Kat2 Kit's Memorial Service

On Thursday May 21, Kat2 Kit, known as Matt Shapoff in real life, passed away. About a week later on Wednesday May 27, a memorial service was held for him at his art studio. "The little panda," as his friends in Second Life called him with his avatar of choice was that of a tiny panda, had been involved with many activities here on the Grid, and over time had come to know a number of people. This included yours truly, whom had written about him twice a few years ago.

 Dropping in early at Kat2's studio at Montauk New York (128/157/24), which in addition to his cyanotype blue artwork now had a picture of him as a memorial, Petlove Petshop, whom he had worked with as part of Pooky Amsterdam's crew at "The 1st Question" game show, was already there. She described herself as "just mainly working on films" lately, and was interested in hearing how the Newser and I were doing.

It wasn't too long before others arrived. Alexa Steuart, upon seeing Kat's studio and picture, emoted *sighs and wishes Kat was ....* Jillian Skinstad commented, "Me too. I still haven't accepted it. Does anyone know what happened?" Petlove told, "I heard he was doing some chore around the house and just... went. (I) haven't heard exactly what, don't know."

RJ Kikuchiyo told the group he would be streaming a video of the memorial service live over Livestream,  "Cynthia, Matt' s beloved, will be able to watch from out there. ... Matt was fond of it being used as a tool inworld, too." He asked the group if anyone else had done a memorial service in Second Life. Alexa nodded, "I have been to way too many wakes in Second Life." It was mentioned Linden Lab used to have a memorial sim, and the Sunweaver's remembrance of Artistic Fimicloud just days before. RJ told, "years ago now, I started a monument to our fallen avatar friends on mainland Linden land - they've allowed me to continue updating it."

It was about this time Pooky Amsterdam showed up. She greeted the group, followed by, "It's a sad thing to have lost Kat." "Gone but never forgotten..." Petlove commented, "I have one of his cyanotypes on cloth of a snap from a 'Fritos' commercial we made under the glass on my desk." A few minutes later, RacerX Gullwing of the Giant Snail Races showed up. Then came a surprise, "Look who's here! It's Hydra." Hydra Shaftoe, Pooky's cohost on the game show, appeared. I hadn't heard from him since he left. Pooky commented, "Hydra said that everyone needs a little panda in their life."

Pooky Amsterdam then read aloud a poem, which she also texted, "Epitaph on a Friend"

An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd,
Few heads with knowledge so inform'd;
If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.

Robert Burns

 After that, people began telling stories about Kat, both in voice and in chat. Jillian commented, "I met Matt when I first came to SL to teach." Blitzckreed Levenque remarked, "Nobody else could get the mood up like him."

Panacea Luminos gave the following story, " 'I'm at requesting access to LISound New York to phototgraph the Montak Lighthouse RJ has built. I am a long island artist and have been collborating with RJ on real life 19th century prints I create using cynaotype and dyan dyke process non-silver processes.' Yes..RJ was our connector (smile). Attached was his artists statement, and that was interesting. But back in 2009 what really caught my fancy was this: 'I will be having a real life art exhibition in East Hampton this July, I would like to have a computer logged into Second Life during the Opening, with the avatar restricted to just investigating the Montauk Lighthouse.' And so it began. He opened my mind to some amazing possibilties in SL. He will be missed."

Alexa brought up, "I remember him from his dome on novi and building the train around his property. and being involved in tossing buses at him and pet and emmo on novi." Petshop responded, "That's right (giggle). He was truly an original." "Bus tossing at Kat good times," Alexa mused. Petlove looked to RJ, "RJ, you built the garage from 'Ferris Bheuler's Day Off' that time. If it hadn't been for Matt, I never would have seen that in SL." Jillian commented, "Matt was always dragging me some place. He always had a way of making things fun, interesting and inventive." "Kat was a FUN panda!" RJ reminisced. Pooky spoke, "He was a fun person & so full of life, it's too much, he is gone." RacerX Gullwing added, "Yeah, he was a great guy."

