Historian and civic activist Walt Crowley, a friend of BlatherWatch, and of so many Seattleites, suffered a massive stroke last night after surgery for cancer.
Friends have gathered at the ICU at Virginia Mason.
Walt had a laryngectomy in February after return of cancer following several years of treatment.
Two weeks ago, doctors found the cancer had returned, culminating in Wednesday's surgery.
We spent the afternoon with other friends and his wife Marie McCaffrey in his room today as a parade of folks dropped in to say goodbye.
Mr. Walt Crowley is one of the good guys. I hope for the best. I highly recommend his website.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 21, 2007 at 08:28 PM
I was in a desperate low time in my life, and Walt gave me a hand. It was an enormous help in putting me back on my feet. Thanks, man.
Posted by: Slomo | September 21, 2007 at 09:14 PM
When somebody says "Seattle Liberal," I think of Walt Crowley.
Posted by: sarge | September 21, 2007 at 09:16 PM
So sad...sorry, Bla'M.
Posted by: sparky | September 21, 2007 at 09:19 PM
I remember the days when he and John Carlson used to debate issues on the TV in years gone by.
The debates were always civil. He is a class act. That was interesting to me to see both sides of whatever issue was presented.
The warmest of wishes for him. May what comes next for Walt be pleasant and joyful. And may those who love him find comfort.
Posted by: chucks | September 21, 2007 at 10:06 PM
I have never met Walt but I've heard nothing but kind words about him. It's too bad there aren't more like him.
Posted by: Freddy | September 21, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Tragically, Walt passed away this evening: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003896470_webcrowley21m.html
Posted by: Freddy | September 21, 2007 at 11:01 PM
chucks
i had forgotten about the carlson/crowley debates.
but you are right, two individuals that could engage in meaningful debate without getting mean.
mr. crowley always gave as good as he got.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 21, 2007 at 11:20 PM
My deepest apologies for Duffman's callous and insensitive comments. Surely, he stands alone in his disrespect for your pain. We are all so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Fremont | September 22, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Congrats Duffuck, you got me to comment.
On behalf of the Bla'M fam (& Crowley fam), we highly suggest the following foot-in-mouth remedies:
A.) Choke on horse cock. A normal nightly routine for you, but at least you'll shut the fuck up.
B.) Take a long jog, but this time off a short pier with cement shoes
C.) All of the above, not necessarily in that order.
Bla'M, just ban this fuck ASAFP
RIP Walt. We love you.
Posted by: mercifurious | September 22, 2007 at 11:04 PM
So then are you saying the rule should be on BW that anyone who says anything offensive or insensitive should be banned?
Posted by: Sam | September 23, 2007 at 06:11 AM
I will answer for Merci..
Y E S
This was not just some partisan opinion. Duffman made an inappropriate and insensitive and just plain mean comment meant to offend. That is different from disagreeing with a particular political ideology.
On other blogs it is possible for fellow posters to troll rate posts like that which ultimately remove the offending comment. It is used judiciously and only when is it so inappropriately nasty that it is offensive to all.
For you to try to turn it into a free-speech issue is really amazing.
Posted by: sparky | September 23, 2007 at 08:09 AM
I see D&D is shooting his bullets off again. Must have been a slow adventure last night.
Posted by: nevets | September 23, 2007 at 08:40 AM
It means that sam, steven and putz, since he didn't comment on Duffs Tourette's outburst, approve of this horseshit. This, from the so-called family values group
Posted by: coiler | September 23, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Nice try Coiler.
I didn't know I was responsible for what others post.
Going by that standard, we would all have a lot to answer for.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 23, 2007 at 11:01 AM
Not everyone, just your constant admiration of Duffman when he posts something in line with one of your talking points or a high 5 when the usual joanie/sparky bash continues Ad nauseam.
Posted by: coiler | September 23, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Sam, it seems to me that you, like Duff, are just seeking attention. Wearing the "referee" hat again? Calling together the "rules" committee?
Get over it. Unlike conservatives who do seem to need a rule book, most of us know inappropriate when we encounter it.
You know, it really has been enlightening to me to see the degree to which some people do need to be told what to do, how to think, and when to respond.
