Extremely Important- Please Read

[jhedrick83]

To our fellow Bums;

It is with much shock and sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend, founder, and mentor Don Debusk (Herf N Turf). We were notified by an email from a connection of his, stating that he had passed about a month ago.

So you all know, here is the transcript of the email:



Dear Cigarbum Team,
I just felt you all should know that Don Debusk, our dear friend and co-founder of Cigarbum has died. He passed away in about a month ago and I have been trying to reach out to people that he knew.

Please feel free to pass this along to the members:
The day before Don died, he texted me these photos of what turned out to be his last cigar............I am sorry..........trying to type and cry........Here are his words and photos (copied from a text message):

"After seeing all the pics of fun you're having on the lake today Hale, I decided to take a walk on the wild side my own self. Im smoking the mother of all Cohiba! The Behike 58x7 Che Guevara tribute. Fuck me Robert, it's seriously the best cigar I've ever savored. And that's sayin' something. It's likely one of the last of the great Cuban puros. They've been importing Nicaraguan baccy for years, but this thing was sooo fucking creamy".

I went to college with Don and the last great trip we made was to Italy last summer to watch F1 racing, eat delicious food and smoke amazing cigars.

His early death was a tremendous shock to everyone including his family. He was only 57, but he was quietly struggling with heart problems for many years. His maternal side of the family had several males die early of myocardial infarction and similar events.

Feel free to provide my email as needed to others.

Bert or Hale or Robert or RHale
Robert Bogden <[email protected]>

The Cohiba Don was referring to was also his last post on Cigar Bum. http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/los-habanos-discussion/top-1-a-7831.html#post162993

For those of you who don’t know, Don is the reason Cigar Bum exists. When Puff went Poof Don, Grimm and Dave.73 gave us a new home. Not only that, but Don was a fountain of information on cigars and humidors. God only knows the number of guys and gals who learned from Don. He will be sorely missed. As we find out more, we will pass it along In addition to the many questions you may have and share with us surrounding this circumstance, you are probably asking "What is to become of Cigar Bum?" At this time, it is the intentions of all of us to keep Cigar Bum active as a home for our family. The site hosting and administrative needs have been taken care of up to this point through the stewardship and care of our co-founder and administrator Grimm. We may not be the biggest community out there, but we are an excellent community of Cigar and Pipe lovers. So, if you want to share a memory of Don please do. The next time you light up a cigar or your pipe, light it in honor of Don and in honor of how much he loved our community and its members.

May peace be with you Don Debusk, aka Herf N Turf.

[jhedrick83]

On a personal note, when I joined Puff in 2012 I was relatively green when it came to cigars. I never owned a humidor and had no idea how to property care for cigars. I learned the majority of what I know from Don’s how-to and educational posts. He was always willing to answer questions when I had them and never made me feel stupid or feel like I was wasting his time. If it wasn't for Don's kindness and knowledge I wouldn't enjoy cigars nearly as much as I do today. I was genuinely honored when he asked me to be a Mod and even more so when he asked me to be an Admin. That was 6/23 and the last time I spoke with Don. I had no idea that would be the last time I would ever talk to Don much less that he would pass two days later. He talked about what a great community Cigar Bum is and I couldn’t agree more. It’s the old adage of preferring 100 quarters to 2,500 pennies. I’m still in shock about Don’s passing. I hope that Cigar Bum will continue to carry the standard Don set for us and his spirit in creating Cigar Bum: to be a true community where we can learn, share and have fun together. Rest in Peace, Don. I will miss you.

[piperdown]

I'm just kind of shell shocked right now.
I've known Don through the forums now since 2009 and really got to know him a lot better once I became a mod on the old site.
Can't tell you how many times we ended up talking on the phone because he'd get to the point of hating to text, lol. We'd be texting then all of a sudden he'd call and most of them started off like this "F*cking texts, this is something we need to talk about, not text!"
And then the hours we called each other, texted (limited) and emailed to get this site up and running.

Don was a unique individual, always there with a reasonable word, and will be missed more than I can say. Rest in Peace Don!

[Lostmason]

It was Don's willingness to share and educate that inspired me to participate
in the forums here and on Puff.His posts on seasoning and caring for a humidor
are my goto manual,and I keep a copy handy for sharing with others.I always
admire the class and patience he showed in the face of adversity,he didn't
run and hide but stood out and faced his accusers with more dignity and
style than is seen anywhere else.Don is an inspiration to us all,not just smokers
but Men on how we should act and treat our neighbors.

