new thread
Greeting to all mlhh members and users both past and present.It was recently brought to my attention that a long time member, and hyperboard moderator, known originally as "Urban Cowboy" but currently as "Ken In SF" has past away and is no longer with us.It was a shocker when I was told of this.I have no details on the cause of his passing but for now it time to remember the good times we all had here when Ken was active on the board.I had the good fortune of not only working with Ken as a fellow moderator, in addition to sharing messages on the board, but having met with Ken on my many trips to California over the years.Attached is a photo taken of Ken and myself together during one of my west coast trips many years ago.I know many of you have likely interacted with Ken at some point especially if you were active since 2005.Ken always had a great attitude when interacting with visitors to this site as he truly will be missed by many.The hyperboard had its heyday back in the early 2000s but It's my intention to keep it alive as long as you guys want to be a part of the community.For know let's all remember Ken an what he's meant to so many who've entered this site.You will never be forgotten Ken.Thank you for taking the time to read my statement.
Mârk aka Hairball
Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for posting this, and of course I am sorry to hear this sad news about Ken. Although I was never blessed to have met him personally, as you were, I always appreciated his positive spirit, his support for everyone, and his fun posts which brought a smile everyone. Like you, I was also blessed to have worked along side him as a fellow moderator. It’s too bad that I never had the chance to make that road trip that I mentioned a number of times in my early days on the hyper board, and meet him personally.
Also, you so much for sharing this very nice photo of you and Ken during that time when you were so fortunate to meet him personally.
It seems that so many of our “old gang” is no longer with us, sadly. Besides Ken, of course we lost Bill about ten years ago, and Walter about three years ago. (It was Justin who relayed that sad news to me when Walter passed away.). Also, speaking of Justin, I am deeply concerned that he has passed away as well. I have exchanged emails with him fairly regularly, and the last time that I heard from Justin, in August, he was gravely ill. I have t been able to get in touch with Justin since, so sadly, he may have passed. I haven’t been able to find any obituary, though, so it’s possible that Justin may still be with us, but in no condition to communicate anymore.
Thank you, Mark, and my thoughts are with Ken’s family and friends during this difficult time.
David
Hi David,
I'm glad to see you found this message being you were part of the "old gang" as your mentioned.I actually called Ken's employer today just to find out more details and apparently Ken ended up in the hospital and passed away in early July 2021.They didn't know any more details but that's how long its been.Ken last texted me in March of 2021 but never indicated having a health issue at that time.Regardless such a loss just like all the others you mentioned.In fact I wasn't aware Walter had passed as well but wondered about him since he hasn't been around for awhile.And now you mentioned Justin who also I haven't heard from in years.I attached a photo of one of our larger meetups back in 2010 as I'm sure you'll recognize all the characters in it.We were at Ken's brothers place in Princeton,CA for that shot.Such great memories now knowing many will never been seen again.
Hoping all is well with you David as you've been retired for many years now.My goal is to retire within the next two years as I'm totally ready.Thank you for your comments as that makes me feel better and knowing how much Ken was loved here.Keep the faith my friend!
Mârk aka Hairball
Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for sharing this photo of your meetup, and of course I recognize everyone. That also reminds me of Scott, and I haven’t seen him post in ages to the MLHH, and I hope that he is OK. I wonder whether you’ve heard from him at all lately?
I did find Walter’s obituary and tribute page online, and I think that this is the same one that Justin sent me two years ago after Walter passed. It was only through Justin’s detective work that I heard about this at all.
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/nv/pahrump/walter-john-slack-11553520
As for Justin, it’s a huge question mark. We exchanged emails once a week or so right up until a July-August or so. Justin and I shared a love of old fashioned clocks, and Justin also had a love of music, particularly composing pieces for the organ. He owned a couple of organs as well, and spent tine restoring them.
