Like many others in the furry community, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Albert Temple's (Gene Catlow) sudden passing.
Back in the early days of the internet, I was a socially awkward, largely friendless kid who was obsessed with the Redwall series. When I was in middle school, our family got a computer and I discovered the web (remember the dial-up noise?) and eventually made online friendships with fellow Redwall fans. Through Redwall forums, I discovered fan-fiction and fan-art, which led me to Yerf. I fell in love with furry artwork and would spend hours browsing Yerf. I think that's where I first saw Albert's art and discovered webcomics as well.
I've never attended any furry 'cons (lack of funds and transportation), but I hope to attend someday. I had also hoped to meet Albert in person, as others thought so highly of him, both in terms of art and of personality. Sadly, that will never happen.
There's really nothing I can say, because I don't want to come off as sounding trite. I can only say, to Albert's friends and family how deeply, deeply sorry I am for your loss. He made an impact, he was loved, and he will be missed.
This is a little sketch in tribute. I read TKDye's recollection of meeting Albert for the first time, and how they identified each other by the tshirts that they were wearing, so I gave Gene a Felix shirt. I just hope I didn't mess up Gene too badly, and if I did, I'm sorry.