: 09-2005 |
This thread is a testament to itsJeff and to a spirit that we must carry on in his honor. rest in peace! | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8357 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thw world and city lost a great one. I think the bigest tribute anyone of us can make to itsjeff is to try to model our lives after his and make the world and city a better place everyday of our lives. | ||
Velma Member Username: Velma Post Number: 2820 Registered: 10-2003 |
I was just informed that there is a typo on the funeral home website. There is NO In-state at 2:00pm, but the memorial service IS at 3:00pm. | ||
Thecarl Member Username: Thecarl Post Number: 1018 Registered: 04-2005 |
to those of you who feel like you never "knew" jeff...you can see, although his name may one day fade, his influence will never disappear. to jeff's friends - it's true, a person's life is not measured in years - but by the words and deeds for which they're known. i met jeff only once, but i remember him for his big smile, his eagerness to see people meet each other and have fun, and - that something inside him that just seemed to see a little bit of a joke in everything. to jeff's family - the effect jeff had upon the world around him surely must bring you great pride, and speaks volumes about those who raised him, and taught him life's lessons. may we all remember jeff for what he best exemplified, and demonstrate it in our own lives. God bless. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 4849 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks to Belleislerunner for the connection to the funeral home. It is wonderful to read the many notes sent to their site guestbook for the family. Many of the notes are from Forum friends. This is a terrible loss for us and humanity. jjaba. | ||
Msamericana Member Username: Msamericana Post Number: 58 Registered: 05-2004 |
For sure one of the friendliest forumers around, and even though I rarely post, he always remembered who I was when he saw me. Bless you, Jeff, and I hope you're at peace. | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 272 Registered: 07-2006 |
I had often considered going to an FSC meetup, but being uncomfortable in social situations, I always made excuses to myself to not go. After reading all your kind words about him, it sounds like my fears of being uncomfortable were unfounded, and he would have made me felt as if I always belonged. I feel I have suffered a great loss for not knowing him. I will try even harder to make it down to the FSC this week, in his memory. | ||
Mudflap Member Username: Mudflap Post Number: 206 Registered: 08-2005 |
Gonna miss that dude...great, warm, funny guy who welcomed me to the FSC with open arms. Lot's of good times at LJ's and The Well. | ||
Nanska Member Username: Nanska Post Number: 68 Registered: 08-2006 |
Will miss reading his posts. He had such a great sense of humor and a real love for the City of Detroit. My condolences to all his family and friends | ||
Detroiterinspirit Member Username: Detroiterinspirit Post Number: 30 Registered: 01-2005 |
Without this forum, many of us would not have met (in the ether or in real life) Jeff. The reaction of the members demonstrates how this forum is a real community. Lowell, you should be proud of that. It also demonstrates the respect we have for Jeff. RIP Jeff, and I pray your family has the support to get through this tough period. | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 240 Registered: 07-2005 |
It has taken me a long to time decide what I wanted to say here, and to be honest, I still don't know what to say. I'm grateful for Jeff for his friendship, his witty sense of humor and his love of Detroit. I'm grateful that he made me feel welcome at my very first FSC meeting which is why I kept coming back and have met some of the most wonderful and caring people I've known. I will miss him greatly and my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. | ||
Bongman Member Username: Bongman Post Number: 1415 Registered: 12-2003 |
My condolences to Jeff's family. I never met Jeff in person, but some people on forums come shining through. Rest in Peace big guy...you will always be special. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 486 Registered: 12-2003 |
Through his death we see the true value of this forum and the power of us all. May his spirit be at rest. It is very tragic to see such a young person leave us so soon. | ||
Superaygun Member Username: Superaygun Post Number: 548 Registered: 04-2005 |
Detroitteacher had a wonderful suggestion; is there not something we can do in Jeff's honor, send flowers, or make a donation in his memory to some organization or cause he cared about? i would definitely like to make a contribution, monetary or otherwise, if something can be arranged. thanks to everyone who posted pictures. | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 209 Registered: 10-2003 |
Like many others, I find this hard to believe. Could not imagine his energetic posts ending so suddenly. Itsjeff, thank you for your correspondence. My condolences to Jeff's family and friends. | ||
Jelk Member Username: Jelk Post Number: 4229 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: CL, I know I am not alone among Jeff's friends in this thought but thank you. Your comments are among the most thoughtful and selfless from people who didn't know Jeff. "If, after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl." - H.L. Mencken | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8401 Registered: 12-2003 |
Silly me, thought today was going to be easier. Gentle Giant of a Mere GentlePerson...ONE of the few things consistently good about Detroit has been removed. It was always a treat to bump into Jeffrey, whether it was during lunch at Cafe de Troit, or at some evening function...that HE was usually at the core of, what a magnetic force of nature we've lost. The Memorial Day Picnic will be forever altered in his honor. I hope that the same mix of people at his service tomorrow will blend together in Memorial to launch the summer this year and those hence, however many Memorial Days we get to celebrate together in this town on this earth. This year the bandshell comes to life, if they'll let us. | ||
Young_detroiter Member Username: Young_detroiter Post Number: 183 Registered: 08-2004 |
I saw the headlined Free Press article before I actually made the connection. Jeff "ItsJeff" Colby is proof that people can affect lives of others that they haven't even met. His knowledge and love for this city and life has surely helped instill pride in his fellow forumers and fellow citizens. Much is due to those that make positive impacts in this world. | ||
Admin Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 596 Registered: 09-2003 |
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