However, Justin’s health was really going downhill, including long term diabetes which was taking its toll. In his last email communication, he mentioned being seriously I’ll, and more or less, “waiting for the end”. I have been unable to reach him since, and I don’t have a phone number for him either. He never owned a cell ohone, by the way, and hated them with a passion. I have no idea whether he’s actually passed, or simply in a condition where’s he able to communicate with anyone. My search to see whether there is an actual obituary for him has been fruitless. I should also mention that he frequently uses the name “Craig” rather than “Justin”, particularly in the music field. I have searched both using Craig and Justin to no avail. I did find reference to a Craig Penfield in Forest Grove (not an obituary), but don’t know whether it’s the same person.
Thanks for asking about me as well, and fortunately, my health has remained decent and I am thoroughly enjoying my retirement. I have no desire to travel right now, though, particularly out of my country.
I hope that you are doing well also, Mark, and I’m sure that you’re looking forward to retirement. All the best!
David
Greetings David,
Thank you for that link to Walter's remembrance.I see he has been gone from us just over two years now and what a shame at what's still considered to be a young age by today's standards.In Ken's case I know he was in his 60s so even younger.Based on what you told me regarding Justin I feel the worst but maybe he just stepped back from being online especially if in poor health.Hopefully he will break his silence but if not maybe we'll never truly know what his fate may be.I know he used to post youtube videos of his organ playing and likely much of those are still available but I haven't looked in some time.Finally you mentioned Scott and I can say with certainty he is still around.I only know this because of his Facebook postings but it is odd that he appears to have abandoned the mlhh being he never posts or even comments.Anyway I'm happy to hear you are in good health still but sounds like your traveling days may be over.I recall you used to venture into the states which led to our one and only meetup.Anyway I just feel if we can get the word out I'm sure many on this site appreciate paying tribute to such fine gentlemen.All for now but as always keep the faith my friend!
Mârk aka Hairball
I am still alive but getting old. Almost 70 years old now.
Scott AKA Abaslom
Hi Scott,
Thanks for checking in, and glad to hear that you’re OK. Mark also mentioned it in his post as well. I don’t do Facebook, so wouldn’t have seen your posts over there.
I’ve got a few more years on the clock as well, and I turned 69 in August. Thankfully, the hair is still intact, lol.
David
Hi David,
It's good to see you posting. I was really concerned about you with that hurricane that went right up to Nova Scotia. I hope you didn't suffer any property loss or other harm.
I share your sadness over both Ken and Walter. I've been wondering about Walter as occasionally we'd see him approve a post or make one of his own but it had been a long time. That obituary was very short but some of the tributes were very touching. I didn't realize Walter liked cats so much as I do.
It is too bad that you didn't get to make that cross-country trip that you talked about but I know things come up. I happened to be visiting with some of my wife's relatives in San Francisco so had flown out there when I had my meet-up with Ken, Bill, and Larry. I know you would have enjoyed meeting them.
Of course, I'm also saddened to hear about Justin's poor health and possible passing as well. Justin put a lot of effort into MLHH over the years as both a moderator as serving as "president" for a time as well. Please let us know if you hear more.
Are you still golfing and walking lots?
Best,
Jason
Hi Jason,
It’s great to hear from you, and although I rarely post anymore, I definitely still read the posts on the hyper board, and of course, I was deeply saddened to hear about Ken’s passing. I don’t travel these days, and just prefer to stay closer to home. Fortunately, my health is good, and I’m still walking close to 10 miles per day and getting a couple of games of golf in per week as well. I don’t golf as often as I did in the past, though. Yes, I do feel badly that I never had the chance to meet Ken, but fortunately, I was still able to meet you on three different occasions, and Mark on another occasion as well.
Hurricane Fiona was actually one of the worst storms to ever hit Nova Scotia, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the province. There were also lots of trees down in Halifax, but not to the same degree as the other parts of the province that I mentioned. Fortunately, my particular street was affected less than most. At the height of the storm, about 80% of the population was without power. My street was without power for about 35 hours, but my condo does have a back up generator. There are still a few areas of northern Nova Scotia without power over two weeks after the storm.
I hope that you’re doing well also, and all the best to you and your family.
Best,
David
That's a relief that your area wasn't hit too badly but that's really concerning that there are still parts of Novia Scotia without power. That was one monster storm.
