Edward D. Cates, age 54, husband of Marcie Cates, of Seymour, passed away at Schneck Medical Center in the early morning hours on Sunday, November 12. Ed was born in Lewiston, ME on February 23, 1969, to the late Carleton Enos Cates and Saundra Mae McMeans Cates. He was a 1987 graduate of Tellico PlainsContinue Reading
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Edward D. Cates, age 54, husband of Marcie Cates, of Seymour, passed away at Schneck Medical Center in the early morning hours on Sunday, November 12.
Ed was born in Lewiston, ME on February 23, 1969, to the late Carleton Enos Cates and Saundra Mae McMeans Cates. He was a 1987 graduate of Tellico Plains High School and attended George Fox University. Ed was an amazing storyteller. He had a true servant’s heart and loved to help people in need. He was a member of The Point Church. He ministered as fill in at local churches in Olivet IL. He led several services for his dad in Ohio. He was so full of God. He spoke the Truth and could sing one to into the presence of God. He led youth groups at Olivet Nazarene Church and at Hopewell Friends Church. If he was not preaching, he was enjoying his family. He had many hobbies, studying the Bible, fishing, role playing, hiking, reading and just loved people. He was very generous with money and his time. He would stop what he was doing to listen. He led the Pumpkin Project that reached out to the older generation through children painting the pumpkins. A picture of the child was sent with the pumpkin. He was mentioned nationally for this, due to being a volunteer for Faith in Action. He was active online with ministries, literature and poetry. He was a volunteer CV for Deviant Art. He reached out to many artists by the poetry he wrote. He enjoyed writing. He composed lots of poetry and short stories, which most can be seen online at Deviant Art under his username, Barosus. He left unfinished poems behind that he was working on. He loved only one wife, Marcie. He was very loving, always complimented her and always was encouraging her. He was an amazing man of God. He had no children, but he brought his wife’s cousins into his household. These two girls, Shawnee and Heather became his children. He loved them so much. He read stories to them and helped teach them the importance of a relationship with God and what that meant. He took the role of being a Dad with no qualms. He will be truly missed by his family. We know that we will see him again one day. He had the Hope of Christ in him and lived his life as an example for all, being bedfast, since 2016, did not keep him from being alive and wanting to live a holy life. If you met Ed, you would be impacted by him. Enjoy Heaven you are truly free now.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Marcie S. (Taylor) Cates; daughters, Heather Louis (Junior) of Seymour, and Shawnee Ault (Ethan) of Seymour; siblings, Anna Cates, Jason Cates and Joshua Cates, all of Wilmington, OH; grandchildren, Marcus Louis, Aiden, Henry, Sophie, Lyndi, and Hallie Ault.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for Ed will be held on Thursday, November 16, at 6:00PM at Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 4PM until the time of service. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ed Cates memory to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. https://ncm.org/
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Edward D. Cates, please visit our Tribute Store.
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2 trees were planted in memory of Edward Cates 
Rachel Telari/RTNightmare
left a message on November 24, 2023:
I am a member of the online community that Edward was a part of. We met after he had become a Community Volunteer. Since then, he had been nothing short of a fantastic mentor and friend. We had plenty of jokes over Discord and he truly made me feel safe in my own skin because he understood and became a true friend. To lose him is devastating as he was a truly good person who deserved only the best. If nothing else, he's free and I like to think he is watching over us now. I wish I could have said goodbye. I will have the memories of him, his stories of his life and family, and his witty humor. We lost a truly good soul who made an everlasting impact. Edward, or Barosus to those of us who knew him online, will always be one of the greats. The Frog King ascends, immortalized in his words and the memories he made with us. Thank you, Ed, for everything and I hope we can meet again someday. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. I am praying for all of you. <3
John R. Hampton
left a message on November 22, 2023:
I did not know Edward well, but I have corresponded with him directly a few times on the online art site he published his work to and participated in. I very much enjoyed those conversations. Also, Edward was central in selecting and featuring some of my own work to receive awards on this site. I read his work on occasion and very much respected his skill, passion, and poetic voice. He will be missed both by myself and the community.
