Rest in Peace Bill "Epoman" Halcomb

[melshell]

I've suffered losses, quite a few in the last couple of years infact, between my husbands family and my own.... But this is soooooo different!! I was so shocked and saddened by Epoman's sudden passing, I wanted to call my best girl friend and cry on her shoulder, or call my sister,  but as much as I rave about IHD they would've had no idea who Epoman even was, or why his passing has had such an affect on me. I talk about IHD constantly and try to encourage my friends and family to join, but unfortunately I haven't had much success...I'm writing here because I've realized that only my IHD family, aside from his own family who knew him personally, can know what a great loss we've suffered. Epoman's passing is yet another example, or re-affirmation of why this community fills such a need in all of our lives as we go through what we do in dealing with this disease. We all knew him because he reached out to us through his personal battle, and he knew and understood what each of us was facing because he was facing it himself. And through his passing, we are forced to face our own mortality yet again. Epoman continues to educate us even in his passing.  My lesson: To take pride in those that we love; he was sooooo proud of his son and talked about him constantly. To encourage, educate, and engage those around us-draw them out and learn from their experiences, as well as teach them through your own. To leave an important legacy, so that your dreams and your work continues on after you are gone. And, finally, to speak your mind-not to judge or to be judged by others, but so that your voice will never be quieted. My sincere hope is to do utmost justice to a great man that was admired and loved by many. I think the greatest honor we all can bestow upon him is to ensure that IHD continues, thrives, in loving memory as he wished. My heart goes out to Epokid and Epowife as well as Epoman's family here at IHD. God speed Epoman.

[Sluff]

Nice poem Amanda.

[paris]

I am so sad - cannot believe what I am reading.  This site has been so important to all of us. He was an incredible person and has helped us grow and learn during the time we knew him.  Prayers for his family. I know God has a special place for Epoman, but the void he will leave here is vast.  I feel lost without our leader.

[kitkatz]

The baton has been passed on to Goofynina and Sluff and our moderators.

[Bajanne]

The baton has been passed on to Goofynina and Sluff and our moderators.

It has been passed on to all who care about this site.  As I asked some members when we were chatting, it is important that everyone who cares takes on the vision of the website.   Right now we are operating without Epoman, and Rerun's computer is down.  If you see something on the website that needs the attention of an administrator or moderator, just send a Personal Message (go to their profile and click on Personal Message).  That would help greatly instead of just complaining in the forum.
The greatest tribute to Epoman would be that this site goes on from strength to strength.
His aim was to create a site that would outlive him.  It is up to us all.

[paris]

Good words, Bajanne. It is our duty to carry on his good work.  He choose good moderators and put his trust in them; and we will too.  My heart is heavy tonight.

[cosmickelly]

I am truly sorry for not responding sooner.  I logged into the forums section today after about a week's absence.  (I log on to the arcade to play Bubble Shooter and other games daily!!)

OMG!! I am just realizing who Bill Halcomb really is....EPOMAN!!

I heard of his death on another dialysis community site.  The person reporting the news about his death was shocked because Bill was her age.  I didn't make the connection there because I always assumed Bill was much older and wiser because of the creation of such an awesome, open dialysis community.

My condolences to his family.

You gotta believe he's in a place so much better.....  Running around with a perfectly operating kidney.  Free of dialysis enjoying a nice game...   (like I saw him in the picture with his son!!  Thanks so much for the pictures!!)

CosmicKelly 

[Epokid]

why my dad?I feel like        why?why?     at least he is a   you know I heard that in heaven, you get a brand new body.  It is true,right?

[Wattle]

 

   Epokid,  My heart is also breaking for you. You have been so brave through this. Your Dad would be Soooooo proud of you.

He talked about you all the time. I am sure he is looking down on you from Heaven in a healthy body. 

[Jill D.]

Nick, I know he is not in pain and that he is whole...and watching over you and your mom

I am so sorry for your pain and sadness...I'm sure it was a very hard day for you, and I thought about you, your mom, and of course your dad today while the service was taking place. I wish I could have been there.

Believe it or not, there will come a day when thinking about your dad when bring a smile to your face more often than tears in your eyes and sadness in your heart. Please know that you can always come here to vent and express your feelings. We all care so much.

[anja]

   Epokid, you are such a trooper!  It is not at all unusual for you to wonder why.  It is very natural under the circumstances.  Thought of you  especially tonight as I am sure it was a very hard day for you .  Tomorrow will also be difficult, but know that many surround you there for strength in your sorrow and many, many more around the nation and world also offer their support by way of this wonderful site your dad arranged for us!  Take care and sweet dreams.  Anja

[Jill D.]

Nick, I know he is not in pain and that he is whole...and watching over you and your mom

I am so sorry for your pain and sadness...I'm sure it was a very hard day for you, and I thought about you, your mom, and of course your dad today while the service was taking place. I wish I could have been there.

Believe it or not, there will come a day when thinking about your dad when bring a smile to your face more often than tears in your eyes and sadness in your heart. Please know that you can always come here to vent and express your feelings. We all care so much.

Nick...I thought I had read the funeral was Friday...I thought about you and your mom and your dad all day and will be thinking of you tomorrow  especially.

