RIP Neil Armstrong

[cjolley]

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/25/us/neil-armstrong-obit/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

"We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures," Armstrong's family said in a statement.
Armstrong underwent heart surgery this month.
"While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves," his family said.
...

From the family:

"For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

Nine Myths about Neil Armstrong here

[Jammrock]

may he rest in peace.

It's a sad thought to think: but with the youngest man to walk on the moon 76 years old which means there is a good chance that we'll lose all of them before we put another person on the moon.

[paulw]

RIP. Was a great explorer. When I heard the news this morning I suddenly felt old as space exploration is something you think as a recent thing..,

[Elie]

RIP Neil!!

[TransformX]

George Takei said it beautifully (on Facebook):

With him, we all took one giant leap towards the heavens. May he rest in peace as he rejoins them.

[Dr Mordrid]

Yup, Takei nailed it. What a wonderful sentiment.

Who can forget Armstrong's service in Korea, his test flights on X-1A, X-20 Dyna Soar, X-15, his pulling Gemini 8 out of a death spin during re-entry or his punching out of the lunar module simulator just before it crashed? An amazing pilot & engineer wirh big brass cahones.

[cjolley]

... An amazing pilot & engineer wirh big brass cahones.

And a big brass lack of ego to go with it.
Not many like him.

[Jammrock]

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/08/endymion

(For Neil Armstrong)

In her white silent place, the hangings dust,
grey pebbles stretching to the edge of black
so far away. The goddess feels a lack
somewhere elsewhere, an ache deep as her crust

and weeps dry tears. The gentleman is gone
the first who ever called. His feet were light
as he danced on her. Went into the night
quite soon, his calling and his mission done

yet still his marks remain. Footfalls and flag.
The others she forgets. He was the first
to slake her ages long and lonely thirst
for suitors. Now she feels the years drag

as they did not before he came to call.
Our grief compared to hers weighs naught at all.