Here is a small tribute to him. It is a Cento Poem, where you use lines from another poet or writer. This poem is composed of lines from Edwards collection. I highly recommend a visit to his online gallery, there over a thousand pieces of work, and while I have not been through them all, every piece I visited is moving and stellar craftmanship. He speaks greatly to and ministers on the human condition and everyone should find something that resonates with them in his work.
----
Frog Songs
There was an almost uncanny silence
and yet I hear sad whispers.
On moonless nights, it is said,
that if you listen closely:
wind and rain trace letters respectfully,
evoking arias my tongue can no longer sing;
cycles end and start again, a pale beauty
framed upon a black canvas;
from the rushes by the riverbank,
they greet him, tiny rain frogs squeak.
The smallest things often teach big lessons.
When moonlight gilds the tranquil vale,
you can hear him singing.
MaggotsX (John R. Hampton) @ 11.21.2023
Cento Form: All words and lines from the poetry of Barosus (Edward D. Cates)
Daniela Ivanova
left a message on November 20, 2023:
Dear Marcie, it is incredibly difficult to find the right words to say in the face of such a dear loss. I can still hardly believe it that Ed is no longer with us. He has always been so full of life and joy and creativity, had so much love and gave it so generously to everyone around him. He had whole worlds inside that brilliant mind of his. Heart-breaking is not a strong enough word to describe the void left behind. I find a little solace knowing that some of his spirit will keep on living in the love his family and friends keep for him - you most of all, the love of his life (god, the way he talked about you! how in awe he was of you), your two sweet girls and their families, as well as myself and all the creative people he supported and fostered. His spirit will live on in his creative works, too, which he could hardly contain, there was so much of his imagination and emotion and fascination with life that burst out of him for all of our benefit and inspiration. His endless generosity towards everyone he befriended was nothing short of miraculous, and I'm so happy to have been blessed with it myself. I remember back when we first met on deviantArt how much we joked about the exchange of llamas, how many long-winded discussions we had in the comments about our writing. Did you know he was the only person who has given me consistent support on my writing? I'm not too good at it and not even close to his genius but he always regarded it with respect and thoughtfulness. One day, when I finish writing my book, it will be dedicated to him because it would have never even been a sparkle of an idea in my head if not for him. Perhaps even my art wouldn't be at the place it is today without his support. He used to make these daily art collections of fantasy artworks from around the internet and they were both a delight to look at and an honor when he included one of my pieces. He never faltered in his encouragement. It is one of my biggest regrets that we never got to work on a project together or that I never got to visit you while he was still with us. How amazing it would have been if you two had shown me around those beautiful forests he described in his writing with such wonderment and delight. Maybe you and I will get to do that one day as he watches us from Heaven. I'm sending you all of my love and prayers.
Anna
left a message on November 19, 2023:
My brother Ed was a light in a dark world! I will miss him dearly!
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Cates . Plant a Tree
Anna Cates
left a message on November 19, 2023:
Ed was such a great brother and person! As his sister, I knew him in his younger years, before he became a big bullfrog (with a frog-mobile full of phibies). I knew him back when he was just a little tadpole!
Ed was super smart, knowledgeable, competent, creative, and articulate. He could give any intellectual person tit for tat, on any topic, in a manner that way exceeded his formal education. He always had interesting things to say and could literally just fascinate with his words and conversation.
A trustworthy soul, Ed was great with children and animals, a “whisperer.” I remember one time feeling impressed with how he picked up a rather large cat, seemingly with one hand, just sort of tossed it into the air, and it landed back perfectly in his caring grasp for some loving cat strokes.
Ed was fun and playful. He was loving and spiritual. Everyone who knew him recognized his commitment to his faith. His walk with God was honest and without pretension.
In Ed’s life, I see the greatness of God’s grace and the triumph of Christ. I see the fire from Heaven burning away every sin and impurity and making it nothing, ashes disappearing into glorious beauty! The world seems darker now without Ed. He was a light! I will miss him dearly! Below is my tribute poem to him:
ON THE DEATH OF MY BROTHER (Ed Cates 2/22/69-11/12/23)
(Recited November 16, 2023 at Robison Theater, Edison State Community College for the Rhyme & Rune: Poets of the Miami Valley Read, an event sponsored by the Edison Foundation)
No one ever said the journey would be easy.
