For Patrick-Yangguizi (page 6 of 19)

This is such sad news for his family, friends, and for all of us who appreciated his writing, even without knowing him personally. I’d printed out his Uzbekistan story before my trip, hoping—perhaps a little naively—to meet some of the characters he wrote about. I discovered the country in my own way, no doubt shaped by his words. Sending heartfelt thoughts to his loved ones

Good evening,

From Quito, where I’ve just heard this sad news, I can’t write anything more—I can’t even see my keyboard anymore.

Sincere condolences to his entire family.

Nilsou.

....

Writing very quickly.

The traveler (there are many, here and elsewhere), the writer (less common, here and elsewhere), and the man we glimpsed through all his posts (rare, here as elsewhere) will be missed.

Since it must be said: Farewell, Yanguizzi.

A heartfelt thought for those who loved him and whom he loved.

Catherine

I just received this message from Patrick’s mother, which I’m passing along to you:

I’ve just found out that Patrick won’t arrive in Nice until tomorrow, Monday, at 3:50 PM. The funeral home still has some administrative formalities to complete, and I don’t think Patrick will be at the funeral home before 6 PM. The funeral home closes at 7 PM.

I’m so sorry for this change, which means we won’t be able to accompany Patrick starting at 2 PM tomorrow. Sincerely, Nicole de Brisson

Fabricia,

You’ll be there on behalf of all of us—if you can, tell his loved ones how much he meant to us too, and how much we already miss him... I, we, will be with you in thought and will support you in your grief.

Warmly,

Mamina beat me to it by a few minutes, expressing exactly what I was thinking.

Fabricia, You’ll be there on behalf of all of us—if you can, tell his loved ones how much he meant to us too. I, we, will be with you in thought and will support you in your grief. Warmly,

Patrick,

I only just discovered this message from Tatra today, and it really saddens me...

And yet, I didn’t know you personally, and our fragile connection was woven only through insignificant exchanges of dubious jokes or little playful private messages... But it was little, and yet already so much...

I hope that wherever you are now, the angels taking care of you will have as great a sense of humor as you did, and that they’ll let you check VF daily and keep traveling with us in spirit. Save us a little spot next to you in your bright clouds—we’ll join you there one way or another, after all, it’s just a matter of time!

After all this, I’d rather stay silent, think of you... and sincerely share in the grief of your family and loved ones...

Goodbye, Patrick... and thank you again!

I just heard this sad news.... I loved his stories full of humor and life.... My condolences to his family, friends, and all the forum members who loved and respected him... Véro

Same here. I join Mami and Wapi. Respect to this amazing travel companion.

I found this photo in one of Yangguizi’s travel journals, from when he sang in a talent show.

Danielle

Hello to all of Patrick’s friends, so many of you on our forum.

I won’t be able to attend Yang’s funeral tomorrow because of a painful muscle tear that’s keeping me from walking. I’m really sorry about that. I would’ve loved to say one last goodbye...

Other members who live in the Nice area will certainly represent us with Patrick’s loved ones.

With all my sympathy to all of you.

Painful return...

Last night, in the car taking me back, I was thinking about VF and the posts I’d get to read again: new travel journals, new thoughts. With any luck, the “Yangguizi Summer 2008” issue had already come out—something like “My Rubber Boots in the Mountains of the Moon,” packed with humor and tenderness, as always.

And then...

Farewell, Yangguizi.

All my thoughts are with you and yours.

Hey Yangguizi, we really are just tiny specks in the grand scheme of things...😕

Patrick,

You pulled off one last tour de force—getting everyone to rally around your name—but without a goodbye, you left us to cross to the other side of that one-way river. Out of insatiable curiosity or defiance? You left us with such beautiful writing, and we’ll forgive your final prank.

If they don’t have internet on the other side yet, couldn’t you fix that? We’re feeling orphaned, and even a little hello now and then would lift our spirits.

In a few months, my wife and I will be "stopping over in Munich"—we’ll have a heartfelt thought for the one who left us so suddenly.

Michel

Just back from the US, I’ve learned the sad news... Sending heartfelt thoughts to Yang, who has passed "to the other side," to his loved ones, to his friends, and to those who had the privilege of knowing him "in person"!

With all my heart, Corine

You’ve just embarked on a journey none of us could prepare for, and on top of that, you won’t be able to share your impressions with us, make us laugh, or let us dream through a travel journal... I don’t like saying goodbye, so instead, see you later...

With all my heart to your family, Sylvie

Rose internet, Isfahan. I just found out the terrible news an hour ago, and I can’t hold back my tears while reading all your farewell messages. I only knew Yangguizi through his travel journals about Uzbekistan and Iran, which helped me prepare for my trip to Central Asia. And yet, I truly feel like I’ve lost an irreplaceable friend. From this city he loved so much, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and all his friends.

Hi there;

I’ve been trying to write this message for dozens of minutes now—I just can’t do it... I wish I’d never received that email from Piaf!

I met Shanghaipat on this forum when I was living in Shanghai. I met Patrick over a good meal, and he helped me so much in Shanghai when I was lost. He helped me so much with my relationship with my future Chinese wife, and he helped me understand this city, this country, this culture...

I’m truly devastated. I already miss our private exchanges. I’m still crying—damn it, Yang...

Fabricia, Alan, Chris, could you please send me the details of the burial site in private?

Pat—Yang, thank you for everything, thank you again and always. Safe travels on the other shore. Stay strong to those around you... You were an incredible man with a rare intelligence...

Cédric/Philobate

Hi Cédric,

I just replied to you in a PM.

Best wishes.

Hi everyone, It's been a while since I last logged onto the forum, and I didn’t know Yangguizi personally, but I used to read his posts often. What can I say, what do you think? I’m just sad and thinking of his loved ones. He’s simply set off on another journey—he lived the way he wanted to. We’ll all see him again one day.

Safe travels, Yangguizi