That's fantastic that you're still walking 10 miles daily and still doing quite a it of golf as well! That is so good for you. I'm still cycling and have now added running to my sports activities. I love being outside and appreciate the rewards of fitness.
My son is 10 now and still has long hair. Amanda is doing pretty well though she did get Covid over the summer that affected her quite a bit. My son and I fortunately have never gotten it.
Here's a photo of us from the summer at an area beach.
Hi Jason,
Thank you for sharing this lovely family photo, and I have to say, your fitness routine has worked wonders. Congratulations, and you look awesome!
That’s cool that your son still has long hair, and I’m glad to know that he still likes it that way.
I’m sorry to hear about Amanda, and I will keep my fingers crossed that she doesn’t suffer any long term effects. Like you, I’ve been very fortunate in avoiding Covid up to now. I remain very careful, though, keeping up with all my vaccines and boosters, and preferring to wear a mask whenever in crowded indoor places. My brother and his family all feel the same way, and none of them has gotten Covid up to now either.
Best,
David
Hi David,
Thanks. I find exercising outdoors does wonders for my mental health along with the physical benefits.
I'm glad that you also have avoided Covid so far. I've had 3 vaccine shots and should really be getting my fourth soon. Amanda only had one shot so that may have contributed to her getting it and me not. My son is also fully vaccinated. Like you, I continue to wear masks inside when I'm around people like when food shopping. I'd rather take the extra precaution than get Covid. I've had friends get long Covid and it's been a nightmare for them. Let's hope that eventually these variants will subside.
Take care and be safe!
Jason
It's wonderful to see such a happy family enjoying summer weather at the beach. I would have loved to have been allowed long hair at the age of 10. Your son looks happy and free in his inner values.
I never met Ken, but I think he sent one or two messages in response to my joining this group.
My own hair? Here is my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBt2evHlE6Q1tvbkdceT5NQ/videos
Some of the videos show me playing the organ with hair loose and tied up. It is definitely at terminal length. The sailing videos mainly show what is not me.
Wishing the whole group all the best.
Anthony
Hi Anthony,
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for your thoughts. Having been denied the choice of hair length growing up, I (and my wife) wanted to make sure that our son has total freedom in this area. So far, he's chosen to keep it long with no indications that this will change.
Congrats on achieving such an impressive mane yourself. You've "graduated" having reached terminal. I never did quite find out where my terminal length would be but I must have come close when it was at my lower back.
Good to hear from you!
Jason
Hi Mark,
Thanks for posting this wonderful photo of the whole gang! Just beautiful!
Ted
Thank you Ted for your kind reply to our little group photo from a snapshot moment in time.I will always remember that day from our lunchin' in Pescadero at Duarte's to our drive back up the coast highway going north.Still very sad to know three of those in that pic are no longer with us.We soldier on regardless as the torch eventually passes to the next generation.Keeping the faith.
Mârk aka Hairball
Hi Mark,
Thanks a lot for writing such a fine tribute to Ken. It's kind of odd how we came to find out because out of the blue I saw your photo on Facebook memories and started to wonder about Ken. After I asked, you then found out what happened that none of us had known about. I'm glad that we're at least aware of his passing though, of course, hope to learn more at some point.
Like you, I enjoyed working behind the scenes with Ken as a moderator and also his regular board presence. He had such a great sense of humor and was also such an ardent supporter of men with long hair. He also was blessed with great hair that I'm sure served as an inspiration to many.
I'm reposting one of the photos I had from my trip out to SF in December 2014 when I met Bill, Larry, and Ken. We had a great time walking around parts of the city and I got to see Bill's home. Ken's personality in person was just the same as online.
It's kind of sad to think about how active things used to be here and how much Ken was a part of it. Well, we have the archive for past discussions. It just shows we should savor life as we don't know how much longer any of us have.