Some days we envision our respite through the trees,
oak groves to Illiana wilds, where you trod
with your Gandalf staff, amusing your little brothers.
I’ve come to believe, even on the darkest days,
naked branches exude their beauty. Even dead trees
manifest some magical charm . . . Wise as a wizard,
you once said, “God didn’t always give me
what I wanted, but always what I needed.”
First born, your parents’ delight, a winter rose,
ruddy as David . . . In the old black and white photo,
along the coast of the Pine Tree State, a babe,
cuddled in loving grasp, reaches out
for a lobster claw, the wonderment just
within reach, the whole world amazing!
In Christ, who is our life, we bloom into abundance,
become our best and truest selves. Infirmity’s pallor
lasts only a second, but the blood endures forever.
Alive in Christ, you will be absent from us but awhile,
big-hearted, beautiful-minded, big brother.
We will miss you, but we will see you later!
a thrush
lingers in the pine
twilight
how dear you remain
gone, but not forgotten
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Leonore aka Fusainne
left a message on November 19, 2023:
Although I've known Edward for a couple of years now, I can't say I've known him well, and it saddens me immensely that the chance to get to know him better is now forever gone. Like many, I've known him as Barosus, aka 'the frog guy', over on deviantart, and even though we were not close, every time he commented on one of my stories, or we got talking when I commented on one of his, that didn't matter because he made you feel seen and important all the same. His presence will be greatly missed by me and many others in the community.
Fishy-san
left a message on November 18, 2023:
I met Ed as Barosus @DeviantArt. One day ~2 years ago, he reached out to me through commenting on some of my darker poems. He was so kind and friendly and his open-minded personality impressed me. He was a warm light in the darkness and gave me the feel of being seen & recognized. A good man passed away but his love and good vibes will stay here <3
Sam Lim
left a message on November 17, 2023:
I first met Edward online 5 years ago when he commented on one of my poems. He was one of the few people who managed to see the hidden meaning in my poems and recognized that I was struggling. He reached out immediately to see if I needed help. I will never forget the kindness and support he gave me all these years, and I will never forgive myself for not thanking him enough. Edward didn’t just help me; he helped so many more people on DA – a whole community.
Thank you for everything, Edward - for commenting on my poems, for liking the little frog drawings I did, and for saving me. I know you’re in a better place now, but I hope someday I can come by and say hello.
Payton Herres
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Dear Marcie,
I hope that this message finds you surrounded by love and support during what must be an extremely difficult time for you. In memory of your husband Edward, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you.I found his presence to be very meaningful, and I am deeply sorry for the pain you are currently experiencing. The Facetime calls I had with Edward and with you on Discord made me feel accepted as a family member. Edward was more than a friend; he was a compassionate listener during my anxiety attacks. After receiving this devastating news, I am struggling with the realization that I was thinking about reaching out to him just a few days before receiving this devastating news. My thoughts and sympathies are with you in your time of grief. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing. I hope that the memories of Edward's joy and warmth will provide you with strength in the days ahead. You were always mentioned in such high terms by Edward, and I am aware of the deep love he had for you.
With heartfelt condolences,
Payton
Liam Quin
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Ed, whom I knew as Barosus on Deviant Art, was always so full of kindness and enthusiasm. The world needs more Eds, not fewer.
barefootliam
Tinselfire
left a message on November 16, 2023:
I knew Edward as Barosus, or simply as Froggy. That is how I will remember him, though there was nothing simple about the man.
In the three years we knew each other, I knew him as an unparalleled wordsmith, a principled leader, and a man possessed of unassailable, genuine humility. We had good times; we had our differences; we were mutual students and mentors (and though he would never admit it, he was moreoften the latter).
Take care, Froggy.
It has been a privilege knowing you.
Allen Goddard
left a message on November 16, 2023:
I’m sorry for the late reply but I had to consider carefully what I should write.