At this point, Pooky Amsterdam rezzed a ball with a panda picture, "The round panda ball is full of stuff of Kat and please take a copy too." To someone, she commented, "Oh emm gee, the alligators! He fought you as Mr Potato Head with light sabers to turn you into french fries." "Too funny." Petlove remarked. RJ added, "I can say that he would be very happy that you all  came today." Drusilla Poliatevska spoke, "It's clear he will be running around in our heads until we go."

At one point, Alexa commented, "Time for a river dance." RJ agreed, "Let's do something silly!!" And then everyone was dancing away, "I know this message of RANDOM is brought to you by one starry eyed panda!" Someone tried to wear an attachment, and ended up dancing while wearing a schooner, "wearing a sailboat (laughter)." A copy of the boat was placed in the water nearby, which had red Asian style sails, one with an image of a panda. A huge picture of Kat on his bicycle was also placed on the ground. On a nearby house, there were numerous pictures of him set up .

RJ told the group, "I should also mention that Kat2 Kitt's last prims are held on (the) mainland prim preserve near the lighthouse memorial, a link to the workshop where the 2015 booth was being worked on is on the gallery at the top of the montauk lights." RJ gave the link as Slapdoogle (170/35/3001), "RJ Kikuchiyo: and of course there is a memorial rock - in Linden's Blake Sea - Crow's Nest, where his name will be held (permanently)."

Then they got out a trampoline, and the bulk of the people started jumping up and down on it,  "Avatar tossed salad!" "Weeeee!" "Serious air!" "Woo hoo!" "How many can get on the trampoline?" Petlove, whom was still on the ground, chuckled "That's really funny to see you all doing that." Drusilla commented, "This is a fitting thing to be doing something very bizarre." Alexa mused, "Kat would love this. .. Take a movie, HOOOOOOOO!!!" Petlove did just that, "had to film a little bit of that (giggle)." A short clip of it would be placed at the end of an episode of "Happy Hunting" (link), "That thing was a perfect ending."

It was about this time that everyone began to say their goodbyes. Petlove had taken pictures of her own and posted on her Flickr (link). Pooky Amsterdam's message was the most poetic, "I'm going to go too, but say not good bye, say fare thee well. And we are faring always with Kat in our hearts."

And so Kat's friends went their separate ways. Second Life would go on. We would go on. But the fellow known in real life for his artistic blues and in Second Life for his panda antics would not be forgotten.

"Thank you Matt Kat2 wherever you are."




(Click here if the video fails to play - need to subscribe)


 Petlove's Flickr

SL Newser "Remembering Kat2 Kit"


Bixyl Shuftan

Remembering Dirk Talmasca

By Bixyl Shuftan

On Sunday March 30, noted longtime Second Life resident passed away. He was noted for being many things here, land owner, mentor, and a tireless advocate of this virtual world. Last weekend on Saturday April 5, a memorial service was held in his honor in the Linden Memorial Park area.

The service was scheduled for 4 PM SL time in the Pinechapel sim, though there seemed to be technical difficulties due to the number of avatars present when I arrived as I kept crashing. One resident commented, "Dirk touched so many lives. The fact that we keep crashing is a testament to who Dirk was." It was decided to move the service to the southwest corner of monument where it was within earshot of three other sims. This way, more could attend with less problems of a crash.

Dozens attended the service. Among them were Saffia Widdershins, Stroker Serpentine, Jessica Lyon, Marianne McCann, Codebastard Redgrave, whom a few years ago had set up a tribute to a third of the Lindens whom had suddenly been dismissed from the Lab, Inara Pey, Crap Mariner, and even a Linden: Shaman Linden.

Jessica Lyon had this to say about the multitude present, "Seeing a lot of familiar names in here. Strange thing that, how the loss of someone loved brings so many together." Shaman Linden remarked, "I didn't know Dirk, but I am intrigued and touched that he had such a presence inworld to bring us all here. The ones who knew him, and the ones who didn't, alike. ...  I'm sure many Lindens who knew him are sad to see him go."

