Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2023-09-16/Obituary

Obituary

Nosebagbear

Nosebagbear at an MCDC meeting in June 2022

sockpuppet investigations. In recent years, his focus shifted to working behind the scenes to collaborate with the Wikimedia Foundation and other volunteers across the movement on governance initiatives, including the Universal Code of Conduct and Movement Charter

. Through this work, he always remained grounded as a proud member of the online communities, especially English Wikipedia; bringing a persistent but pragmatic accountability to the broader Wikimedia landscape, that will make his loss all the more felt. At the time of his passing, he was serving as an elected community member on the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, helping to create new structures and policy to help lead Wikimedia into the next decade.

I want to note just how remarkable Richard was. He was in many ways a quintessential Wikipedian, in that he was passionate about our mission, held strong feelings on topics that would make many (including many other Wikipedians) shake their heads at the idea that someone could care so much about such a topic, worked hard to improve things for others both inside of Wikipedia and for the world at large, always be willing to consider alternative points of view and be ready to change his mind on something, and be so, so, so very kind. His presence on the MCDC, which he achieved through truly hard work and just bothering to show up to a lot of meetings in the 12-18 months prior to the election where others got to know just how special he was, was a big reason that I was optimistic about what it would do in reshaping Wikipedia. I'm going to miss all that but I am going to miss our talks more. His humor more. And most of all his kindness more. While I am so sad at the future that doesn't have him, I am also so grateful for the time we spent together.
— Barkeep49

Many messages of condolences have been left on his user talk page, as well as information about memorial services. Donations in his name are being solicited for the Epilepsy Society, of whom he was a supporter.

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Deepest condolences. I didn't know N well, but saw them around and their passing is sad. My wishes for the family. Lourdes 05:49, 16 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I didn't interact with him much, but I always appreciated his input where he shared it. I also admit that I enjoyed our exchange in regards to answering the major questions of life. Rest in peace, Richard. Clovermoss🍀 (talk) 06:27, 16 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Deepest condolences.--Vulcan❯❯❯Sphere! 10:08, 16 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
My deepest condolences. I want to express that I had two seizures back in 2018 and haven't had one ever since given that I am not epileptic, but I recognize how serious these were as they can be fatal. Rest in peace, NBB. MarioJump83 (talk) 16:40, 16 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Rest in peace. CLYDE ^{TALK TO ME}/_{STUFF DONE} 17:42, 16 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Rest in peace.
_talk 11:05, 17 September 2023 (UTC)[reply
]

Awful news. I had the pleasure of meeting NBB in person, which is rare for me - I truly enjoyed the encounter, as well as seeing NBB's contributions on-wiki. My thoughts are with NBB's friends and family. RIP. PBradley-WMF (talk) 08:31, 18 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I may be a normal user, and I may not have met him, but dang. I sent him WikiLove, in the form of strawberries, for his good work. Rest in peace Nosebagbear. You will be missed. The Master of Hedgehogs is back again! 18:23, 18 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
My deepest condolences. Even though I didn’t know him, I had heard of him before. He passed too soon. Rest in peace, Richard. Professor Penguino (talk) 20:23, 23 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]

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