It is very interesting really. As a good independent liberal, I always thought most adults had the good sense to understand these things. Guess I was wrong.
Posted by: joanie | September 23, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Joanie, if you would step out of your cave once in awhile, you might get a better understanding on how things are in the real world.
Posted by: nevets | September 23, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Joanie, this is not the thread for personal attacks and insults.
To Walt's friends and family, I wish you the best in this difficult time. Walt touched many lives. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: Sam | September 23, 2007 at 06:12 PM
nevets
she won't leave her bat cave. she can't as joanie is too busy patting herself on her back. self parody really in its extreme.
a polar opposite of a gentleman like Mr. Crowley.
and coiler, what an apt name. rarely able to make it above the ankles.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 23, 2007 at 06:17 PM
sam
your right. my appologies.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 23, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Putz: **** ***! And learn to spell correctly.
Posted by: Fremont | September 23, 2007 at 06:33 PM
So, Sam, why didnt you just save time and say the same thing ("no place for insults") to Duffman?
Posted by: LeeAnn | September 23, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Enough. I will not take the bait. Out of respect to the Crowley family, I will not allow myself to be drug into your petty bickering on this thread. This is Walt's time. This is Walt's memorial. This is my last posting on this thread to those who are trying to start the usual flame war. I am very disappointed in many of you.
Posted by: Sam | September 23, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Good. You run in here and shit on this thread and then feign disgust. You owe an apology to Michael.
Period.
Posted by: sparky | September 23, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Sparky, take it someplace else. That kind of post is not welcome in this thread. Take your hate and anger someplace else.
Posted by: Sam | September 23, 2007 at 08:30 PM
Sparks ignites this thread...she belongs here. "Hate and anger" are not hers (or Joans'), but this blog is. We are all now watching Ken Burns' "War".
Posted by: Fremont | September 23, 2007 at 10:20 PM
Oh, Sam. What attack? Stating the obvious . . . is that now an attack?
Or is it Duff?
Your need for attention and desire to cause trouble is very familiar.
Frankly, I think Walt would be the first in line to comment on such boorishness. Don'cha think?
:)
Posted by: joanie | September 23, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Joanie, I don't want to cause trouble for trouble's sake, and I don't just want attention. But I respect your opinion, and I will reflect on what you've said.
Posted by: Sam | September 24, 2007 at 04:51 AM
Wow, that's another famous liberal that BlatherWatch as put six feet under. First Mike Webb, now Walt Crowley! You're on a roll!
Posted by: Duffman | September 21, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Not my post...been out of country for the past 10-days (& away from computers); again my name used in vain..Bla'M can verify.
Posted by: Duffman | September 24, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Sorry Duffman: just looked it up, t indeed was not you. I've deleted it. Haven't had time to deal with comments much in the last week...
Posted by: blathering michael | September 24, 2007 at 09:31 AM
I have to admit that I was disappointed in the comment attributed to Duffman on this thread. Just went back and checked every thread from this past week. There were no Duffy posts on any of them, except the one above (2 including the denial).
The clincher to me is when Duffy did not respond when I disparaged the Hildabeast.
Based on my research and experience with Duffman's post, I believe it was an impostor.
Caused an unfortunate amount of grief for those who knew and loved Walt. It is strange, that which gets some people off. Writing and posting such offensive drivel to inflame those who are grieving is pretty low. Being a coward and attributing it to others is childish.
That bogus poster should just go back to Playboy, Playgirl or Penthouse for self gratification and just leave the computer to adults.
Posted by: chucks | September 24, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Where ya been, Duf? Reykjavik?
Posted by: Fremont | September 24, 2007 at 09:34 AM
Where ya been, Duf? Reykjavik?
Posted by: Fremont | September 24, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Sorry...(such duplicity on this blog...)
Posted by: Fremont | September 24, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Duffman, I apologize for taking you to task over a comment you did not make.
Whoever did it is a mean son-of-a-bitch on all counts. Karma is a bitch..what goes around comes around eventually.
Posted by: sparky | September 24, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Thanks Bla'M.
I've been down in Central America, totall you out of contact with 'our reality' was surprised ant news, OJ, Mr Crowley, et al.