Jason
Hi Jason,
I love the group picture of the three of you while visiting the Bay Area back then.I'm happy you had the opportunity to see the guys at least once since fate has taken two of then from us now.It's sad they are gone including Walter and the uncertainty of Justin.I miss the heyday of the mlhh before the facebook revolution.Always had nice conversations about hair care as well as our own personal interests.Who knows what the future of the hyperboard will be but at least there are sparks of life occasionally.
An interesting tidbit about Ken as I called his workplace last week and spoke with a nice women who knew Ken very well and raved about him.She told me Ken passed in July 2021 so already over a year ago.Later on I looked up Ken's workplace,Fern Lodge of Castro Valley, and found a facebook page for it.Reading some of the posts Ken was mentioned as he did work in the rose garden there.So even though Ken physically is no longer with us his memory lives on in that rose garden.
Hoping all is well with you as summer is gone and we move on into the fall season.Keep the faith my friend.
Mârk aka Hairball
It does seem that social media has played a pretty big role in lowering traffic not just to MLHH but other discussion boards as well. Facebook has groups that people go to and I think just making their own personal posts has supplanted going to boards some. We appreciate your efforts to keep MLHH going.
That's nice about the rose garden memory and Ken. I remember him caring for roses and other plants and it's definitely a memory that will be attributed to him.
I thought I'd post one more of my meet. Ken has his usual smile in this one!
Hi Jason,
Thank you for sharing that pic of the three of you doing the customary hair length shot for behind.Ken normally whips his pony tailed hair to the front thus we see his face but that's just his way of doing it.
I agree Facebook has more or less obsoleted message boards such as the mlhh.I recall many years ago a member suggested moving the mlhh to Facebook but I was against it at the time.In a way I like mlhh being its own website and not lost in the Facebook mayhem.Others obviously may have thought differently but that's water under the bridge at this juncture.
Mârk aka Hairball
Hi Mark,
Sorry to interrupt your discussion with Jason, but I just wanted to throw in my two cents and say that I’m very happy that the MLHH has never migrated over to Facebook. Although I don’t post much anymore, I still read the posts on MLHH, and in particular, would miss posts like yours updating us on Ken. For a number of reasons, I’ve had no desire to open a FB account, because, quite frankly, I don’t feel that I need one, nor the hassles that some people have had with FB.
David
Hi Jason,
What a beautiful photo of you guys! Thanks much for posting! Please take care you and your family!
Ted
Hi Ted,
It's been great to see your posts. I'm sorry for your losses. Life certainly has its ups and downs. I hope your new hair growth journey continues!
Yes, that meeting with the guys in SF is something I will always treasure.
Best,
Jason
It is a tragic loss indeed, may he rest in peace,
My sympathies to all those who loved him, shared good times with him. He was an inspiration to all.
Sorry to hear this sad news.
Hi Georges, appreciate your comments about Ken as I totally agree.He was a standout here back when he was more active.He truly was one of a kind.Cheers
Mârk aka Hairball
Hi,
It's sad news for Ken.
I've discovered this board in summer 2020. I've been lurking this board for several days and read most of the posts before send my first post. I read many posts and found people who think like me about theirs long hair. I saw that there are some very active members in the past, but now many are dead, and I didn't realize until now that most members are 60+ old. Bill were an important contributor, I read "On being a longhair" it's interesting.
I regret to not having found this community earlier, in the 2000s when I start to wear a ponytail and before social networks when this board was very active. There are many men long hair communities on Facebook, but it's not the same as a real website. Thanks to this board, I discovered that I'm not alone and that there are other people who think like me about long hair.
I also see that some members have very long hair and I said "why not me?". For 20 years I had shoulders blade length, I had long hair, and I was happy with that. Now thanks to you, I go for longer and now hair start to reach my waist.
If it's not a problem (website storage, bandwidth), I'll post more often photos, a contribution to keep this website alive.
I wish a long live to the MLHH, this website shouldn't die.
Greetings Jesus Forain,thank your for posting you thoughts and comments regarding this community.Its a huge loss when I learned Ken had passed away as I had no idea he had any serious medical issues.At least we have the archives so all Ken's past postings are there to read when he was more active.
