Goodbye, Moderntimes

[khudecek]

It is with great sadness that I bring the news of the passing of Moderntimes, as he is known here at OBC. In the literary world, he was Sam Waas, author of the Mitch King Trilogy and a trusted book reviewer.

Sam had many friends and acquaintances. Personally speaking, he was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known. He was a mentor to new authors, giving us advice, helping with marketing, or steering us in the way we should go. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind and was always a straight-shooter. I didn't always agree with him but I always respected him

I know I speak for many when I say he will be missed.

Fly with the angels, Sam.

Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill
Meg Kimball

[gali]

It is sad news. I was shocked to hear he passed away. He was a valuable member and will be missed. May he rest in peace!

[bookowlie]

I just heard the heartbreaking news. I knew he was having surgery and hadn't seen his posts in a while. I just assumed he was recovering from surgery at home or in rehab. I had chatted with him frequently over the past few months and gotten to know him better. A true Renaissance man, he will certainly be missed by me and many others on this site.

[Heidi M Simone]

Such sad news...I remember him sharing how he was able to publish his book in hopes of helping aspiring authors. I've gotten to know him a little. May he rest in peace and God bless his family and friends during this rough time.

[Scott]

Goodbye, moderntimes. You will be missed.

[khudecek]

I remember getting into arguments with him on Facebook. We always ended it in a friendly way but he used to tweak me in the nose every now and then. I'd tweak him right back. It was never serious or over any serious issues but we had a tendency to irritate each other. I had (still do) such great respect for him. He helped me with a short story I was writing for a contest, gave me some excellent feedback, made suggestions, that sort of thing. I didn't win but that doesn't matter. I knew what he was telling me was on the mark.

I would get mad at him and call him, "King Sam". I didn't think it was funny then but when I look back at it, it was kind of comical albeit petty on my part.

I will miss him.

[bluemel4]

I am heartbroken by this news. He was a wonderful regular and a fountain of information. He will always be remembered fondly.

[bookowlie]

I started a thread in the Writing Discussion so that people can post their remembrances of his many contributions. Sam's love of the craft was so pure and I wanted to do something in tribute to him. I hope his girlfriend, family, and friends will take comfort in our fond memories of him

[TrishaAnn92]

Very sad. He always had good advice for those who needed it. I remeber a couple nights talking with him about becoming a published author, he always had good encouraging things to say.

[ReadandRoll[]

RIP Sam, you were a trove of information. Thank you for sharing.

[DATo]

Just stopped by the site to check for any new posts and saw bookowlie's tribute site for moderntimes which I thought a bit unusual and upon further investigation came upon this thread. To say the least I am both shocked and saddened by this news.

[Fran]

I am stunned at such sad news RIP

[Renee Bella]

Rest in Peace. I have not been here long, but I could tell that his advice was invaluable to many and for that, he has earned my respect. I wish I had gotten the chance to interact with him.

[MsMartha]

One of my first acquaintances on OBC, and one of my favorites. I miss him already!

[Mike_Lang]

Very sad news. He gave me several excellent book recommendations a few months ago. I had been meaning to try his books and never got around to it. I have just now added some to my "want to read" list.