It was commented, "Dirk would be honored to see the turnout here today - was said so far." "Dirk would be laughing, than ask why he wasn't invited too." Saffia Widdershins added,  "That's the trouble with wakes - they throw a great party on the one day they know you can't make it!" Jessica commented on his reputation for being playful with the ladies, Jessica Lyon: "I can't help but wonder how many women here today... he tried to get naked, haha!" "So true Jessica, hehehe. ... Oh he was good with the blarney as well." "Always a gentleman, yes, "Jessica Lyon, confirmed, "always the charmer." "It was the top hat that got us girls." "Probably sweating bullets now thinking 'Oh God, they're gonna find out about each other!' " "Pffft, he's hoping that's what we're talking about and laughing his a$$ off." Stroker Serpentine wryly commented, "He would always volunteer to be a product tester for me." "And all the ladies comparing notes, he would by hysterical by now."

But the chuckles faded when talk turned to one thing Dirk left behind, his sims, "I hear the sims are being reclaimed as we speak. It was my home for so long it makes me want to cry." "Starax went offline and I ticketed it and they brought it back up so I could get my stuff." "We offered to buy two of them, but (the Lab) wouldn't do it.) Codebastard commented, "Yeah that's one thing that's hard with virtual worlds. Sims costs a sh*tload, and when you pass away they are recycled. There's no eternity in here." People talked about getting in touch with Dirk's family about the sims, but later on after they had time to griev, "The family is aware of the Linden Lab TOS and will deal with it early in the week. Let's just let them mourn today after his funeral this morning."

"Well Dirk, my friend, I am glad that I met you. I'm glad that we made each other laugh. I'm glad you never got my clothes off. And most of all, I'm going to miss you very much. RIP babe." "I loved that he just seemed to really 'Get' Second Life. He saw it for what it could be from the beginning and always urged others to see it that way too, that was my experience with him anyway." "I have this image of him doing the "pull my finger" joke when he meets Jesus. I cant stop grinning about it." "No matter what life he's playing on , I'll catch up with him one of these days." "And not one last prank by Dirk. Last time I heard ticking in SL was when Dirk sicked a herd of buffalo on me." "Dirk was the only estate owner ive ever had that could get Lindens on my sim in 5 mins." "He helped so much with the horrible ordeal with my ex, said Baby, 'any man stupid enough to let you go deserves the sh*t he is dealing with.'" CodeBastard Redgrave, "I ragedfaced so much at LL at the time and he was like, 'don't bother Codie, you know they are just idiots.' That always made me laugh out loud, and I stopped being pissed."

Over time, people had to head out. Stroker Serpentine, "I will always have the laughs and smiles..R.I.P. Dirk..Busty Wenchs and Cold Ale FTW!!" Jessica Lyon, "well.. Dirk.. my dear.. you charmer you... You shall exist in SL forever, you've touched so many, loved by so many, have made so much difference over the years to so many including myself.. You can never be forgotten. You will always be part of the grain which makes SL what it is and I will always think of you this day forward every time I click Login. And yes, you can slap my a$$ one last time."

Eventually, there were just a few left, which Codebastard invited to continue the chat at her Rouge Lounge.

After the service, I was contacted by Bevan Whitfield. She told me Designing Worlds would be taping a special episode about Dirk Talmasca on Thursday to be aired later this month. She also passed to be a recording of the wake (www.twitch.tv/neddings/c/4018059).

And so, Second Life bade farewell to one of it's own.

Bixyl Shuftan

Remembering Osprey Therian

Longtime residents in Second Life may remember a lady by the name of Osprey Therian, known in real life as Vivian Kendel. She was a creative resident known for being on the whimsical side of things. Her accomplishments include her "duck on a bike" avatar that became a feature at Bay City parades and other impromptu fun events and a youtube video , her role in a variety SL TV program "The Show Must Go On," was one of the creators behind the "combat cards" inworld dueling game, is described as having "designed, built, and maintained the Ambat Infohub," designed clothes for a roleplaying group and area, organized photography contests, and more.