I have only known Edward in his role as Barosus and, in that role, he was a supportive man of a certain silly humour. I hope this haiku will not cause offense.
Barosus
Mr. Frog has gone
He hopped off the lily pad
His loss echoes round.
Marcie Cates
left a message on November 16, 2023:
You were always the only man for me all my days. I will never forget how we met 33 years ago in the Olivet Nazarene church while you were temporarily speaking . I saw you for the first time and leaned over to my mom and said," What if I came home with someone like him?" I am not sure what her reply was. The point was I knew when I saw him, he was perfect for me. God had brought me my husband. He was so beautiful. He spoke clearly and his voice was heavenly. He had all the values I wanted in man. After we started dating we found out that both of us had given up looking for someone, but prayed if God wanted to bring someone into our lives we would marry and if He did not bring someone we were okay with being alone. I am do not know how long before we met, but once God brought us together, we were inseparable. We always had Jesus in the middle of our relationship and we just kept drawing closer to each other everyday. I do not want to let Ed go, but I know his race is done. He has fought the good fight and is living victorious forever with our Lord Jesus. I will see you again one day in Heaven, my beloved.
Team Baclofen
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Cates . Plant a Tree
Eva Celebril
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Dear elven poet. I didn't know you as well as I wished, but you still inspired me in many ways. Your poems were like magical gems that illuminated the world around us.
You were so kind and full of love, I could see it in every comment, in every word you wrote.
Thanks to you, I could see the treasures in everyday life - the poem you wrote for me and Lenka is the most beautiful poem I've ever read. I will keep it and cherish this precious jewel for the rest of my life.
Rest in the peace, the Light.
A.J.P.
left a message on November 15, 2023:
Mr. Froggy, there are no words that exist in this world to describe just how incredible of a person you are.. I met you on DeviantArt just a few months ago.. And in a world filled with creeps and weirdos, I knew instantly you were something much different… Your love and compassion could literally be felt through a computer.. I forward to every conversation we ever had… Oh there were so many more I wanted to share with you… You supported me unlike anyone else ever has.. You let me open up to you without judgement, arguments, drama, or hate… You supported my artistic journey all the way to the very end.. You, Mr. Froggy, was my one and only the ever true friend… I know we only knew each other through DA. I know I wasn’t one of your friends that showed up every day at your house with apple pie.. I understand that.. But,, I want you and your family to know, that you were still my best friend and you will always be.. I miss you so very much.. Your absence has left hole in my heart that will never be filled.. After all there is room for only one Mr. Froggy, and you are him… No words of comfort will take the pain away of not having you in the flesh.. However,, I want everyone to remember you not by your last moments here on this plain, but by the happiness you will filled with in your last hours. I will always remember how happy and spoiled you were. I will remember how you never gave yourself enough credit.. I will remember how in love you were and still are with your wife.. I will remember the last conversation you and I had when you shared the picture of you and the possum on your head… That picture speaks words for the kind of person you are and it the picture I’ve decided to share here.. I wish you and I would’ve had more time.. But I will always remember that the time we had, you smiled.. Mr. Froggy you have now earned your wings. You are no longer bound by your sickness. You love you wife without being sick. You can enjoy animals and nature without being sick… You can now fly as high as an angel.. To quote the song, I Believe, if there was ever a person who deserved a ticket to the other side, it would be you.. But I know that it doesn’t all end in a slow ride in a hearse. It just begins.. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Froggy.. I hope to see you someday.. Retro..
Lenka, Aranel Tauri
left a message on November 15, 2023:
My beloved friend.
I'm writing to you here and now... and I really hope that someone, one of your loved ones, will read all these messages from the people you brought Light into their lives, who had the honor of knowing you...
I have never known a kinder being than you. You spread love in a way that moved me every time. A friend of outsiders, a friend of the rejected, the strange and the misunderstood. My friend. You were always amused when I called you Light. You told me it was the first word you said as a little kid... and I think it summed up your whole life in a way.