Warm hugs to you and your mom

[Sluff]

You are absolutely correct Nick, your Dad has his perfect body now...No More Chair. No more pain.

It may be hard on you and your Mom but don't forget that your Dad is at peace now and he is still among us in spirit.

Hang in there buddy, our thoughts are with you.

Sluff

[paris]

Nick, our hearts are all breaking for you and you Mom.  Your Dad was a hero and a warrior who fought for all of us with kidney failure. His spirit lives on in you. You have every right to be mad now. Please know that hundreds of people around the world are crying with you.  His body is whole and he has no pain. 

[Andy55]

Incredibly sad news...I was offline this past week and just heard. What a hero. What a loss.

[nextnoel]

Nick, I am so sorry you are hurting so much.   

Your dad definitely is in Heaven, which means he has no pain and no limitations like he had on earth.  Nothing hurts him now, and he is in a really good place.  I know that doesn't make the hurt for you any less, and you definitely got a rotten deal, but remember, even though he isn't physically there for you to hug, he is still just as close to you.  He loved you so much, and I never knew any man prouder of his son (and you deserve it, too!).   That love has not stopped in the least - it will always surround you. 

Your loss is so huge because your love for him is so huge.  Your dad was a hero, and I am so glad he had a wonderful son like you - you're amazing.

Meantime, cry, rant, beat the stuffings out of a boxing bag if you can find one, do whatever helps you get through these hard times, and remember that all of us are thinking of you and wishing we could be there in person  to help dry your tears.  You and your dad and your mom will always be in my prayers.

[lamillinger913]

I am very new to the community, but I want to join in the expression of shock and grief over this terrible news. Bill's family will be in my prayers.

[PMP]

Wow.  I can't believe Epoman is gone.  I'd been away from the forum for a while and thought I was dreaming when I logged in and saw the post about him.  Just couldn't believe it.  Sort of hit me like a kick in the stomach.  And I didn't even really "know" him that well or for that long.

He got on my butt one time because I posted a picture here that wasn't to size.  I knew he was serious!  I deleted that picture pronto. 

But I truly respected him.  For one thing, every time I got to say to my dad (who is the one on dialysis), "Oh, I saw that on I Hate Dialysis dot.com" he would chuckle.   He got/gets a kick out of "I Hate Dialysis" because he can truly relate.  Just the name of this website is great.  And I guess Epoman is responsible for that.  So thank you for that, Epoman, among many other things.

Pat

[strateup]

Epofamily and friends, I have been in the hospital and have just received the terrible news today.  I must admit that I couldn't stop the tears as the words sank in.  Although I never personally met Bill I felt like I knew him.  His passing is a great loss to many people,but none more then to his wife and child.  Being a father of four I can only pray and hope for the same thing that Bill wanted and that is to see my children grow up and graduate.  To Bill's family you may not be able to see him, but he is with you.  He was a great man that has left an incredible legacy.  Epofamily we consider you part of our family.  Please stay in touch we will always be here for you.
Much Love,     Steve

[mallory]

I just can't believe this.  I am sitting at my desk bawling like a baby, this is so sad.  Bill did so much for all of us, I feel like without this site I never would have made it.  What huge loss to the renal community.  Bill, we will miss you forever.

Trina and Nick, you'll be in my parayers, may God bless you and comfort you, I hope you can find peace in knowing what a positive impact Epoman had on so many people.

[sallyd]

I have just learned of Epoman's passing.  I wish I could put my arms around his wife and child and comfort them in their sorrow and grief.  I believe though, that his strength has been with them for a very long time and it must surely in some way support them now.  Yes, such sadness.  But what a legacy, huh?  Just look at our member list - see what responses have been posted.  Not just a simple life, was it?  Brings forth a lot of reality to me!  Aren't we fortunate to have each other as always?  Even without him we have our site and that is his living strength.  Oh, but I still wish I could comfort his family - from my heart, the warmest of my thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to you.  (I'll be back soon, fellow IHD's, and hope you will as well)   Sally

[John S.]

Rest In Peace Epoman. Finally.....

john

[Maz]

I been away for a couple of weeks, I am new to this site and haven't posted much yet but I read the posts almost daily, I am very sad for his passing, Epoman's journey through life was incredibly hard and yet he proved you can get back up time and time again, this was inspirational to me and gave me hope that there is someone that can help us through our journey most of the time. I read his story when I first came here and was so inspired by it to help myself where I can and to try to not let this takeover my life.  Epoman was extremely valuable to our community and he will be missed greatly, my thoughts are with his family at this time. Marion

[Hephs-little-lady]

I have just read this and am so shocked and saddened. Epoman was a great inspiration to so many people. His achievements will undoubtedly live on for a long time to come. My love and prayers are with the Epofamily.

H-L-L

[luckaholic]

I just found out the other day I and too am in total shock and wasnt sure if it was true. He seemed like such a strong person. I thought it was strange that he hadnt emailed me. I wish epokid and epowife all the best and I hope you are both doing okay. Its great to see the site still going strong, as epo had wanted.
I hope he is at peace now and I am sure he is watching over all of us. Take care xoxoxox Amber (amberpamba/panda)