Sadly, in real life Osprey suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and more recently was diagnosed with cancer as well. "The great thing about Second Life is I never have to leave my brain," she wrote on her profile. Eventually, her conditioned worsened and she had to move to a hospice center. On December 9, she passed away. Her profile feed was soon filled with condolences from friends, admirers, and other residents. CNN iReporter Janey Bracken wrote in an article about her, "Somehow I think Osprey’s vivaciousness inhabited us all whilst in her company, she was a truly remarkable lady. "

Her friends Justin Esparza and Enja Mysterio announced there would be a tribute to Ospery at her virtual home in Bodego Bay (Bodega /225/112/23 ). It was scheduled to begin at 10AM SL time. There were already a number of people when I arrived fifteen minutes early. There would be close to forty people here, many of whom were notables in Second Life past and present, Holocluck Henly, RacerX Gullwing, Marianne McCann, Kennylex Luckless, Stroker Serpentine (the inventor of the adult animation beds), and Prokofy Neva. Torley Linden was also there. "It is like a creative oldbie convention," someone commented. If there was bad feelings between anyone, they were not displayed here. All had come together to pay their respects.

At the location there was a picture of Osprey, a combination of her real life self, her avatar, and a picture of her as a child. Justin and Enja were on a lilly pad in the bay, just in front of a curled giant tentacle. Under the surface what looked like a shark was swimming around. Clicking on the picture gave one a folder, Justin saying, "That folder contains a memorial notecard, moth wings, a landmark to the Iris infohub and this photo of Viian/Osprey." The moth wings were another creation Osprey was noted for.

There was some chat before the official start, some of it mudane talk about SL glitches and ajusting preferences. Other times it was reminiscing, Enjah recalling the fun she had with Osprey, "Remember that wild boat parade in 2004 when we crashed every sim it went through? Or was it 2005." "Think Osprey will crash the sim?" Justin mused. Some of the people dropping by showed up in the Osprey duck avatars, "Good to see those ducks on bikes again." One girl commented, "I watched a video an hour ago, and one of the first thinks I thought of was 'I need to send this to Osprey, she'll really enjoy it.' "

Torley's arrival was greeted with cheers, the Linden known for his "Friendly Greetings" tutorials years ago still popular despite Linden Labs often jeered by residents, "Been ages since I've seen you in the pixel Torley.""Aah! So this *is* Torley?" "Cultural references!" the Linden blurted. "Heheh - long time since I heard that." "I have old pictures of many of you," Torley told the group, "in my archives."

One resident commented about Osprey's activity in another virtual world, "There," of which after it closed, many of it's users coming to Second Life adopted the surname "Therian," "I remember when There closed. Osprey felt very badly that her avatar could no longer exist."

At 10AM, Justin officially began the service, "Thank you all for coming together today to honor one of our friends, Osprey Therian, (whom) in the physical world was known as Vivian Kendall. You probably don't know me from Adam, but I am the creator behind the avatar Salazar Jack and the Forest of Kahruvel. My real name is Justin Esparza and I live in Washington State in the USA." "He's exposing himself!" Enjah joked. Justin made a joke about flashing for the cameras, then continued, "I did not know her really well in the physical world. But I have visited her in real life on three occasions, and she was just the same there as she was here. Behind me is a photo of Vivian with her Osprey Avatar, and a photo of her as a little girl. Even at that age she was 100% Osprey."

 Of the fate of Osprey's Bodega Bay, Justin told everyone, "I met with her about a month ago in real life and she wanted to know if I was interested in taking over her Art Westerburg account. Art's account is a lifetime account and controls almost all of the land here. So I said I would and keep her land here as long as I could. We also talked about the legacy of the Osprey Therian avatar. And she was excited about having her avatar continue on as part of the world after she was gone. So we decided to try and do that and pattern her activity a bit after Magellan Linden's. It is my understanding that she has formally included these things in her will and I will be meeting with her executor later this month to begin that process. As I want to work with Linden Lab, if possible, to accomplish that." One resident commented, "It'll be a new situation for Linden Lab." Another added, "There has been some passing on of assets/land before, certainly when The Sojourner passed on.. at the time Pathfinder who was still a Linden helped in that process."