I'm not a master of words like you... I can't write it better - although you deserve only the best. You were the embodiment of selfless love, friendship, support and kindness... all good virtues to such an extent that if I hadn't met you, I would never have believed that all of that could come together in one person.
In You.
Thank you for every sentence you dedicated to me. For every comment, every story, every encouragement. For all understanding and acceptance. A part of my heart loved you, but you know that…
Fly, dear frog, fly to the woods that were so close to your heart. Fly to visit the houses and gardens you once cared for to see how they are doing. Fly to the places you loved. To all the trips where you accompanied Marcie on her night runs. Fly to see again the sacred places of wildlife at the edge of worlds. A sacred holly on a hill protected by blackberries, a sacred valley beneath a murderous slope, places where no human foot has set foot... Places where only the chosen are allowed. Places that only those with the soul of elves really see.
Fly, my dear friend. I'm sure your hand is really glowing now. Fly... because this time the boundaries of the worlds can no longer stop you.
And once you merge with nature, I will look for you. My soul will seek you. And I believe that there, at the border of the worlds, we will meet again one day.
James Blue
left a message on November 15, 2023:
Jim and Chris Blue was honored to serve as Ed pastor first when Marcie was attending Souther Illinois Univ. They were very active in Murphysboro Church of the Nazarene then we moved to serve Olivet the home church that Marcie grew up in. A great couple of faith and commitment and always willing to help with church events. Well remember the Faith in Action Pumpkin painting experience in out Church fellowshiop center. May the asmazing comfort of the Lord surround all the family God bless and keep.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Rachel Telari/RTNightmare
left a message on November 24, 2023:
I am a member of the online community that Edward was a part of. We met after he had become a Community Volunteer. Since then, he had been nothing short of a fantastic mentor and friend. We had plenty of jokes over Discord and he truly made me feel safe in my own skin because he understood and became a true friend. To lose him is devastating as he was a truly good person who deserved only the best. If nothing else, he's free and I like to think he is watching over us now. I wish I could have said goodbye. I will have the memories of him, his stories of his life and family, and his witty humor. We lost a truly good soul who made an everlasting impact. Edward, or Barosus to those of us who knew him online, will always be one of the greats. The Frog King ascends, immortalized in his words and the memories he made with us. Thank you, Ed, for everything and I hope we can meet again someday. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. I am praying for all of you. <3
John R. Hampton
left a message on November 22, 2023:
I did not know Edward well, but I have corresponded with him directly a few times on the online art site he published his work to and participated in. I very much enjoyed those conversations. Also, Edward was central in selecting and featuring some of my own work to receive awards on this site. I read his work on occasion and very much respected his skill, passion, and poetic voice. He will be missed both by myself and the community.
Here is a small tribute to him. It is a Cento Poem, where you use lines from another poet or writer. This poem is composed of lines from Edwards collection. I highly recommend a visit to his online gallery, there over a thousand pieces of work, and while I have not been through them all, every piece I visited is moving and stellar craftmanship. He speaks greatly to and ministers on the human condition and everyone should find something that resonates with them in his work.
----
Frog Songs
There was an almost uncanny silence
and yet I hear sad whispers.
On moonless nights, it is said,
that if you listen closely:
wind and rain trace letters respectfully,
evoking arias my tongue can no longer sing;
cycles end and start again, a pale beauty
framed upon a black canvas;
from the rushes by the riverbank,
they greet him, tiny rain frogs squeak.
The smallest things often teach big lessons.
When moonlight gilds the tranquil vale,
you can hear him singing.
