Feginowaka 53 Posted January 13, 2012 I'm still in shock about your message, Bob. There is always a spark of hope, and this is the time to say THANK YOU for all you have done for the Sumo communitiy as inveterate Sumo games programmer. With my best wishes and thoughts. Feginowaka Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wamahada 58 Posted January 13, 2012 Kofuji - although I do not know you I was deeply moved when reading your words. You are now leaving our world and you are going to a better place now. I just have read a about the Bridey Murphy phenomen and this has given hope to me that our spirits are only temporarily in our bodies. If the doctors do not find something unexpected please do not worry - I am confident to meet you again elsewhere. Please be so kind and send a sign so we all know that you are back again. See you! Wamahada Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kofuji 0 Posted January 13, 2012 (edited) just quickly to add something. Bob mentioned to me before about spending a lot of time on (researching, i think? , maybe photographing?) dragonflies, so i think i would like to add this song to the list of Kofuji dedication songs: ( it's tonbo, by nagabuchi tsuyoshi) (i should mention that tonbo is japanese for dragonfly) Yes, this is another string to Bob's bow. He is currently the secretary to the Worldwide Dragonfly Society, and is a leading member of the Emirates Natural History Group. He has written papers on odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). He is an excellent wildlife photographer, particularly for close-ups of insects. Some of his stunning photos can be found here. He has another amazing claim to fame --- he has discovered a new species of dragonfly mite (I hope I have got this correct), which he got to name, and wrote a paper on (I have been trying to find it online - but so far, no luck....). This mite rides on the backs of dragonflies that live in one of the wadis in Oman. The provisional name for it was going to be based on 'dragon rider'. Thanks, Jezz. Fortunately the Association has found another secretary and the new drug gave me time to get her set up. She's an incredibly capable young lady from Portugal who organized the European conference I was invited to speak at a few years ago. The parasite of dragonflies I found is a biting midge (like a noseeum for humans). The females suck blood from the veins in the dragonfly wings just like female mosquitoes do to humans in order to mature their eggs. Unfortunately the paper is still in preparation even though it's basically done. My collaborator who was supposed to format for the publication we are targeting has apparently taken a sabbatical to study the similar parasites found on the Seychelles. I took pictures of them there in February. Apparently Seychelles has at least two species of these things and more samples are needed to allow our other collaborator, the midge expert, to sort them out. The name we plan to give it is Forcipomyia (Pterobosca) rikbi. Forcipomyia is the genus, Pterobosca (wing lover) is the tribe and rikbi is the species name. It is the name for the racing camel jockeys in the local dialect of Arabic. The boys have recently been replaced by robots. If you go to http://www.enhg.org/Home/Publications/Tribulus.aspx and look at Volumes 17 & 18, there are two articles I co-authored with some of the better dragonfly photography. Edited January 13, 2012 by Kofuji Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pandaazuma 1,310 Posted January 13, 2012 While Kofuji and his doctors have obviously explored as many options as possible, I was wondering whether anyone on this forum has any medical contacts and knows anything about experimental drugs/research that can cross the blood-brain barrier - anything that might give Kofuji a fighting chance to prolong his life. Anyone?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenjimoto 40 Posted January 13, 2012 Many were the times when the sumo games server ground to a halt for some minor unforeseeable reason, and the entire sumo games world was holding its breath with eyes turned towards Canada/the UAE until Kofuji would descend like this God-like being to "kick the server" and make everything well again, and "life" could resume. I wish there was a real life version of this, where someone would now descend on Kofuji to return the many favors - to kick the cancer, and make everything well again, bringing relief and justice to a wonderful person who has given us all so much joy and passion for an interest we all share and love! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kofuji 0 Posted January 13, 2012 While Kofuji and his doctors have obviously explored as many options as possible, I was wondering whether anyone on this forum has any medical contacts and knows anything about experimental drugs/research that can cross the blood-brain barrier - anything that might give Kofuji a fighting chance to prolong his life. Anyone?? Actually, Scott Kahn (Sukubidubidu) is a cancer researcher in New York and is chair of the Biomarkers committee for the International Cancer Advocacy Network. That organization has worked tirelessly to find me the best people to see, the best therapies to use and generally cheer lead me and my wife since the metastases were diagnosed to be malignant. They're still working. But at this point with my huge tumour load I'm not interested in trying a chemotherapy that might have a 10% chance of working when I've had the best therapy for melanoma ever found and the huge tumour load beat it. When the time comes, a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network would be most appropriate if you care to do so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babaryutaikai 1 Posted January 13, 2012 While Kofuji and his doctors have obviously explored as many options as possible, I was wondering whether anyone on this forum has any medical contacts and knows anything about experimental drugs/research that can cross the blood-brain barrier - anything that might give Kofuji a fighting chance to prolong his life. Anyone?? Actually, Scott Kahn (Sukubidubidu) is a cancer researcher in New York and is chair of the Biomarkers committee for the International Cancer Advocacy Network. That organization has worked tirelessly to find me the best people to see, the best therapies to use and generally cheer lead me and my wife since the metastases were diagnosed to be malignant. They're still working. But at this point with my huge tumour load I'm not interested in trying a chemotherapy that might have a 10% chance of working when I've had the best therapy for melanoma ever found and the huge tumour load beat it. When the time comes, a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network would be most appropriate if you care to do so. Hey, wait a minute, Bob. You're not going anywhere until you send me that photo of you in your Jumonji yukata with the dragonfly obi! You must know that Scott and I are devastated. My sentiments are sent to you in a private message. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheMightyTim 1 Posted January 13, 2012 Although I don't know you that well, having only been on the boards for a short time, I would just like to echo the sentiments of all the other responses on this thread. Best wishes! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Orion 431 Posted January 15, 2012 While Kofuji and his doctors have obviously explored as many options as possible, I was wondering whether anyone on this forum has any medical contacts and knows anything about experimental drugs/research that can cross the blood-brain barrier - anything that might give Kofuji a fighting chance to prolong his life. Anyone?? From the standpoint of a person for five years under sentence of death (but maybe not just yet), I can only say that this happens, ultimately, to everybody. I know where you're going, and I'm in there with you. Intimately Doreen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sukubidubidu 0 Posted January 15, 2012 Our friend, Kofuji, you have displayed the heart and soul of the foremost Dai-Yokozuna, in character, bravery, and the amazing legacy that you have bestowed upon us who follow sumo, availing its beauty and heritage around the world. You have similarly displayed the heart and soul of a Dai-Yokozuna in your battle against a very difficult disease, for which you have, not only my admiration, but also that of so many patients, caregivers, and advocates, as well as family and friends. You are deserving of the Kanto-sho (fighting spirit award) considering the manner in which you have approached and battled on the dohyo; the Gino-sho (technique award) for how you, together with your wife Barb, have researched your situation and built up wonderful teams of supporters and professionals who through prayer, friendship, and the navigation of complex clinical and scientific options have been a part of your corner; the Shukun-sho (outstanding performance award), how you have set such an inspirational standard that will undoubtedly benefit the lives of so many around the world who find themselves in similar situations. And, of course the Yusho and Emperor's cup, for how much you have done for all of us. I had the great fortune of getting together with Bob and Barb, along with Barbara Ann here in NYC last year. The occasion was memorable, filled with a love for sumo and a sharing of passions dear to each of us, perhaps helped along by imbibing quantities of sake and beer. Filled with warm support for which I remain appreciative. Our Master of Dragonflies was his thoughtful self, with a peaceful awareness that continues to this day. I enjoyed our shared, sarcastic sense of humor! And it was amazing to learn how many people from both the Sumo Forum and the Sumo Mailing List were in Bob's corner, the Kofuji stable, as shown by the outpouring of wonderful and thoughtful messages to Bob here. Bob, you have been a tremendous inspiration to ICAN, the foundation that you mentioned above, in how you have approached your situation. You and Barb have been amazing in how you work proactively with everyone, and your warm, engaging personality has made this so important to everyone who has gotten involved, well beyond just advocacy. Be aware that you have already opened doors that will undoubtedly benefit those in similiar situations, through the networks that you have established between researchers, clinicians, advocates, and policy makers. And, these efforts will contintue nonstop. Bob, Kofuji, Master of Dragonflies, you are forever a warm spot in our hearts, bringing the joy of sumo to so many around the world. You are forever a friend to those of us who have met you in person, we are that much richer for such a blessing. You know that I, along with Barbara Ann, will always be fighting for you and Barb in the Kofuji stable, mawashis proudly on. And, next time, the dates are on me... Scott (Sukubidubidu), Daughter of Sukubidubidu, and wife of Sukubidubidu Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bugman 384 Posted January 15, 2012 Dear Kofuji, Please forgive me for intruding on this thread as a stranger, to my own personal loss i have not had the luck or pleasure to enjoy your company on this forum for a longer period of time, the esteem you are held in by all here is self-evident and your courage is truly admirable. Should i manage to show half your bravery in my life i will consider myself blessed, my best wishes to you and your loved ones, my thoughts are with you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fukurou 534 Posted January 26, 2012 Kofuji has passed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Athenayama 1,080 Posted December 18, 2021 As I'm checking from time to time who has his/her birthday I found out this thread which sadened me a lot even if I didn't know Kofuji at all. Through all the comments I can see how appreciated (could I say loved?) he was. Now I have a much clearer idea of what the drone Kofujinokami represents in BS game. I decided to post a comment on this thread so that newer players, as myself, who weren't aware of his contribution can also know a little more about him. I hope the older players will forgive me even if I revive sad memories. Salute to Kofuji ! 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,530 Posted December 18, 2021 (edited) Kofuji was directly responsible for most of the automation on the sumoforum games. Without him, I fear most of the games would have been played manually and probably would have petered out at some point. I got to meet him when he came here for a visit- he was an extremely nice person. Sad it is indeed. Ironically, Fukurou, who notified us of his passing, passed away as well. Edited December 18, 2021 by Kintamayama 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shimodahito 317 Posted December 25, 2021 (edited) Kofuji's memory continues in the TORCHBEARER game. As arranged before his passing..... Kofuji-ICAN's rikishi pick is his highest ranking adapted rikishi. Kofuji-ICAN's rank pick is the average of all his active adapted rikishi's ranks. For every TORCH point he scores, a donation is made to the international cancer advocacy network (ICAN). For those curious, his adopted rikishi were always: rikishi with “kifuji” or “kofuji” in their shikona -- (Tsubakifuji, Nishikifuji); and any rikishi from "Kofu-shi" in Yamanashi-ken -- (Ryuden). He was an elder of this forum and the automated sumo games... And hats off to Fukurou as well. Keep the entrees coming... Edited December 25, 2021 by shimodahito 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
