Jon Swift

He deserves Paradise who makes his companions laugh

-The Koran (or perhaps a Hadith)

If you haven't heard already, the blogger known as Jon Swift has died rather suddenly, and far too soon regardless. His real name is Al Weisel. His mother posted this comment on his blog.

I don't know how else to tell you all who love this blog. I am Jon Swift's Mom and I guess I'm going to OUT him. He was Al Weisel, my beloved son. Al was on his way to his father's funeral in VA when he suffered 2 aortic aneurysms, a leaky aortic valve and an aortic artery dissection from his heart to his pelvis. He had 3 major surgeries within 24 hours and sometime during those surgeries also suffered a severe stroke. We, his 2 sisters, his brother, his partner and his best friend since he was 9 years old were with him as he took his last breath. We have all lost a shining start who warmed our hearts, tormented us and made us laugh as he giggled at our pulling something over on us. He passed away on February 27, 2010. My beloved child will live on in so many hearts. I miss him more than I can say. If you are on Facebook, go to organizations and join "Friends of Al Weisel, Unite!" It will give you just a taste of how special he was. Farewell, Jon (Al)

I've never met him, and yet I feel like crying. Al deserves Paradise many times over, inshallah.

Comments

[Julian]

I came to his blog late, I will try to read more today. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

[dsn]

Agreed. His blog was in the best traditions of his namesake.

[Richard S]

Agreed.

[Hartmut]

I'd call that a major system failure.

[Pawthorn]

He was both laugh-out-loud funny and an elegant stylist. I'll miss him.