Yes you came on board after the heyday of the mlhh but still its good to see its still semi active.It's cool when past members return to comment after years of absence.At one point it was suggested to migrate the mlhh over to Facebook but glad that never happened.I just like the independence of being our own website instead of being under the thumb of Facebook.As for posting pictures I'd say please do! It's very inspiring to see visual images with men growing their hair out that just plain text sometimes can't do.Anyway hope all is well with you and thank you for your participation on mlhh.Cheers!
Mârk aka Hairball
Hi,
I have the feeling that the World Wide Web is dying, killed by social networks and smartphone apps.
I have a website (about funfairs) and did the same observation: traffic has decreased since mid 2010s and I get very little participation, meanwhile Facebook groups are growing.
I also did this observation all over the Internet: personal websites doesn't exist anymore (who remembers Geocities?) and active boards in the 2000s are now inactive, have disappeared or are become a Facebook group.
People doesn't browse anymore the Web, it's not generation or age related, but when they went to the Internet for the first time. People who went to the Internet in the smartphone era doesn't browse, they just use apps and not even use a computer!
Facebook was fun in its beginnings, but took more and more room on the Internet with added features, and people deserted websites.
I was reluctant to create a Facebook account, but I did it under pressure because everyone were using FB. Things I don't like on FB are massive personal data collection and algorithms with an AI that show to you what it has decided. But the worst is the UI, which is a total mess.
It's not perfect, but there is a not so bad alternative to this: Reddit.
It looks like forums in the 2000s because it's topic related and not people related like social networks. There is no AI, more freedom, and it is auto moderated by users. There is also a very active men's long hair community, mainly pictures: https://www.reddit.com/r/FierceFlow/
I hope that one day people abandon all these apps and come back to the World Wide Web. The Web is the freedom: you own your website, you can do what you want and have yours own rules. You can even host your web server at home! My personal blog is hosted on a Raspberry Pi inside my home, so I have total control on it. The only drawback is that I live in the countryside and I can only have an ADSL connection with upload limited to 1Mb/s.
Hi Mark and everybody,
Wow, so sad to hear this sad news. My apologies for being absent for so long from this wonderful board. I only had a few interactions with Ken and boy were they too few. Ken was such a nice guy and I would have loved to meet him in person! Thanks for your beautiful and well written tribute to Ken. I will never forget Ken and his jovial messages he would post here.
Godspeed Ken and may you always Rest in Peace my friend!
Take care everyone, Ted
Hi Ted great to hear from you after all these years.If I'm correct you are Ted from San Antonio as indicated in our directory.Hoping all has been well with you since your last posting to the hyperboard.
Yes, it was very sad to learn Ken had passed away last year as I didn't even know until I reached out friend from San Francisco who knew him locally.Normally I go on vacation annually to the Bay Area and always made it a point to have a meetup with Ken and others while there.Of course I have not been out west since 2019 due to the Covid situation over the last couple years.It just won't be the same now with Ken no longer with us.He always had that bubbly, upbeat personality no matter the situation.At least I still have all the memories of Ken from my years of visiting which I'll always cherish.
Thank you Ted for stopping in and hope manybe we'll hear from you again sometime my friend.Keeping the faith! Cheers.
Mârk aka Hairball
Hello Mark,
I sure wish I could have met Ken in person! He was such a cool guy and I always loved to read his posts here. I remember he loved to dance to Country music. He would have loved it down here in Texas! He will be sorely missed that's for sure! May he always Rest in Peace!
I have been through quite a lot these past few years. My how the time flies. I got Covid and spent 8 days in the hospital. Can't believe I beat it with my health the way it is. At this point I have been on dialysis for 11 years. They have taken me off the kidney transplant list because of my weak heart. So I will be on dialysis for the rest of my life. I'm 56 now but haven't missed a dialysis treatment yet. Just have to keep going and keep the Faith!