[cheaphumidors]

Thank you for letting us know Jesse. I will certainly miss his wit and cigar enthusiasm. We have all lost a companion as well as a fountain of knowledge.

[Tombstone]

Thank you for passing along the sad news. Thank you to Don and all the support staff for starting this forum. Thank you to all the Botl and Sotl who make this a great places to share our hobby.

[Chadderkdawg]

Don was my first interaction in the cigar world a few years ago on Puff, rip buddy... Too bad photobucket is holding his pictures hostage, his last post here is kind of ruined now...

[Scott W.]

Knowing Don for nearly 10 years, I am completely shocked by this. We were making plans to get together after our drunken cigar smoking trek around NYC. During that trip we each bought a watch so periodically I'd get a random text that said "what time ya got?" And everytime I'd look at the watch I'd think of that day.

Don was an interesting guy with tremendous knowledge about a ton of things outside cigars and he excitedly shared his knowledge and no questions were out of bounds for him.

I'll miss him....wish I could have said goodbye to him

[projectsunfire]

I am literally speechless...I don't even know what to say. I never had the privilege of meeting him personally but through our shared love of cigars and audio and F1 I felt like I did know him. He helped me get my very first humidor seasoned back on Puff so many years ago. He politely answered so many of my stupid questions when I first got into all of this. I just really don't know what else to say...Just in total shock...RIP my friend. May there be an endless supply of pristine Cohibas and the screaming wail of F1 V12s up there for you

[DogRockets]

Thanks for sharing Jesse. That is so sad. I didn't interact much with Don over time but know that we have him to thank for our home here at the Bum.

Bums, burn a good one tonight in his honor. I'm not a big Cuban cigar guy, but I've got a couple Cohiba at home. Looks like one will be burned in his honor tonight.

[Cigarer]

Oh damn :( thanks for relaying the bad news Jesse. Rest easy Don. Never had the privilege to get to know him personally, however I did always enjoy reading the wealth of knowledge he possesed.

[Tgs679]

I am shocked and saddened by this news. I always found Don's post and messages very thoughtful and educational. I am sure we all will never forget a fellow BOTL like him. Although I am sad I am also very glad that his last smoke he also considered his best. Smoke a great one today in his honor.

[cbr310]

Damn.

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[Old Smokey]

I don't know what to say. This really rocks my world. While I never met or personally spoke to Don, it was him that welcomed me to the hobby. When I first began smoking cigars, I joined Puff and introduced myself as a newbie. Don hit me with 50 Ring gauge and PM'd me personally welcoming me and told me if I ever had a question or needed help to not hesitate to contact him. That made me feel welcome and appreciated as a member. It was Dons reaching out that made me stick around to fall in love with hanging you Bums.

When Puff disbanded and Cigarbum was started by Don and the others, I literally would have followed Don to war. I respected the man that much. We lost a truly great man who would share his love and knowledge of this hobby to all of us. Don, you will be missed and I wish I could have told you how much I appreciated you. RIP my friend!

[Sir Lancerolot]

Wow. I think of Don every time I smoke a lancero. I can still see his post (on Puff) advising that lanceros need to be smoked right on the verge of going out. It took some practice, but I got the hang of it, and lanceros are my favorite vitola. I also remember some PM discussions about kitty litter, and a couple of phone conversations that kept me from throwing over the whole idea of cigar forums after some bad experiences. Port and lancero it is. Miss you already, Don!

[pdq_wizzard]

Man that just sucks, I don't know what else to say but RIP Don and prayers to the family and friends.

[AlanS]

Pinch me! Wow thats why its called the silent killer. FYI I am a 58 year old heart patient, and always willing to listen and offer my wisdom. RIP HERF God Speed

[Brimy]

Very sad news!
Don, rest in peace knowing that you are going to be missed by your extended family.
To Don's immediate family and close friends I extend my condolences.

[Bernardini]

Wow, such a shock and way too young. It just reinforces that you should live every day to the fullest as it could all be gone tomorrow. RIP Don.


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[GWBowman]

Certainly hate to hear this news.

[Haebar]

I sure do hate to hear that Don has left us. He was always there when you needed an answer. He was a pillar of strength for Cigar Bum. Rest in peace, Don.

[restomod]

I am saddened by this news and my thoughts are with his family at a time like this. I sure will miss our F1 chats both on the boards and in pm's.

[Emperor Zurg]

Sad news and totally unexpected. I didn't know he had health problems.
I feel for his family and loved ones.

[Branzig]

Damn...first Mr. Moo and now Don....RIP.

Sad times.

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[WNYTONY]

Sad news and way too young for our friend to have left us. RIP brother and know that the rest of us Bums will try to carry on in the spirit, class and manner you always displayed.

[Tman]

Very very sad news. I've been reading Don's post since the Puff days around 2010. He's been a very knowledgeable person in the community. RIP. Hope you're smoking something good up there.

[CigarEnthusiast]

Hearing news of Don's passage, I wanted to offer my condolences to both his family and to the cigar community.
He was a monolith in our community: someone revered due to their impressive character and breadth of knowledge.
But to me, he was a dear friend. I will always remember our conversations on the most tiniest details of our hobby to our dogs.
Don was someone who could appreciate the smallest things, while not letting himself get lost. He always remembered to sit back and just enjoy the damn cigar. An important lesson for us all.

And with that, I wish him a toast!

[BlueDevil07]

Terrible news. I didn't have too many interactions with Don, but I enjoyed reading his posts and often referred to his humidor tutorials.

You could tell that he always took the time to make every word count, and he definitely came across as a gentleman of a caliber that has long since vanished from our society.

Here's to hoping he always has a cigar within reach on his next great adventure.

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[FidelCastro]

A thread was put on Puff for Dons benefit as he was a part of that Forum and did a lot for them. Cigar Brotherhood should transcend any differences esp. when it entails a passing of a fellow BOTL. It's hard not to think about those who survive him as far as family and friends because if it were possible for Don to say one thing it would be to make the most of your time. We only have an allotted amount of it in this world with no guarantees and by leaving his mark as he has we are all the better for it. Living ones life with purpose beats any life of earthly gain and in his endeavor to make a difference in this life what more can any of us do as well? I'll smoke a fine cigar in his memory tonight.

[Bruck]

Very sad, tnx for letting us know.

[Sigaar]

Rest in Peace

[fiddlegrin]

I too am shocked and numb. Don was such a great Brother to so many and a close Brother to me.

I need to go for a walk now and attempt to assimilate this devastating news...

[droy1958]

Damn..... just damn. He was always a class act on the boards, and I'm sure in the 'real' world. I'm sure his friends and family were very blessed to have known and spent time with him. Save me a lounge chair in heaven mate!.....

[Cool Breeze]

I never met Don, or even communicated one on one with him that I remember, but I gleaned a lot from his knowledge and experience. I came over from the other place and was one of the first here at the Bum, so I read many posts of his and benefited from them.

RIP BOTL.
This Padron 64 is for you.

[LazyLightning]

It's always tough when someone passes, especially so young. I pray that all his friends and family are comforted and given strength, since it's always hardest on those left behind.

Rest in peace brother.

[mooster]

Damn. I don't come here that often any more, and never post. I can't help wishing I hadn't come here today. RIP, brother.

[coffeecup]

Don was there when I first came back to cigars and pipe tobacco on the old "Puff Forum". I was confused and definitely out of "the Loop" of my now favorite passion.:confused2: Don's comments to me directly were of such value to me.:pipe::stogie: I can only comment about me in reference to Don; I feel the loss!:bawling:

[Ciro]

Unfortunately I did not get the pleasure of meeting Don. Very sorry to hear of his lost and my prayers are with his family.

[BryGuySC]

Been away for a bit and just saw this post.
My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[AlanS]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w366/awssr58/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-09/D38237D0-5FB1-4DCA-B65B-2415CE4FE4D4_zpswudcf5x2.jpg (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/awssr58/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-09/D38237D0-5FB1-4DCA-B65B-2415CE4FE4D4_zpswudcf5x2.jpg.html)

[Chris0673]

I am very saddened to hear this. He gave me a lot of good advice and I received a couple of fantastic care packages from him. I'm going to light one in his memory tonight.

[Old Smokey]

Bump! Gone but not forgotten!

[Tombstone]

Yes sir. He is still missed.

[dinoa2]

thanks for the bump, never hurts to remember good people. He gave me some good info and help in private messages and all his info on this place. Memories keep people alive in our minds.