RIP Mr Neutral Gary Griffin

[muskieman]

I am sorry to make my first post here sad news.

Gary Griffin (Mr Neutral) died this morning at Cedars Sinai at 4:30 AM (PST).....he was made comfortable all day yesterday and last night and just stopped breathing. He gave it his all but he was done.

My all Xavier nation bend a knee and ask GOD to be merciful for Gary.

[GuyFawkes38]

This is a punch to the gut. RIP.

[XU 87]

I'm really sorry to hear that.

[nuts4xu]

Thanks for the update Muskieman, hope to see you around here some more.

RIP Gary, hope you are having a pint with Skip, Pablo, and Fr Hoff this Saturday while watching the Muskies!!

[danaandvictory]

Horrible news. A great XU fan.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Sad news indeed. RIP Mr. N. You are now in a better place, free from pain and worldly troubles. Xavier Nation has lost a true fan and a great person. We will miss you.:facepalm:

[MHettel]

Terrible news. For all you "new" members of these XU message boards, you missed some EPIC discussions including GMGXU72 (I think that was his name) going all the way back to 1997.

sad

[Muskie]

Gary will be missed. I enjoyed our few yearly emails back and forth and the couple of times I met him through LHS.
Rest in Peace friend.

[LA Muskie]

RIP Gary. Wish I had a chance to know you.

[XUFan09]

This is a punch to the gut. RIP.

I couldn't describe it better...

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[RealDeal]

I think Gary was on the original AOL Xavier board in 1994. I remember using dial up to get on that board. He was as obsessed as I am with X hoops. RIP.

[BlueGuy]

I think Gary was on the original AOL Xavier board in 1994. I remember using dial up to get on that board. He was as obsessed as I am with X hoops. RIP.

I'm pretty sure I remember him from the Xavier Roundtable board. Are any of those old forums archived? As someone already mentioned, Gary was involved in great debates on the various message boards over the years. It would be fun to go back and read some of them.

[X-man]

Really sad news indeed. I met him only once when he came back to town for a Xavier game, but what a great guy. He fought the good fight, but that cancer foe can be really tough to beat.

[kyxu]

Xavier Nation has lost a great fan and person. Such sad news.

Deliver this season for Gary.

[GoMuskies]

What was the name of the alternative to the Roundtable that everyone had to divert to when Snipe shut the Roundtable down for too much Skip-bashing? That was Gary's board, right? Which then led to Musketeer Madness.

[wkrq59]

RIP Gary. Wish I had a chance to know you.

Same here, LA, and it is a punch all over, too. I'll have more to say later. God Bless you, Gary.

[blobfan]

I was praying this thread would not appear. At least not so soon. I never met him but he certainly livened up the MM board. His passion for Xavier cannot be denied.

Rest in Peace sir.

[xudash]

I was praying this thread would not appear. At least not so soon. I never met him but he certainly livened up the MM board. His passion for Xavier cannot be denied.

Rest in Peace sir.

My thoughts exactly. It didn't sound promising, but you always hope for the best.

God's speed Gary. One day very soon, in perhaps a year or two, the winning free throw for the National Championship will be attempted by a Xavier player who isn't even in uniform yet. It will hit the back of the rim and bounce high into the air, then it will spin its way through the hoop as Xavier Nation goes nuts.

The ref will pick-up the ball, look at it strangely, smell it to find a hint of beer on it, and walk away, having no idea what the hell just happened.

You get to see it all from premium seating.

God bless you.

[xsteve1]

RIP Gary. Definitely sad to hear this. I never met him personally but through these X boards seemed like a great guy. Definitely a legend on the X message board scene.
Prayers to his family.

[boozehound]

This is very sad news. I never had the opportunity to meet Gary, but I enjoyed his contributions to the musketeermadness board. He was most definitely a true Xavier fan, and will be missed by many.

[American X]

Resquiat In Pacem

[Burrcats]

I remember him from when I used to read Musketeer Madness back in the day. Sad to hear this. RIP.

[blueblob06]

So sad to hear this news. XU has lost a great fan and great person.

[Retire33]

No doubt a sad day for Xavier Nation. Thoughts go out to those he left behind.

RIP Mr. Neutral

[Titanxman04]

His soul shall be bathed in Gods glory. RIP Gary.

[Muskeagle]

Damn. Just damn.

[muskiefan82]

I wonder if Pablo had a reception waiting for him? So many looking down on us all. See you in the future, Mr. Neutral. Rest in Peace.

[xeus]

Very sorry to hear this. RIP Mr Neutral. You will be missed.

[X-Fan]

What was the name of the alternative to the Roundtable that everyone had to divert to when Snipe shut the Roundtable down for too much Skip-bashing? That was Gary's board, right? Which then led to Musketeer Madness.
Ha! I think you are right! This brings back oddly fond memories from the earlier Discussion/Chat Board days. I say oddly fond because some of those "disagreements" were entertaining, even though many carried on for seasons if not years.

The best part about these forums is it brings together some of the most passionate and dedicated fans. In the early days, and still to a great extent today (for the out-of-towners), the message board is the only place we can REALLY talk X Hoops. It allows us to meet/interact with great supporters and fans like Gary Griffin (aka Mr. Neutral). He will be missed but he will not be forgotten. RIP

[XURunner85]

RIP Gary, aka Mr. Neutral. Have talked to Gary since the first Xavier site like this. Have gotten to know him more via facebook. Found out a few months ago that he is actually a cousin of one of my best friends back home in Chicago. I know with every thrilling victory that we have, he will be looking down and doing whatever he can to help our Musketeers to win the game. And when we do win the Final 4 championship game, I am sure he will lead the parade of Musketeer fans that are up there with him, including Fr. Hoff. Again RIP Gary!!!

[BlueGuy]

I had no idea that Gary's sister is Kathy Griffin, the comedian.

[GoMuskies]

Ha! I think you are right! This brings back oddly fond memories from the earlier Discussion/Chat Board days. I say oddly fond because some of those "disagreements" were entertaining, even though many carried on for seasons if not years.

The best part about these forums is it brings together some of the most passionate and dedicated fans. In the early days, and still to a great extent today (for the out-of-towners), the message board is the only place we can REALLY talk X Hoops. It allows us to meet/interact with great supporters and fans like Gary Griffin (aka Mr. Neutral). He will be missed but he will not be forgotten. RIP

Yep, I remember finding the Roundtable and thinking I was in heaven. When I think of those days, I think mainly of Gary and of Snipe (or was it Humboldt Snooches III) and of course of their legendary battles. Great memories.

Gary will certainly be missed.

[Xpectations]

RIP, Gary. I'll fondly remember our debates and our agreements over the years. He was definitely a passionate fan who wore his emotions on his sleeve.

[PM Thor]

When I saw this on Facebook, I was aghast. I knew he wasn't doing well, but never thought that he would leave us so soon. Say what you will about his butting heads with others (he banned me one time! Me!!) but he was as ardent a Xavier supporter as you will ever see, and a genuine guy. Prayers for the family in this time.

[paulxu]

God speed Gary. Watch over us all.
You are remembered and will be missed.
Thanks for the special messages we shared about the hill you were climbing. You fought the good fight.
RIP

[wkrq59]

My thoughts exactly. It didn't sound promising, but you always hope for the best.

God's speed Gary. One day very soon, in perhaps a year or two, the winning free throw for the National Championship will be attempted by a Xavier player who isn't even in uniform yet. It will hit the back of the rim and bounce high into the air, then it will spin its way through the hoop as Xavier Nation goes nuts.

The ref will pick-up the ball, look at it strangely, smell it to find a hint of beer on it, and walk away, having no idea what the hell just happened.

You get to see it all from premium seating.

God bless you.

Outstanding Dash. Public reps for that.

[xu82]

A sad day... thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP

[Porkopolis]

Very sad news.

[vee4xu]

Well, Gary the mysteries of the universe have been opened to you my friend. May your soul rest in peace with the Risen Lord.

I had several opportunities to meet Gary and drink beer with him at Dana's. He was pleasantly neurotic about Xavier basketball. Ever committed to wanting the best for our Musketeers, but always jaded in his faith for good things to happen for them. In some ways, he and I share that trait. In addition to meeting Gary at games and Dana's afterwards, we had some epic discussions on MM. Sometimes we were on the same side of the issue, other times not. Yet, either way I could understand the perspective for having met him. He and I were connected on Linkedin and we exchanged greetings occasionally there and on email. I didn't know Gary as well as I do many other Muskie fans, but the time we spent talking basketball, golf and the Chicago-land area that he loved so well will stay with me. In the end, Gary was a good and decent man and a rabid Muskie fan. Well my friend, at least now nothing that the Muskies do on the court or that anyone says on blogs can affect you in any way. May eternal light shine upon you, Mr. N.

Thanks, Muskieman for coming here and letting us know. I pray for you too because you have lost a very good friend.

[newtsac]

Most everyone here has watched Mr. Neutral's passion for X into carry him onto the highest peaks of chatboard mythology. But, those few lucky enough to know Gary in the offline world undoubtedly have a special understanding of the man. I regret to have only known Mr. Neutral, never Gary Griffin.

Mr. Neutral was not only one of Xavier's greatest fans, but he was also one of the biggest personalities in this online community. Rest in peace.

[waggy]

Never met GG, but he was good to me on the boards. Really sad to hear. RIP.

[Musketeer_15]

I never knew the guy but I could tell through his posts that he was a great guy. RIP Mr. Neutral and I wish your family strength and guidance during this very difficult time.

[nuts4xu]

Thanks, Muskieman for coming here and letting us know. I pray for you too because you have lost a very good friend.

Muskieman has had a tough stretch the past few weeks. He lost his mother and brother right before Christmas and his good friend GG today on his birthday. I hope the adage about these things happening in 3's is true, especially for Muskieman.

[LadyMuskie]

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's friends and family, those who knew and loved him best, and to all of Xavier Nation who have seemingly lost a great fellow fan. I hope that he is resting in peace.

[bjf123]

Never met the man, but I'm reading all this with tears in my eyes. RIP, Gary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

I could not be sadder. A Xavier Classmate, a 45 year friend and golfing comisterator. I will miss his somewhat less than positive rants dearly. Ironic that the last Xavier game of his life was a win vs. Chicago's Depaul, which XU finally got to play, and he wasn't even in town or healthy enough to see it in person. At least he won't be subjected to another Adam Dunn strikeout...Safe Home Gary.

I will have a lot more to say about the Great Man, but right now, I just can't.

[wvmuskie420]

RIP Gary Griffin God has one more X fan in attendance at His March Madness Party

[gladdenguy]

My gosh. My heart just sank. I can't believe this. RIP Mr. Griffin. I wish I would have met him in person. Sorry MOR and Muskieman and any others who knew him personally. My prayers are with his family and my fellow Xavier fans.

[xavierdude]

I had no idea that Gary's sister is Kathy Griffin, the comedian.

Me either. Are we putting two and two together correctly?

[Emp]

"Moose" was very early to join the Lew Hirt Society, and was a passionate fan. When I first encountered him on MM, he drove me nuts, but as with all relationships, real and virtual, i gradually came to enjoy our interaction and above all his passion for Xavier basketball. He was a true fanatic.

His life was richer for his lifelong delight in being a Xavier bball aficionado, and therein lies our brotherhood. The continuous upward arc of Musketeer basketball was a thrill for him, and for all of us. Each of us enjoys Xavier college basketball in his own way. I will miss him and his peculiar enthusiasms.

[paulxu]

Me either. Are we putting two and two together correctly?

Yes. http://perezhilton.com/2014-01-22-kathy-griffin-brother-died-cancer-gary-griffin-joe-walsh-picture-facebook

[DC Muskie]

I don't know what to say. I hadn't talked to Gary in years since I left MM and came here. Man, this just sucks. Prayers to everyone, Gary, his family and friends, MOR, Muskieman, Nuts, Vee, everyone.

We have lost a lot of great fans and members over the years. We are going to have one hell of a party in heaven one day.

[JEHARDI]

I met Gary in the 90's while living in Chicago and always enjoyed running into to him at various X functions, particularly, O' Callaghan's. His passion for his alma mater and X hoops was impressive! RIP

[nkymuskie]

Awful to hear. Thoughts and prayers up to Gary, his family, and friends. Xavier basketball lost a legendary fan today

[Masterofreality]

Me either. Are we putting two and two together correctly?

Yes you are. He was in California visiting Kathy and his 94 year old Mom who lives with Kathy when he took the final turn for the worse.

[X-band '01]

I never had the privilege of meeting Gary in person, but I definitely remember him on the boards going back to the Roundtable in the 1990s. No one can ever dispute just how devoted he was to Xavier basketball (and also the White Sox - at least he got to see their World Series title in his lifetime).

RIP Gary - say hi to Skip, Pablo, Fr. Hoff and the rest of our dearly departed brethren.

[Nigel Tufnel]

RIP, GG. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Another Xavier alum and HUGE X basketball fan passed away on Monday. Steve Smith (Class of 63), succumbed to cancer Monday morning. Xavier lost two gigantic fans/supporters this week. Sad....

[Muskie]

I met Gary twice in person. The first time he refused to talk to me because of the animosity between the board and some things that some posters had said about members of his family. I remember being astounded that someone would be gruff with me when I had nothing to do with the confrontation which happened long before this site began. At any rate, when he disclosed that he was ill, I went to caringbridge to leave him a message to let him know that I and my family were praying for him.

A few days later I received one of the kindest emails I have ever received, where Gary apologized for our first meeting, and thanked me for taking the time to send a message to him after our first introduction went poorly. We exchanged emails a few more times, and then I managed to get 3 or 4 minutes with him at another LHS event. Reading that email he wrote to me, brings tears to my eyes tonight. I'm glad that he and his family no longer are suffering and that he is in a better place.

Xavier Nation is worse off today than it was yesterday when I went to bed. I don't recount the story above to for "pats" on the back. But I suppose we could all use Gary's passing to look at how we treat others in our every day life (in person, over the internet, and in between). We should take care of each other. Not tear each other down.

Rest In Peace Gary. You will be missed.

[xu82]

I met Gary twice in person. The first time he refused to talk to me because of the animosity between the board and some things that some posters had said about members of his family. I remember being astounded that someone would be gruff with me when I had nothing to do with the confrontation which happened long before this site began. At any rate, when he disclosed that he was ill, I went to caringbridge to leave him a message to let him know that I and my family were praying for him.

A few days later I received one of the kindest emails I have ever received, where Gary apologized for our first meeting, and thanked me for taking the time to send a message to him after our first introduction went poorly. We exchanged emails a few more times, and then I managed to get 3 or 4 minutes with him at another LHS event. Reading that email he wrote to me, brings tears to my eyes tonight. I'm glad that he and his family no longer are suffering and that he is in a better place.

Xavier Nation is worse off today than it was yesterday when I went to bed. I don't recount the story above to for "pats" on the back. But I suppose we could all use Gary's passing to look at how we treat others in our every day life (in person, over the internet, and in between). We should take care of each other. Not tear each other down.

Rest In Peace Gary. You will be missed.

You don't get a pat on the back for recounting the story. You get a pat on the back for bringing a positive and important message at a difficult time. Something we should all remember, every day. And hug your family! It doesn't last forever.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Coach Mack with his condolences on twitter....



Chris Mack ‏@CoachChrisMack 3h

Really saddened to hear about the passing of 2 huge Xavier fans. Gary Griffin & Steve Smith, may you rest in peace. #XavierNation misses you

[xudash]

I met Gary twice in person. The first time he refused to talk to me because of the animosity between the board and some things that some posters had said about members of his family. I remember being astounded that someone would be gruff with me when I had nothing to do with the confrontation which happened long before this site began. At any rate, when he disclosed that he was ill, I went to caringbridge to leave him a message to let him know that I and my family were praying for him.

A few days later I received one of the kindest emails I have ever received, where Gary apologized for our first meeting, and thanked me for taking the time to send a message to him after our first introduction went poorly. We exchanged emails a few more times, and then I managed to get 3 or 4 minutes with him at another LHS event. Reading that email he wrote to me, brings tears to my eyes tonight. I'm glad that he and his family no longer are suffering and that he is in a better place.

Xavier Nation is worse off today than it was yesterday when I went to bed. I don't recount the story above to for "pats" on the back. But I suppose we could all use Gary's passing to look at how we treat others in our every day life (in person, over the internet, and in between). We should take care of each other. Not tear each other down.

Rest In Peace Gary. You will be missed.

Well done.

[JTG]

In a way I'm very to sad to hear of Gary's passing, but having watched a fellow employee go through the same thing, I realize his suffering is finally over. Not so sure that he could not have been as successful as his famous sister. He was hysterical to be around. As I said on MM, there were many times my face hurt from laughing, being around him. Having been in school when X was dreadful, he like many of us was so appreciative of the success X has had over the years. Rest in peace now Gary, and pull us through the rest of this season.

[mid major]

Gary was quite an insightful individual with an unequal passion to this great institution of ours. This has been a rough week for Xavier Nation as I am also bidding farewell to my former roommate and best man, Aaron C. Howe. If the good Lord is in need of any legal help he has two fine lawyers joining him this week. Rest in peace fellow Musketeers. Go X...

[OTRMUSKIE]

R.I.P. :scaredtodeath:Neutral. Didn't know you but wish I would have had a chance.

[fellahmuskie]

Very, very sad to hear this news. My prayers for him and his family and friends. Xavier Nation has lost a legend.

[WCWIII]

Xavier, Chicago, Golf ... and being true to himself. RIP dear friend Gary.

[blueblob06]

http://perezhilton.com/2014-01-22-kathy-griffin-brother-died-cancer-gary-griffin-joe-walsh-picture-facebook#sthash.wZFrEcCr.EwZhxhB3.dpbs
Here's an article one of the guys on MM linked. Mentions a post Gary's sister, Kathy Griffin, made about his passing, with a picture of Gary.

[GoMuskies]

http://perezhilton.com/2014-01-22-kathy-griffin-brother-died-cancer-gary-griffin-joe-walsh-picture-facebook#sthash.wZFrEcCr.EwZhxhB3.dpbs
Here's an article one of the guys on MM linked. Mentions a post Gary's sister, Kathy Griffin, made about his passing, with a picture of Gary.


Thanks for the link (although I'm not sure I should have opened perezhilton.com at work!).

[OH.X.MI]

Always enjoyed reading Mr. Neutral's comments over on MM. Sad to hear about his passing. I got a question though, do any of the posters who have been around a while know why Mr. Neutral was "The only confirmed screen name banned for life on Xavier Hoops!" Been wondering about that for years.

[GoMuskies]

Always enjoyed reading Mr. Neutral's comments over on MM. Sad to hear about his passing. I got a question though, do any of the posters who have been around a while know why Mr. Neutral was "The only confirmed screen name banned for life on Xavier Hoops!" Been wondering about that for years.

I think he might have had a short, contentious run over here. Given that this place stole all the MM posters (not in any nefarious way), I can see how that happened.

[Muskie]

I think he might have had a short, contentious run over here. Given that this place stole all the MM posters (not in any nefarious way), I can see how that happened.

There's a much bigger backstory than that. I wasn't involved with it, and have only heard about it second/third hand. From what I know, nobody involved acted the most respectfully about each other and their respective families. Subsequent events compounded off that initial animosity. That history explains why there was animosity on this board and on Musketeermadness. Ultimately, I think we ended up banning everyone involved over here. Gary's screen name was banned, but I know that he continued on here under a pseudonym. That explains his signature at MM. For what it is worth, I'm banned over there as well. It also explains the initial part of my story where I said Gary was reluctant to talk to me at the LHS meeting I met him at.

It's all water under the bridge now, and I suppose no good comes from explaining the story any deeper than that. I also think that two of the biggest antagonist in the situation, are sadly, no longer with us (whether they were justified or not).

[Masterofreality]

Thank You Muskie for those two posts.

I first met Moose on our first day as fellow freshman at Xavier U in 1968. He was a brillo haired (finger in a light socket might describe the do) Greenhorn who attended St. Ignatius HS in south Chicago and was one of the funniest guys I ever met. We bonded- sometimes at Dana's where he tended bar for a time, sometimes at Woody's, sometimes in Corcoran Field and always on the front row courtside at Schmidt Fieldhouse starting with the Freshman game before the varsity- and have been fast friends ever since..although separated by the miles most of the time. Our shared love of the Xavier Musketeers, golf, laughter and a good pint carried us through the years and the advent of Internet Taverns like this made it so much easier to stay in touch. We got back together many times in our combined adopted city of Cincinnati, and every visit was special. I have so many memories of the Great Man and wish that we could have made more, but it's not to be. I'm just glad that we had one more good game of golf together on a beautiful day last fall. To all out there, I just want you to know what a truly superb human being he was.
Rather than the last pic of an obviously ravaged Gary on his sister's story, I prefer to remember Moose like this:
13451346
Finally, it is Ironic that Gary passed away from the same disease that he lost his girlfriend to a number of years ago. The Ironies in his life were numerous--A birthday on April Fools Day for a true comic, Passing away in California rather than his beloved Chicago that he would never leave, and not being able to finally attend a Xavier basketball game in the Windy City after all the years of road trips in the LHS. Gary never mastered golf, but he never stopped trying his best with self deprecating humor and good cheer which is a life lesson all of us can take forward. He would never take a cart on the course-unless the course forced him to-..even last summer when he was struggling. Wasn't a true part of the game to him....and he was "true", not always positive, but true.
Safe Home my SouthSide Irish Musketeer Pal. I hope you took advantage of the "Angel's Wings Cart" supplied for you. It's a long walk to the Paradise 19th, Buddy.

Safe Home

[Masterofreality]

One more Ironic item re: GG.

Before this post of mine, there are 71 posts on his Memorial Thread here at X Hoops.

On Musketeer Madness, there are only 64.

[GoMuskies]

We're winning! :)

All of the long-timers here used to be there anyway.

[BlueGuy]

In honor of Gary, I visited MM today for the first time since 2008. I wanted to read his memorial thread there. Thanks for the link Muskie.

[Pablo's Brother]

I met Gary only once. He was extremely gracious and had kind words about my brother Pablo. Brian liked him a ton - even though Gary used to ban Brian/Pablo from his board on a semi regular basis. Like everyone on this board, Gary lived for Xavier and our basketball team. However, he was one of the main guys (the main guy?) to start the original board - which all current X boards were derived from - and allowed us to all to obsess on a regular basis about our favorite pastime (XU). The difference between Gary and a normal XU fan is the fact he would readily admit he was more obsessed than any of us! I remember Snipe constantly badgering him and the rants/wars between them (and "The Cartel") were stupid, pointless, funny and of course, fantastic. Gary was one of the original ganstas of the XU Message Board community. Most chicks and many of our non-board friends would regard that description as an insult. Gary would think it is an honor. He will be missed but not forgotten. I can only imagine the conversations he is having with Pablo, Skip, Fr. Hoff and many other Xavier friends. Think of him (and our other departed XU friends) when we win one we should not have. When the ball goes our way. When we get the bounce we should not have. When we win it all. They will be there with us! God bless him, his family and us too.

[SpeeDeeVee]

RIP Gary. Well done my fellow Muskie!

[chico]

Such sad news. I never met Gary - I'll remember him as admin from the old boards - but I don't know of anyone who was more emotionally invested in Xavier basketball than him. Even when he was at his most pessimistic, you could still tell he loved his Muskies. And the verbal battles with Snipe, Pablo and others from the old boards were always entertaining.

MOR, Nuts, Muskieman and the rest of you who knew Gary well, prayers and condolences.

[UnCaged]

This is both awful (Gary passing away) and news that is good to receive (ending the suffering that is so tied to cancer doing its worst). The battles on MM often left me bemused as to whether his love of Xavier could actually be a bad thing, but throughout it was obvious that he was a good man with very strong feelings on his alma mater. I did get the chance to speak with him during the Chicago Tournament back in '06 (i believe) after we beat Jordan Crawford's IU. In person, he was an amazingly knowledgeable guy who spoke with me at length about X and our shared legal careers. The Xavier Nation has lost one of their finest, RIP Mr Neutral.

[blobfan]

One more Ironic item re: GG.

Before this post of mine, there are 71 posts on his Memorial Thread here at X Hoops.

On Musketeer Madness, there are only 64.


We're winning! :)

All of the long-timers here used to be there anyway.

Another irony to add to the list, I suppose. And yet somehow it seems an appropriate tribute to guy that never skirted controversy when it came to his passionate feelings about the Muskies.

[Masterofreality]

One last Postscript. Here was the Header from Gary's Board, before it became so "Professional" after the turn of the century:

Xavier Men's Basketball Message Board

Welcome to Moose's new and improved Xavier Men's Basketball Message Board. If you've got anything interesting, funny, relevant or otherwise salient to say about Xavier basketball, we welcome you with open arms. No comment will be deleted because of a disagreement with my views as to the coach, the AD, the schedule, the rotation, etc. However, as with my previous board, comments WILL be deleted if they're insulting, attack other posters, and/or are otherwise classless, immature and generally useless. Them's the rules. They're not hard to follow unless you're determined to be an idiot. Say your piece and respect what others have to say. Easy enough.

[X-man]

I have a question for some of the older posters who go back to the nineties with Muskie boards. There was a hilarious poster who called himself "Gary Gnu" who used to post haikus, and then completely disappeared. I have often wondered if that GG could be RIP GG. Does anyone know if there is a connection between the two GG's?

[Masterofreality]

I don't recall Gary ever using that moniker, but he had a few alter egos that he didn't admit to. He was GMG, gmgxu72, Gary Griffin, DAllen15, MrNegative finally settling MrNeutral

[waggy]

Pretty sure he was also "admin" for awhile, but that was already mentioned?

[Masterofreality]

Pretty sure he was also "admin" for awhile, but that was already mentioned?

Yes! And no.

[Masterofreality]

For those who might be interested...

Gary's brother and sister John and Joyce have set in a Memorial Service in Chicago for Saturday, February 15 at a place and time to be determined.

More info to come.

[Masterofreality]

Here is Gary's obituary:

"
Gary Michael Griffin, 63, passed away Jan. 22 in Los Angeles after a long fight with cancer. Gary was born in Chicago as the third of five children of John and Margaret (Corbally) Griffin. He grew up in Forest Park & Oak Park and was a longtime resident of the North Side of Chicago. He was a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep ('68) and Xavier University ('72) and was a lifelong supporter of both. After a career in advertising, he earned his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law. He joined the Illinois Tollway Authority, then moved to the Illinois Attorney General's Office and for the past 13 years served as the Chief of the General Bureau. Gary was a devoted sports fan, particularly of the White Sox and Xavier basketball, and was an avid movie and music fan. He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Kenneth, and is survived by his loving mother, his sisters Joyce and Kathy, his brother John and sister-in-law Jennifer (Stebbing), niece Claire & nephew John, and many cousins. He will be dearly missed by many close friends, in particular the Cushing & Duff families. A memorial service and celebration are TBA.
Published in Chicago Tribune on Jan. 26, 2014- See more at:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=gary-griffin&pid=169270042#sthash.6aclXbZT.dpuf
*

[Masterofreality]

Here is the info for Gary's Chicago 'Wake"

If anyone is up for it, let's go up to Milwaukee (3:00pm game) then come back down to Chicago for the Celebration of Gary's life.

"Info for Sat., Feb. 15 Memorial Celebration for Gary Griffin
Please join us for the memorial life celebration for Gary on Sat., Feb. 15. If you were one of his many friends, co-workers, fellow lawyers, golf buddies, St. Ignatius or Xavier classmates, or anyone else who was touched by his rich and full life, we hope you will join us. It will be held at Space Stage Studios, 1844 W. Hubbard (corner of Hubbard and Wolcott) in Chicago from 6 - 10 p.m. (or later if the food & bar holds out).

Please be sure to join us by 7:30 when we take a break to share some memories, stories & laughs -- and you're welcome to add your own. With food provided by Twin Anchors and an open bar, we want to make this the kind of party he would've liked himself. Please feel free to spread the word to anyone who knew Gary and would like to help us say goodbye. (FYI, at 10 a.m. earlier that morning, we'll have a small funeral Mass for Gary at St. Bernardine's Church in Forest Park just west of Harlem Ave. & south of the Eisenhower Expwy.)

Thanks, and we hope to see you Sat. evening, Feb. 15.
-- John Griffin"

[Masterofreality]

Please read the following and contribute if you see the benefit. Thanks. :

You might be a Xavier grad or a member of the Lew Hirt Society or a native Chicagoan but you positively were a friend or associate of Gary Griffin.

As you know, Moose passed away early this year after a courageous battle with cancer. To his credit he remained true to his values and beliefs to the end...especially his love for his alma mater. Many of us have known him since the '60s and we all agree that to know Moose was to love him. Nobody was funnier,more sarcastic, genuine or more loyal to his friends and family than Moose and his passing has created an opportunity to honor him and Xavier at the same time.

His sister Joyce has notified me that she has accumulated some funds from Moose's estate and I have also received donations intended to honor Gary. The plan is to create a special memorial on campus in Moose's honor and memory. The exact memorial has yet to be determined but it will be tasteful and appropriate for someone who truly embraced the spirit of Xavier. Upon completion of the memorial, any additional funds will be donated to the Sr. Rose Ann Fleming Endowed Scholarship which benefits Xavier athletics.

My thought is if you'd like to honor Gary, this is a great opportunity. No gift is too small and the combination of all of these gifts will benefit Xavier as well as memorialize, in a unique way, one of Xavier's most fervent and loyal alums. In his own way, Gary lived the Jesuit ideal of being a "man for others" and this final tribute will help to propagate the ideal for eternity.

Please make your check payable to Xavier University and note that is intended for "Gary Griffin".
Send it to:
Xavier University
3800 Victory Pkwy
Cincinnati, OH. 45207
-Attn: Greg Theisen, XU Development

God Bless Gary and God Bless Xavier University

[Masterofreality]

From Gary Griffin's close Xavier friends, he now has his permanent place on the XU campus- right next to his favorite basketball arena. We don't forget.
1761

[xu82]

That's really great, MOR. I hope to visit the site this fall.

[X-Fan]

From Gary Griffin's close Xavier friends, he now has his permanent place on the XU campus- right next to his favorite basketball arena. We don't forget.
1761
That's fantastic! What a wonderful tribute!

[DC Muskie]

That's awesome.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

That's just perfect !

[WCWIII]

What I like is that his bench is right where to students line up to get their tickets. GG - one of Chicago's finest Xavier fans.

[drudy23]

Perfect place for him to watch our national title run this year.

[X-man]

I am going to pee on that bench in honor of Gary Griffin.

I honestly don't think that he would have it any other way. If you knew Gary like I knew Gary, you would agree.

I do it for the children.

Wouldn't it be more appropriate to hurl on that bench?

[xudash]

From Gary Griffin's close Xavier friends, he now has his permanent place on the XU campus- right next to his favorite basketball arena. We don't forget.
1761

Classy move, MOR.

[chico]

From Gary Griffin's close Xavier friends, he now has his permanent place on the XU campus- right next to his favorite basketball arena. We don't forget.
1761

Great gesture, MOR!

[paulxu]

MOR...outstanding.

[Masterofreality]

With the thread on the old Message Boards in play here right now, I must note and celebrate that April Fools Day is, appropriately the Birthday of the Ultimate Curmudgeon himself, Mr. Gary Griffin.

I'm sure that today, there will be 18 holes played at the Paradise Country Club, a Guinness or 6 will be raised, and he will be reveling in his Guidance of the Xavier Elite Eight Run, which he will, of course, take 100% credit for. :crazy:

Happy Birthday you old Bastard. Just make sure you replace your divots and fix your ball marks!

[WCWIII]

2179

X-treme Fans Tweet (https://twitter.com/XU_Xtreme_Fans/status/676074451323236353/photo/1) honoring Gary

[letskeepitreal]

Yeah, really wish Gary had seen these two years. He would have had a blast

[Muskie]

Today would have been birthday 70 for Gary. Rest In Peace friend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[xu82]

Today would have been birthday 70 for Gary. Rest In Peace friend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro


Thanks for being on top of that. I’m impressed.


RIP.

[Muskie]

Thanks for being on top of that. I’m impressed.


RIP.

I can't take the credit. I was texting with MOR, who reminded me of it.

[SM#24]

Yeah, really wish Gary had seen these two years. He would have had a blast

He would have had a "blast" on the boards with these past two years.

[Lamont Sanford]

Some of the exchanges between GG and Snipe and Pablo were pure comedy gold. I miss those days.

[xudash]

Some of the exchanges between GG and Snipe and Pablo were pure comedy gold. I miss those days.

Popcorn, theatre seat worthy.

[Masterofreality]

I posted a Memorial to GG in Post #72 on this thread. I'm gonna paste it here, because on the old curmudgeon's 70th birthday, he deserves it.

But in scrolling through this thread, and seeing some of the names that either have been lost, or don't post here anymore make me very sad. I wish they would come back. They added so much color on here. And seeing WKRQ and Pablos Brother on here made me shed a tear. Bob Q, and the McCormicks are all gone, and man does that really bum me out. if some folks still check in here but haven't posted for awhile, PLEASE COME BACK!!

But back to Moose. If you don't know how much that guy meant to many of us, just check out the bench that sits proudly outside of Cintas with a Memorial Plaque to Gary affixed securely. It was our way of making sure that that guy would always remain a part of XU basketball. Every time I come back to Cincy for a game, I make sure I sit my ass on that bench. My way of letting Mr. Negative know who's boss. :-)

My old post.

"I first met Moose on our first day as fellow freshman at Xavier U in 1968. He was a brillo haired (finger in a light socket might describe the do) Greenhorn who attended St. Ignatius HS in south Chicago and was one of the funniest guys I ever met. We bonded- sometimes at Dana's where he tended bar for a time, sometimes at Woody's, sometimes in Corcoran Field and always on the front row courtside at Schmidt Fieldhouse starting with the Freshman game before the varsity- and have been fast friends ever since..although separated by the miles most of the time. Our shared love of the Xavier Musketeers, golf, laughter and a good pint carried us through the years and the advent of Internet Taverns like this made it so much easier to stay in touch. We got back together many times in our combined adopted city of Cincinnati, and every visit was special. I have so many memories of the Great Man and wish that we could have made more, but it's not to be. I'm just glad that we had one more good game of golf together on a beautiful day last fall. To all out there, I just want you to know what a truly superb human being he was.

Finally, it is Ironic that Gary passed away from the same disease that he lost his girlfriend to a number of years ago. The Ironies in his life were numerous--A birthday on April Fools Day for a true comic, Passing away in California rather than his beloved Chicago that he would never leave, and not being able to finally attend a Xavier basketball game in the Windy City after all the years of road trips in the LHS. Gary never mastered golf, but he never stopped trying his best with self deprecating humor and good cheer which is a life lesson all of us can take forward. He would never take a cart on the course-unless the course forced him to-..even last summer when he was struggling. Wasn't a true part of the game to him....and he was "true", not always positive, but true.
Safe Home my SouthSide Irish Musketeer Pal. I hope you took advantage of the "Angel's Wings Cart" supplied for you. It's a long walk to the Paradise 19th, Buddy."

Safe Home and RIP Moose

[Masterofreality]

Just Bumping this.

Today was Gary Griffin’s Birthday, aka Mr. Neutral, DAllen15 and Mr. Negative.
Noted Skip Prosser & Adam Dunn disliker. I hope that Gary and Skip have found common ground at Paradise Country Club.
Happy Birthday my longtime friend.
Go X!!

[Olsingledigit]

Well said, MOR

[XUBob]

Met Gary once, seemed like a great guy, we both shared a love of XU hoops and the same birthday. RIP Mr. Neutral.

[xudash]

Just Bumping this.

Today was Gary Griffin’s Birthday, aka Mr. Neutral, DAllen15 and Mr. Negative.
Noted Skip Prosser & Adam Dunn disliker. I hope that Gary and Skip have found common ground at Paradise Country Club.
Happy Birthday my longtime friend.
Go X!!

+1

[xu82]

I don’t believe I ever had the pleasure, but the fact that he is still alive here says a lot about the man, and this community.

[IM4X]

Cheers to Gary on his birthday and Happy Birthday XUBOB!

[WCWIII]

He would have been golfing today in Chicago.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Met Gary once, seemed like a great guy, we both shared a love of XU hoops and the same birthday. RIP Mr. Neutral.

Never met Gary and only interacted with him a short time on MM before xavierhoops but know he was a huge xavier basketball supporter. RIP.

And happy birthday Bob!

[xukeith]

Never met Gary and only interacted with him a short time on MM before xavierhoops but know he was a huge xavier basketball supporter. RIP.

And happy birthday Bob!

He is a true character. Good debater too. Wish I had met him . Not a big Prosser fan . He did appreciate Matta and Miller.

[JTG]

Probably the funniest guy I ever knew. If you weren't in stitches while in his presence there was something wrong with you. More than once my face would ache from laughing. The last time I saw him we started with dinner at Zips,, and ended around 3 am at some after hours dive in downtown Cincy. Always miss him during basketball season.

[Masterofreality]

And Happy Birthday XU Bob!!... From Finneytown.
For many years, Bob was THE Xavier defender/promoter on Cincy Sports talk radio- with Bob Trumpy & Andy Furball.
Know your history of Iconic Xavier Fans, Kids. Bob is on the Mt.Rushmore of them.

[XUBob]

Thanks MOR, I was just a fan with time to sit and wait on the phone. Had to call out the mis-information and general disrespect given to X in the formative years. I enjoyed the sparring on air especially with the infamous Raymond & Dirty Harry.