MaggotsX (John R. Hampton) @ 11.21.2023
Cento Form: All words and lines from the poetry of Barosus (Edward D. Cates)
Daniela Ivanova
left a message on November 20, 2023:
Dear Marcie, it is incredibly difficult to find the right words to say in the face of such a dear loss. I can still hardly believe it that Ed is no longer with us. He has always been so full of life and joy and creativity, had so much love and gave it so generously to everyone around him. He had whole worlds inside that brilliant mind of his. Heart-breaking is not a strong enough word to describe the void left behind. I find a little solace knowing that some of his spirit will keep on living in the love his family and friends keep for him - you most of all, the love of his life (god, the way he talked about you! how in awe he was of you), your two sweet girls and their families, as well as myself and all the creative people he supported and fostered. His spirit will live on in his creative works, too, which he could hardly contain, there was so much of his imagination and emotion and fascination with life that burst out of him for all of our benefit and inspiration. His endless generosity towards everyone he befriended was nothing short of miraculous, and I'm so happy to have been blessed with it myself. I remember back when we first met on deviantArt how much we joked about the exchange of llamas, how many long-winded discussions we had in the comments about our writing. Did you know he was the only person who has given me consistent support on my writing? I'm not too good at it and not even close to his genius but he always regarded it with respect and thoughtfulness. One day, when I finish writing my book, it will be dedicated to him because it would have never even been a sparkle of an idea in my head if not for him. Perhaps even my art wouldn't be at the place it is today without his support. He used to make these daily art collections of fantasy artworks from around the internet and they were both a delight to look at and an honor when he included one of my pieces. He never faltered in his encouragement. It is one of my biggest regrets that we never got to work on a project together or that I never got to visit you while he was still with us. How amazing it would have been if you two had shown me around those beautiful forests he described in his writing with such wonderment and delight. Maybe you and I will get to do that one day as he watches us from Heaven. I'm sending you all of my love and prayers.
Anna
left a message on November 19, 2023:
My brother Ed was a light in a dark world! I will miss him dearly!
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Cates . Plant a Tree
Anna Cates
left a message on November 19, 2023:
Ed was such a great brother and person! As his sister, I knew him in his younger years, before he became a big bullfrog (with a frog-mobile full of phibies). I knew him back when he was just a little tadpole!
Ed was super smart, knowledgeable, competent, creative, and articulate. He could give any intellectual person tit for tat, on any topic, in a manner that way exceeded his formal education. He always had interesting things to say and could literally just fascinate with his words and conversation.
A trustworthy soul, Ed was great with children and animals, a “whisperer.” I remember one time feeling impressed with how he picked up a rather large cat, seemingly with one hand, just sort of tossed it into the air, and it landed back perfectly in his caring grasp for some loving cat strokes.
Ed was fun and playful. He was loving and spiritual. Everyone who knew him recognized his commitment to his faith. His walk with God was honest and without pretension.
In Ed’s life, I see the greatness of God’s grace and the triumph of Christ. I see the fire from Heaven burning away every sin and impurity and making it nothing, ashes disappearing into glorious beauty! The world seems darker now without Ed. He was a light! I will miss him dearly! Below is my tribute poem to him:
ON THE DEATH OF MY BROTHER (Ed Cates 2/22/69-11/12/23)
(Recited November 16, 2023 at Robison Theater, Edison State Community College for the Rhyme & Rune: Poets of the Miami Valley Read, an event sponsored by the Edison Foundation)
No one ever said the journey would be easy.
Some days we envision our respite through the trees,
oak groves to Illiana wilds, where you trod
with your Gandalf staff, amusing your little brothers.
I’ve come to believe, even on the darkest days,
naked branches exude their beauty. Even dead trees
manifest some magical charm . . . Wise as a wizard,
you once said, “God didn’t always give me
what I wanted, but always what I needed.”
First born, your parents’ delight, a winter rose,
ruddy as David . . . In the old black and white photo,
along the coast of the Pine Tree State, a babe,
cuddled in loving grasp, reaches out
for a lobster claw, the wonderment just
within reach, the whole world amazing!
In Christ, who is our life, we bloom into abundance,
become our best and truest selves. Infirmity’s pallor
lasts only a second, but the blood endures forever.
Alive in Christ, you will be absent from us but awhile,
big-hearted, beautiful-minded, big brother.
We will miss you, but we will see you later!
a thrush
lingers in the pine
twilight
how dear you remain
gone, but not forgotten
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Leonore aka Fusainne
left a message on November 19, 2023:
Although I've known Edward for a couple of years now, I can't say I've known him well, and it saddens me immensely that the chance to get to know him better is now forever gone. Like many, I've known him as Barosus, aka 'the frog guy', over on deviantart, and even though we were not close, every time he commented on one of my stories, or we got talking when I commented on one of his, that didn't matter because he made you feel seen and important all the same. His presence will be greatly missed by me and many others in the community.