I went through a divorce after being married for 20 years. Thank Goodness we are still amicable. I lost my only brother last year to lung cancer. He was only 51, but lived life in the fast lane. But I keep truckin' along. Maybe the Good Lord isn't ready for me yet. LOL. I am still growing my hair, but it seems to be growing slower nowadays. It's just now brushing top of my shoulders. I got tired of it a few years ago and chopped it off pretty short. It's taking longer than I thought to grow it back. I will try to post a picture soon. I apologize for the late reply and thank you for keeping this board going.
Please take care, Ted
Hello again, Mark,
Here is a photo before I cut my hair last time.
Hi Ted,
Thank you for the reply and included hair pic even if before being cut.I know some on here have done the same, even Ken from SF when he frequently mentioned his infamous Y2K haircut that he immediately regretted.That is one of the stories I'll always remember about Ken.The good thing is that you can always grow hair back but as you know its a slow process.
I did recall that you were on dialysis but its unfortunate to learn you are no longer on the transplant list.It would be so great for you to have gotten that just to get off dialysis but things happen for a reason I guess.The good thing is your acceptance of such things that are beyond our control.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your brother and the divorce.Life can really throw curve balls at us but I feel your strong enough to deal with these.Keep the faith comes to mind as I'm positive you'll soldier on and will not let this drag you down.
On a final note I'm happy to keep the mlhh up and running as long as you guys still care about its existence while we hope newbies join the ranks.Take care of yourself during these difficult times as better days are on the horizon my friend.Cheers.
Mârk aka Hairball
Hello Mark,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do remember Ken talking about his infamous haircut! Growing it back sure is a slow go! Especially since I'm older now it seems. But you know, they say good things take time!
I do accept the fact that I can't be on the transplant list. I put it in the hands of the Good Lord. He is in control. I am so thankful to be alive and able to get dialysis treatment. Some people take it for granted. I have seen way too many people pass away at my clinic. Some didn't last long at all unfortunately.
My ex wife and I are still friends and she realizes the error of her ways. I am helping her take care of her Mom since she's getting older. It's nice to be the bigger person and do the right thing. No more marriage for me.
My brother lived a hard life. He used every illegal drug and smoked and drank alcohol like there's no tomorrow. But the body can only take so much. I miss him but know he's in a better place now. You are correct. I am soldiering on in all parts of my life.
I thank you kindly for your positive comments! I do apologize for the late reply. And you also please take care of yourself! May you and your family have a very nice holiday season! Thanks again my friend!
Ted
Damn, just saw this. I didn't know Ken personally. But, I'm heartbroken nonetheless. Hard to believe we'll never see another post from our Urban Cowboy again. Or Walter, either. This truly sucks.
Very sorry to hear the passing of Ken :( . I was a member back in 2008 and Allways remember Ken being so positive towards me on my hair journey. My prayers go out to her family and friends for their loss.
I will remember that big smile of his
RIP Ken
Sincerely
Glinka
Thank you Glinka for your comments on Ken's passing.It was a shock to me and the fact it took a year to find out goes to show how disconnected we all became during the Covid lockdown.I'm not certain exactly what happened to Ken and likely may never know but still a huge loss.The last time I visited Ken out west was October 2019 and he was his usual self.Anyway I know its part of life but still he was a young man by today's standards.
Mârk aka Hairball
Very sorry to hear the passing of Ken :( . I was a member back in 2008 and Allways remember Ken being so positive towards me on my hair journey. My prayers go out to her family and friends for their loss.
I will remember that big smile of his
RIP Ken
Sincerely
Glinka
I never met Ken in person but did interact with him via this board on a number of occasions. In my opinion he was a top bloke, with a wonderful sense of humour and always sharing his encouragement to the newbies on their hair growing journeys. I will deeply miss his commentary. RIP Ken.
I check in here occasionally and I wasn't expecting this. RIP Ken
Nooh!! I've just checked into the MLHH for the first time in around 4 years and I'm gutted that Ken is no longer with us! Ken and Hairball were the main support of my hair growth journey way back and I'm so sorry Hairball I know how close you guys were.
Scott from Nottingham
RIP Ken
He was always super supportive and positive on this site. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