Didn't know him, but had respect Mr Crowley and was entertained by his debates with Carlson. Wow, tough getting re-acclimated :o)
Posted by: Duffman | September 24, 2007 at 10:33 AM
...no problem Sparks; thank you I appreciate that.
Posted by: Duffman | September 24, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Good news Bl'aM:
"A quick legal update for a Monday morning, as the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has upheld the decision of Judge Stewart Dalzell in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania which confirmed that the owner of a website cannot be held liable for defamatory posts on his site made by its users."
Posted by: sparky | September 24, 2007 at 10:41 AM
¡Mis disculpas tambien, Duf! ¿En cuál pais?
(Didn't T-8 write a novella about your south-of-the-border exploits?)
Posted by: Fremont | September 24, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Link, plz, Sparks, and tnx!
Posted by: Fremont | September 24, 2007 at 03:34 PM
Agradece mucho Fremont; this trip saw much poor and squalor and certainly lack of the 'niceties' of life but Oh soooo much love of each other and of others and such great spirit - we could all learn much. I could well write a book on it...and may.
Posted by: Duffman | September 24, 2007 at 04:04 PM
sparky sez
"Whoever did it is a mean son-of-a-bitch on all counts. Karma is a bitch..what goes around comes around eventually."
Much agreed. A Whole Lot of Duff-Hate was going on the other day.
Duff has been very much a gentleman on the whole manner.
Some of the responsible ones have been good enough to apologize.
Sure would be nice if:
"You know, it really has been enlightening to me to see the degree to which some people do need to be told what to do, how to think, and when to respond."
Would have been an act of class to acknowledge their mistake. Maybe even give them pause to reconsider their high opinions of themself.
Anyway, Duff it's obvious that someone with the Duff -Hate (wonder who that could be....) came on the other night posing on you just to make you look bad.
Coiler, Merci, Joanie, Andrew, .... who else has the Duff Hate so bad to pose as him online in such a way as to engender personal attacks.
Sparky is right, one of you has some bad net karma coming due.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 24, 2007 at 08:13 PM
None of the above.
If you remember, when Mike Webb died, this place was overrun with weirdos who did drive by insults and other shit. People we had never seen before and have never seen again. The possibilities are endless..
Posted by: sparky | September 24, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Freemont, that was the opening story on the OPen Thread on Daily Kos this morning...Im not sure it is there anymore but I can look later.
Posted by: sparky | September 24, 2007 at 09:03 PM
Posted by: sparky | September 24, 2007 at 09:19 PM
There you go again, putsie. Guessing. Always guessing. How can anyone have a conversation with someone who never has the facts.
And Duffman, here I was thinking you were Sam. You must tell us when you're incommunicado. You go to S.A. often? You were down there not too long ago.
Posted by: joanie | September 24, 2007 at 09:44 PM
Joanie sure is losing it. She probably cant wait for Xmas break to get here, and fast. LOL.
And typical lib style for Sparky, to shoot off at the mouth before any facts are verified. How many more sparky apologies can this blog take. LOL.
And Fremont, couldn't wait to defend Sparky. And now hanging on to her every word. When will he ever learn she tells nothing but lies. What a DORK. LOL.
Posted by: nevets | September 24, 2007 at 10:09 PM
nevets your right.
joanie sez
"There you go again, putsie. Guessing. Always guessing. How can anyone have a conversation with someone who never has the facts."
who was doing the guessing? turns out to be you after all. thought you would want to correct things when it turned out you were wrong. you owe duff an apology. do the right thing.
painful eh? when your high opinions of yourself turn out to be false.
and sparky, if it was someone just driving by how in the heck did they pick duff's name. he hadn't been posting in awhile. puhleeze.
duff isn't going to ask you to apologize. he has too much class for that. but many couldn't wait to jump on him because you disagree with him on some issues and wanted to use this as a club to ban him. its one of the reasons why 'trolling' ratings would be the death of this blog.
Posted by: PugetSound | September 25, 2007 at 04:49 AM
Thank you Puts.
Posted by: Duffman | September 25, 2007 at 05:27 AM