Fishy-san
left a message on November 18, 2023:
I met Ed as Barosus @DeviantArt. One day ~2 years ago, he reached out to me through commenting on some of my darker poems. He was so kind and friendly and his open-minded personality impressed me. He was a warm light in the darkness and gave me the feel of being seen & recognized. A good man passed away but his love and good vibes will stay here <3
Sam Lim
left a message on November 17, 2023:
I first met Edward online 5 years ago when he commented on one of my poems. He was one of the few people who managed to see the hidden meaning in my poems and recognized that I was struggling. He reached out immediately to see if I needed help. I will never forget the kindness and support he gave me all these years, and I will never forgive myself for not thanking him enough. Edward didn’t just help me; he helped so many more people on DA – a whole community.
Thank you for everything, Edward - for commenting on my poems, for liking the little frog drawings I did, and for saving me. I know you’re in a better place now, but I hope someday I can come by and say hello.
Payton Herres
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Dear Marcie,
I hope that this message finds you surrounded by love and support during what must be an extremely difficult time for you. In memory of your husband Edward, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you.I found his presence to be very meaningful, and I am deeply sorry for the pain you are currently experiencing. The Facetime calls I had with Edward and with you on Discord made me feel accepted as a family member. Edward was more than a friend; he was a compassionate listener during my anxiety attacks. After receiving this devastating news, I am struggling with the realization that I was thinking about reaching out to him just a few days before receiving this devastating news. My thoughts and sympathies are with you in your time of grief. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing. I hope that the memories of Edward's joy and warmth will provide you with strength in the days ahead. You were always mentioned in such high terms by Edward, and I am aware of the deep love he had for you.
With heartfelt condolences,
Payton
Liam Quin
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Ed, whom I knew as Barosus on Deviant Art, was always so full of kindness and enthusiasm. The world needs more Eds, not fewer.
barefootliam
Tinselfire
left a message on November 16, 2023:
I knew Edward as Barosus, or simply as Froggy. That is how I will remember him, though there was nothing simple about the man.
In the three years we knew each other, I knew him as an unparalleled wordsmith, a principled leader, and a man possessed of unassailable, genuine humility. We had good times; we had our differences; we were mutual students and mentors (and though he would never admit it, he was moreoften the latter).
Take care, Froggy.
It has been a privilege knowing you.
Allen Goddard
left a message on November 16, 2023:
I’m sorry for the late reply but I had to consider carefully what I should write.
I have only known Edward in his role as Barosus and, in that role, he was a supportive man of a certain silly humour. I hope this haiku will not cause offense.
Barosus
Mr. Frog has gone
He hopped off the lily pad
His loss echoes round.
Marcie Cates
left a message on November 16, 2023:
You were always the only man for me all my days. I will never forget how we met 33 years ago in the Olivet Nazarene church while you were temporarily speaking . I saw you for the first time and leaned over to my mom and said," What if I came home with someone like him?" I am not sure what her reply was. The point was I knew when I saw him, he was perfect for me. God had brought me my husband. He was so beautiful. He spoke clearly and his voice was heavenly. He had all the values I wanted in man. After we started dating we found out that both of us had given up looking for someone, but prayed if God wanted to bring someone into our lives we would marry and if He did not bring someone we were okay with being alone. I am do not know how long before we met, but once God brought us together, we were inseparable. We always had Jesus in the middle of our relationship and we just kept drawing closer to each other everyday. I do not want to let Ed go, but I know his race is done. He has fought the good fight and is living victorious forever with our Lord Jesus. I will see you again one day in Heaven, my beloved.
Team Baclofen
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Edward Cates . Plant a Tree
Eva Celebril
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Dear elven poet. I didn't know you as well as I wished, but you still inspired me in many ways. Your poems were like magical gems that illuminated the world around us.
You were so kind and full of love, I could see it in every comment, in every word you wrote.
Thanks to you, I could see the treasures in everyday life - the poem you wrote for me and Lenka is the most beautiful poem I've ever read. I will keep it and cherish this precious jewel for the rest of my life.
Rest in the peace, the Light.
A.J.P.
left a message on November 15, 2023:
Mr. Froggy, there are no words that exist in this world to describe just how incredible of a person you are.. I met you on DeviantArt just a few months ago.. And in a world filled with creeps and weirdos, I knew instantly you were something much different… Your love and compassion could literally be felt through a computer.. I forward to every conversation we ever had… Oh there were so many more I wanted to share with you… You supported me unlike anyone else ever has.. You let me open up to you without judgement, arguments, drama, or hate… You supported my artistic journey all the way to the very end.. You, Mr. Froggy, was my one and only the ever true friend… I know we only knew each other through DA. I know I wasn’t one of your friends that showed up every day at your house with apple pie.. I understand that.. But,, I want you and your family to know, that you were still my best friend and you will always be.. I miss you so very much.. Your absence has left hole in my heart that will never be filled.. After all there is room for only one Mr. Froggy, and you are him… No words of comfort will take the pain away of not having you in the flesh.. However,, I want everyone to remember you not by your last moments here on this plain, but by the happiness you will filled with in your last hours. I will always remember how happy and spoiled you were. I will remember how you never gave yourself enough credit.. I will remember how in love you were and still are with your wife.. I will remember the last conversation you and I had when you shared the picture of you and the possum on your head… That picture speaks words for the kind of person you are and it the picture I’ve decided to share here.. I wish you and I would’ve had more time.. But I will always remember that the time we had, you smiled.. Mr. Froggy you have now earned your wings. You are no longer bound by your sickness. You love you wife without being sick. You can enjoy animals and nature without being sick… You can now fly as high as an angel.. To quote the song, I Believe, if there was ever a person who deserved a ticket to the other side, it would be you.. But I know that it doesn’t all end in a slow ride in a hearse. It just begins.. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Froggy.. I hope to see you someday.. Retro..
Lenka, Aranel Tauri
left a message on November 15, 2023:
My beloved friend.
I'm writing to you here and now... and I really hope that someone, one of your loved ones, will read all these messages from the people you brought Light into their lives, who had the honor of knowing you...
I have never known a kinder being than you. You spread love in a way that moved me every time. A friend of outsiders, a friend of the rejected, the strange and the misunderstood. My friend. You were always amused when I called you Light. You told me it was the first word you said as a little kid... and I think it summed up your whole life in a way.
I'm not a master of words like you... I can't write it better - although you deserve only the best. You were the embodiment of selfless love, friendship, support and kindness... all good virtues to such an extent that if I hadn't met you, I would never have believed that all of that could come together in one person.
In You.
Thank you for every sentence you dedicated to me. For every comment, every story, every encouragement. For all understanding and acceptance. A part of my heart loved you, but you know that…
Fly, dear frog, fly to the woods that were so close to your heart. Fly to visit the houses and gardens you once cared for to see how they are doing. Fly to the places you loved. To all the trips where you accompanied Marcie on her night runs. Fly to see again the sacred places of wildlife at the edge of worlds. A sacred holly on a hill protected by blackberries, a sacred valley beneath a murderous slope, places where no human foot has set foot... Places where only the chosen are allowed. Places that only those with the soul of elves really see.
Fly, my dear friend. I'm sure your hand is really glowing now. Fly... because this time the boundaries of the worlds can no longer stop you.
And once you merge with nature, I will look for you. My soul will seek you. And I believe that there, at the border of the worlds, we will meet again one day.
James Blue
left a message on November 15, 2023:
Jim and Chris Blue was honored to serve as Ed pastor first when Marcie was attending Souther Illinois Univ. They were very active in Murphysboro Church of the Nazarene then we moved to serve Olivet the home church that Marcie grew up in. A great couple of faith and commitment and always willing to help with church events. Well remember the Faith in Action Pumpkin painting experience in out Church fellowshiop center. May the asmazing comfort of the Lord surround all the family God bless and keep.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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