Hello all,

As reported earlier here this month, our very own Piaget Hax (Michael) will soon be passing on as confirmed by his family this week.

Personally, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news. It was just last week I was attempting to reach him to wish a happy birthday before I realized what was going on.

Michael/Pia joined Columtreal about 6 years ago. He quickly became a favorite amongst players and came to me with ideas for taking on the Daily Grind group - one of the oldest and most popular venues in our community. Over the course of 4-5 years, he led it with a sense of responsibility and commitment that is very rare to find.

If you had a chance to connect with Michael out-of-character, it was no secret that he lived with a debilitating condition that kept him bound to a wheelchair with very limited mobility. Despite his condition, he was a very positive and passionate individual - especially on topics of technology and games that would allow him to experience the freedom that most of us take for granted. I remember a particular conversation about him that really spoke to this -- he was sharing an article with me about a new device that would read brain impulses and translate them digitally; and one day, he was so determined to use that technology to fly a real plane. I actually came across that technology being showcased at a tradeshow and shared his inspiring story to the development team. That's who Michael/Pia was to me and how I will always remember him.

How you can say good-bye:

Espi and I will be putting together a package of flowers and farewell notes to be sent to him. You can submit a farewell note, however short or long, to us. We also ask that you sign the note with your real life first name (or SL name) and a location. We will have his family read the notes to him. I also think it's important his family understands how far he's touched folks through his passion of technology and games.

Edit: Closed

In addition to the form, if you'd like to share your farewell with the rest of the community, you may do so here in this thread without your RL details.

The final package will be sent from the "Alterscape Family".

Thank you,
Nadir