To Leo and all who support Privacy & the original purpose of Bitcoin. Thank you

[PrivacyG]

I woke up yesterday and I noticed someone has been missing on Bitcoin Talk.  It was quieter than it used to be.  I often follow my gut, but I thought it may be my mind playing games on me again.

Then I notice BlackHatCoiner had a Personal Message that said 'Farewell, Leo'.  I thought, this can not be possible.  I hoped it is just a prank.  But I soon realized it is not.  The beloved o_e_l_e_o of Bitcoin Talk has posted a Farewell.  We have to live on this Forum without one of the most notable Members we ever had.

It is a feeling I hate.  To me, Leo was always admirable.  I received a hefty amount of Merits from them and I always thought, why me and not some body else.  I never skipped a word of every post I found from Leo, unless it was something so out of my area of knowledge that I truly could not comprehend.  I hate the feeling of waking up to reality and realizing we here are not forever.  Many of our members come and go, but many of us go unnoticed.  You however think we are the strongest and before you know, reality slaps you right when you thought it never would.

-----

You wake up one day realizing even this day is not granted for all of us.  This moment is however.  You are alive now.  Otherwise, you would not be here reading my message to you.  This is why it is sometimes so important to live in the moment.  Not all the time, but sometimes it is important to do so.

When you realize there is not much time left, you start to realize most of the things you have ever done and worked for are actually in vain.  You used your time to work for a bigger TV, for a better camera, to renovate your home or buy your own property.  You wasted time arguing with strangers, doing courses, fighting for a better future.

Then you realize people around you are vanishing.  You realize life means becoming lonelier and the people you used to love talking to become fewer and fewer.  You realize you will never hear some of their voices again.  You will never hear their laugh and see their smile again.

And then you realize your time is coming too.  So what did you really work and fight for all this life?

-----

Leo is an admirable and notable Member of Bitcoin Talk.  I know he will fight the worst and come back here.  I do not want to even think about him never coming back.  He taught many of us a lot about Privacy.  He fought every body who tried to convince Know Your Customer is for our good.  He fought for our Rights and Freedom.  Against Surveillance and Control.

And that did not happen so he could gain anything.  Leo just did not want this world to have a dystopian future.  So he fought it.

But back when I wrote about my own problems, a handful of people Private Messaged me.  Although we never had a chat before, Leo was among them.  So I want to end this Thread by saying a Thank You to o_e_l_e_o and every body else who taught me a lot of the things I know and who are fighting for Privacy and for what Bitcoin should be.  Thank you for caring.  I do not know if you realize this, but many of you changed sets of minds and lives.  Writing your thoughts and sharing your knowledge on Bitcoin Talk may be your normal life, but you may never realize how much change you provoke.

I promised myself I would never write about my own struggles publicly again.  It felt like a relief for a while.  But then, I felt like that was a subject I should not have touched upon on Bitcoin Talk.  And it is a subject I will likely never touch upon again.  But after I saw Leo leaving, I felt it is important to write a Thread about him.  Leo is one of a kind.  A fighter and a good person.  He fought for us, now he is fighting on his own and I just know he will succeed.

So Leo, thank you for your existence and I appreciate you for using your precious time to be a Member of Bitcoin Talk.  I could not not be emotional reading your Farewell considering it was only last year you cheered me up and offered to help.  I want to know you and your family are well.  I feel emotional, but I will not cry because I know you will do well.

To put an end to this Thread, I will leave here the warm hearted message I received from Leo only one year ago,

Hey bud,

Just wanted to reach out and wish you and your family all the best for the months and years ahead.

Your ethos on all things privacy and security obviously strongly aligns with my own, and something I strongly respect. Having said that, off this forum I am (REDACTED). While Alzheimer's and mental health in general is absolutely not my area of expertise and while I obviously can't offer personalized medical advice, if there is anything that I can do to help you in any way, (REDACTED) or bitcoin related, please don't hesitate to let me know. I can provide my PGP key should you wish to encrypt any correspondence.

Best wishes,
Leo

[Don Pedro Dinero]

I see that you mix several things here, probably because of the carousel of emotions you are feeling. The thing about Leo is a bitch, but that's life.

I hate the feeling of waking up to reality and realizing we here are not forever. 

I precisely believe that this is what makes life unique and worth living, no matter how much fear and sorrow it may make us feel that at some point it will end.

As for privacy and the original purpose, I appreciate that too but you have to be alert in case things deviate from the original purpose and act accordingly. One thing is how we would like things to be and another is how they are. If they do not match, you must act accordingly. As before death. You would prefer not to die but it would be better to leave everything tied up in case it happens to you, lest you die unexpectedly and your family finds themselves with a mess. Making sure that they will receive your bitcoins, for example, and as Leo defended, it is a must.

[un_rank]

One type of spam I absolutely would not mind is the forum getting filled with farewell messages for Leo, cause it is nothing less than they deserve. For almost 7 years, they contributed avidly to the growth of the forum and bitcoin, he took lots of members under his wing without really knowing it and is one of the most reliable sources of information we have.

I will still keep fingers crossed that he pulls through and returns to the forum for many more years.

- Jay -

[Churchillvv]

Sincerely, I'm really short of words after read through all that you have wrote about Mr. Leo, I have never come in contact with him before in this forum but he quoted me recently before his farewell post and the reason for his quote was to put me in the right direction of privacy.

I see his one of the major people whom are provoked by the control system of the few in power and a popular support of privacy in this forum. adding to his message to you shows he really cares about personality. I don't know him personally but I have been feeling some worm tears in my eyes anytime I read about him, and has made me realize the quote that says "we came with nothing and we go with nothing" after all his countless effort his gonna leave them behind for God knows where and I still don't want to believe everything is true I hope his still fights for his life this time and not privacy/freedom this time and pray he wins.

Moreso, I have prioritize maintaining good relationship with with people than push for some reputation that I will one day leave forever. I do know that one day I will die, this a fact that not even your parents will want to hear it from you and now imagine someone knowing his end date. like WTF, I do watch movies of such scenario and I cry alot now it's not long a movie but I hearing it for the first time in reality though I have met Leo.

All I can offer him and his family now is just some prayers because I'm a kid and I don't have any capacity for support other than this. and I will end this by saying we all should keep the love because it paramount, life is too short and thank God I have realized this as a kid.

Peace y'all from Churchill

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

I woke up yesterday and I noticed someone has been missing on Bitcoin Talk.  It was quieter than it used to be.  I often follow my gut, but I thought it may be my mind playing games on me again.

Then I notice BlackHatCoiner had a Personal Message that said 'Farewell, Leo'.  I thought, this can not be possible.  I hoped it is just a prank.  But I soon realized it is not.  The beloved o_e_l_e_o of Bitcoin Talk has posted a Farewell.  We have to live on this Forum without one of the most notable Members we ever had.

In life there's nothing impossible, we meet with people and we also depart from each other, but what saddens most is seing them helpless and we couldn't render any help, I think his presence has alot of impacts to the community, just that am being surprised you're just hearing about this not long, though not everyone visit the meta or reputation board that often, this is a challenge to us all that we should live out lives as if we won't be here again tomorrow and what will others say about us.

[_act_]

@PrivacyG, why can you not post this on Leo's farewell thread instead? Leo posted that topic just 8 days ago. For you to open a new thread about it in just a short time is not better at all. If t is now a year or some years, we can say it is good, but in this short time as you have just known about Leo farewell thread, just make use of the Leo's thread to post what you want to post.

[alastantiger]

I woke up yesterday and I noticed someone has been missing on Bitcoin Talk.  It was quieter than it used to be.  I often follow my gut, but I thought it may be my mind playing games on me again.

Then I notice BlackHatCoiner had a Personal Message that said 'Farewell, Leo'.  I thought, this can not be possible.  I hoped it is just a prank.  But I soon realized it is not.  The beloved o_e_l_e_o of Bitcoin Talk has posted a Farewell.  We have to live on this Forum without one of the most notable Members we ever had.

I am reading this again and I feel emotional. Because I remember the heartfelt messages that poured in when Leo made his farewell topic. And seeing some again write from a personal perspective is very powerful and touching. I hope Leo is somehow reading and knows that there are members of the forum who truly appreciated the value he brought and the impact he made. He will not be forgotten. Wherever he is may he find his rest and joy.

I second the point that this thread should be moved to meta board.

[MFahad]

Leo was really a Gem of This community. he left a huge gap and it is almost impossible to fill that up. we all  gonna miss him a lot.

@PrivacyG, why can you not post this on Leo's farewell thread instead? Leo posted that topic just 8 days ago. For you to open a new thread about it in just a short time is not better at all. If t is now a year or some years, we can say it is good, but in this short time as you have just known about Leo farewell thread, just make use of the Leo's thread to post what you want to post.

Leo have locked that thread already so obviously he can't post that in there. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5481890.0 you can check it by yourself.
but I think this thread is more suitable in the Reputation board instead of Bitcoin discussion.

[Die_empty]

One type of spam I absolutely would not mind is the forum getting filled with farewell messages for Leo, cause it is nothing less than they deserve. For almost 7 years, they contributed avidly to the growth of the forum and bitcoin, he took lots of members under his wing without really knowing it and is one of the most reliable sources of information we have.

I will still keep fingers crossed that he pulls through and returns to the forum for many more years.

- Jay -

With the positive impact, Leo has created on this forum he deserves more farewell messages but we just have to control our emotions. In some organisations, people with such an impact deserve to be immortalised. But I know his works and actions will make him evergreen in our lives, especially those who are championing the course of privacy. The message the OP just shared threw more light on the life of the main character of this thread. He is compassionate and willing to assist in matters that concern Bitcoin and other issues of life. All hope is not lost because I believe in miracles, he might be able to fight and win this battle.     

[Stalker22]

I hate the feeling of waking up to reality and realizing we here are not forever.  

I precisely believe that this is what makes life unique and worth living, no matter how much fear and sorrow it may make us feel that at some point it will end.

Exactly! Life would have no meaning if it were forever.

It is knowing we only have so much time here that pushes us to follow our dreams, make memories with people we care about, and try to leave things a little better than we found them.  I mean if we were all immortal, I feel like a lot of us would just waste time and take life for granted instead of appreciating how precious it is and  we probably wouldnt worry as much about making the most of every day or leaving some kind of positive legacy behind.  The ticking clock of our mortality sort of adds beauty and importance to this crazy human adventure we are all on together.

As for Leo, I hope he had a good life. No regrets!

[Mrbluntzy]

With the way members are feeling regarding the departure o_e_l_e_o, makes me feel how important he was on this forum and how most members have learned very important thing from him. I was not lucky to be on the forum during the days when he or she was very active on the forum but I know the good reputation he created here are still in the posts he has made. I can sure learn from it too. Thank you o_e_l_e_o.

[ineedhelpplease]

May I please see some amazing threads or post that leo has made over the years?

[skarais]

May I please see some amazing threads or post that leo has made over the years?

Why not, but it's best to try getting it yourself and it's quite easy. You just need to check his post history and get a lot of knowledge from there. So you don't need to expect other users to refer you to many useful posts from o_e_l_e_o, you just need a little effort.

Here's his profile: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1188543

[BlackHatCoiner]

Very well said, PrivacyG. Let me quote a favorite author of mine.

One day, you and everyone you love will die. And beyond a small group of people for an extremely brief period of time, little of what you say or do will ever matter. This is the Uncomfortable Truth of life. And everything you think or do is but an elaborate avoidance of it. We are inconsequential cosmic dust, bumping and milling about on a tiny blue speck. We imagine our own importance. We invent our purpose—we are nothing.

It is part of our survival to invent purpose, hope. Literally, hope dies last. During our insignificant stay, we can try to make a sense out of this world and feed our curiosity, while we enjoy the journey. We can try to do our research and understand what's going on, and once we do, help others do too. Leo, no matter how average he thinks he was, I say he had had a charisma on pointing the factual. A bright torch in the dark realm of the unknown. Guiding hand for the lots of us.