Justin continued, "My first memory of Osprey was a photo she posted online in the Second Life forums. She was exploring a cave in the Stinson region that my avatar, Salazar Jack, and another friend, Champie Jack, has discovered. She posted a photo of herself waving from the entrance to the cave and said that she was wearing steel-toed boots to protect her feet. It was a running joke with us after that." Another commented, "Her sailing photos always mesmerized me." "I loved her sailing expeditions," Justin responded. A third spoke, "Yes she went on these epic sailing journeys and documented her travels of the Linden waterways." Someone commented, "I always enjoyed the photo contests at the gallery." Holocluck remarked, "I was a noob when I found out about the photo contests and that's how I knew her." Marianne added, "That was when I first got to know Osprey. That and attending TSMGO."

Torley spoke, "I was often inspired by Os' photos of eclectic and bizarre attractions in SL, pieces of our unique culture here. Does anyone else remember her Roadside Attractions exhibit? ... I thought about road trips and the kinds of unexpected landmarks you might see across the territory, and that kept me coming back for exploration inworld, so O's was a very positive influence on my early days inworld."

Justin announced, "I will be keeping a permanent page for Vivian/Osprey at http://kahruvel.com/vivian.html . At some point I will make it so one can add a comment to it directly." Enjah brought up the question about the future of Osprey's blog at (www.atomic-raygun.com). Justin told the group he would look into it, saying her computer was willed to him, "She has given me access to Osprey, Art both verbally and in emails," though could guarentee nothing, "I will have to wait to talk with her executor to get the details."

As for Osprey's avatar, Justin announced, "Tommorrow (Sunday Dec 15) at 10:00 am SLT. The Osprey Therian character will be going through the unstable portal in the Rodeo region to search for Salazar Jack. So yes, her adventures will be continuing in a tangible way as well." This got approval from the crowd, "Oh Em Gee, Os is really going to live on." Torley commented, "That's so beautiful and fitting. The voyage continues." A third spoke,"Yes she loved searching for people." Prokofy asked, "Did you get the Lindens to allow you to continue her avatar? ... Surely they will understand." Justin answered, "I will have to contact them to find out." Torley offered, "Let me know if I can do anything to help with that communication." Others offered to help in any way they could. Later on, Uccello Poultry would meet up with Osprey's reanimated avatar on Sunday at ten AM as planned.

"I'd just like to say what an amazing woman to have gathered such a divergent bunch of people," a lady commented. Torley then asked, "Justin, if you happen to find Os' Foot B Gone spray in her bequeathed inventory, can you please send me a copy? I was looking for it in my inventories but didn't find it." Justin told him he would. Torley explained, "In 2005, long before any of this fancy Advanced Lighting Model stuff, I griped about the ugly avatar foot shadows and Os manifested a cure." Prokofy showed off a cane, "I must put up a photo display of our early Moth Swarms that was fun, Osprey made this Moth Staff for me, look at the level of detail, even little moth feathers." One resident talked about, "I have the lantern she made, with the moths that come out at night." Prokofy told her, "She especially made those lamps for the Iris Moth Temple when the Lindens' lanterns disappeared mysteriously." Rhiannon Chatnoir invited everyone to light a candle to Osprey at her cathedral in Darkwood.

Eventually came the final event of the service. Justin donned his set of Osprey moth wings, and invited others to do the same, "Let's go ahead and don our moth wings for those that are flying up to the Iris Moth Temple." Many did, although others had events elsewhere in real life or virtual to attend to, "have a safe flight everyone, and thank you Justin for doing all this." And those with the wings flew up, and then took flight away.

No doubt Osprey will continue to be remembered in ways large and small in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan