Very depressing news.. I had feared for the worst for some time now, given that he had not been active here, and had not responded to messages I sent previously. Den was one of the few people "online" who I considered a true friend, and I will sorely miss his presence here. While I had not spoken much with him over the past couple of years (where does the time go? ), he was always helpful and always ready to give clear insight on whatever issue we discussed. He was very wise, and not only on the subject of computers. While not the subject of this forum, he understood historical and political nuances that befuddle most.
I believe my first interaction with him revolved around problems with a flash drive.. and IIRC by the time it was over the discussion included rloew and jaclaz as well. Now of these greats only jaclaz remains with us. I never expected to become one of the "old ones" - yet here I am.
My pitiful knowledge can never live up to the bar set by Den and others, and I will never be the "diplomat" that he could be when dealing with differing viewpoints and difficult members. I know that this forum and the collection of knowledge that it represents mattered to him, so let us all work to continue and preserve it in memory of him.
Rest in peace my friend. You will not be forgotten.