I do not doubt in the slightest that his work and fight may have not worth it. He influenced a lot, and has left good legacy to be remembered for a very long time.

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

@PrivacyG, why can you not post this on Leo's farewell thread instead? Leo posted that topic just 8 days ago. For you to open a new thread about it in just a short time is not better at all. If t is now a year or some years, we can say it is good, but in this short time as you have just known about Leo farewell thread, just make use of the Leo's thread to post what you want to post.

Ahhh....I say let him have the thread.  He was obviously touched by o_e_l_e_o's presence and was struck by his absence such that he wanted to make his own thread in which he laid out his feelings for Leo.  This one will probably drop off the radar before the first one does, so.

Dr. Leo did make quite the impression on a lot of folks here, including myself and I'm also sad to see him go--and for the reason that he's going.  I don't know all the details, but his absence will be felt by everyone who respected his knowledge, level-headedness, and willingness to help others.  I'm still hoping for a miracle.

[Sexylizzy2813]

On o_e_l_e_o's farewell thread, I only saw sadness, tears, lost hope written all over it and coming here to see such is like there's no hope any more, I think words of encouragement, words of hope should be sent to him that's if anyone can contact him.
Who knows things can turn around for good for him, it is not over until it is so let's try to give him strength too in this hard time. I know is never easy with him and for Bitcointalk community but we have to do what we have to do which is to stay positive and reach out to him via prayers.

[ChiBitCTy]

I just came across Leo’s thread and am just in a way I can’t explain. I didn’t know Leo, but I know our paths crossed a multitude of times. Largely just remembering him by his unique user name and someone who’d randomly show up on threads I was involved with and always adding a positive contribution in some shape or form.

Incredibly saddened. I sent Leo a PM to thank him and bid well wishes, I just feel terrible having just now seen the thread and not being able to comment since it’s now locked. He may never see my PM or comment but I know he understands how much he meant to many here.

Farewell Leo, whatever’s after this I hope our paths cross again one day.

[SamReomo]

Leo was the man of the privacy on this forum and I have learnt some amazing things from that guy. Although, I had very small interaction with him but I can't forget those moments.

I would also say that thank you Leo for opening my eyes regarding privacy and thanks to all those people who respect and support privacy plus open-source software.

It's sometimes hard to forget some people and Leo is someone who we won't forget at least in our lifetime. I wish him best of luck and wish that he may get healthy and have happy moments with his loved ones. Best wishes for him!

[BITCOIN4X]

I interacted several times in discussions with o_e_l_e_o, especially regarding technical discussions about bitcoin and privacy. I asked and responded to him on several posts, he gave me really easy to understand and reasonable answers. His understanding of privacy and ability to interact are very reliable, he is one of the masters who will be remembered by the bitcointalk community, especially for those who truly care about others.

Thank you o_e_l_e_o, you will be remembered forever and for your contribution to the forum you truly deserve a tribute.

[AprilioMP]

Activities in forums that are full of disguises do not allow each other to know each other physically, but can get to know each other through something unique, namely thoughts, ideas expressed through posts.

Who Leo is, I don't know him like I know a lecturer who teaches in class or who invites me to study outside the classroom while enjoying nature.
Leo is an anonymous figure who presents a narrative that is full of knowledge.
I hate people who can't reconcile Leo's criticism with the truth behind his criticism.

You've only been here a few months. How can you say everything about him as if you've known him for a very long time. Yes. I'm a newcomer who's not even a year old, but I just go around and open every board and child board to look for something that I think can increase motivation. One of them I found on an account with the username o_e_l_e_o.
Thank you for everything.

For all the people I respect who read this, I will write here what I felt after knowing Leo made a farewell greeting.

I am the person who regrets the most that I didn't have time to write a single word on the topic and didn't have time to write a line on another topic about Leo's farewell which has been locked.
If I knew where he was now, I would meet him and accompany him until he changed his mind.
I felt like I had lost a genius figure who I didn't really know but I knew because of his knowledge.


Leo