Raoul F. Duke

From a generated Swine:

Too many people are gnawing on doorknobs. Probably because the light bulbs are too low in wattage.

(Hunter S Thompson reference)

Raoul, we argued and we disagreed, but in all I always respected you, especially your writing. And I think we had fun together. At least, I did.

Farewell, my friend.

The world is emptier for your passing, and has been improved by your passing through it.

More than this cannot be said of any man.

Back in 2010, Raoul felt that his health was slipping.  I decided he could use a little Lunatic motivation to keep on keeping on, so sent him this:

Subject: A very special Top 10 List
Sent to: Raoul on December 17, 2010

Just in case you happen to find yourself in need of a reason to keep breathing, I've got 10 good ones for you!


10. Nole's China Saloon just doesn't quite have the same ring to it.

9. You'll be memorialized at the Saloon with a monthly Yodeling night. 

8. Dave's ESL Cafe would take advantage of the situation by adding beer to their menu.

7. Your passing would be one less person keeping the Kanuckistanis in check.

6. You'll miss either seeing the world end in 2012 or getting to laugh at all the people who are expecting it to end.

5. I would be the only one left to carry the banner for World Standard English (TM, Pat. Pending).

4. All the new massage girls in SZ would miss out on getting a chance to give a happy ending to the legendary Raoul.

3. I would be one step closer to seizing power.

2. Your eternal vigilance is all that stands between us and an unstoppable army of Lotus Eater sock puppets.

1. Yoko Ono has already agreed to sing at your funeral.
 


Sadly, the worst has happened.  Everyone, please grab a set of noise cancelling headphones out of that box and get them turned on.  Yoko has arrived and will be starting to sing any minute now.

Just got back from a not-that-special holiday and decided to check in.     Life kinda sucks sometimes. But we will only remain as the affect we have on others during our lives.  Raoul didn't save my life or anything, but I enjoyed his writing and advice.  Others were closer to the man/virtual man and I offer my condolences.  We could all aspire to have a similar impact on our friends and families.  RIP

I haven't checked in here for ages and just read the sad news.  Rest in peace Raoul! 

I've been absent from the site for far too long. I saw this announcement on facebook a while ago. Sad news. I'm disappointed I never got to meet him. He was very supportive of the China expat community and everyone here.

Anyone know if he posted on the Rogan board at all? I was skimming through the China thread and saw a post by a dude named 'Raoul's drink'. Here's the thread: http://forums.joerogan.net/showthread.php?t=112527&page=8

It's Saturday 25th May here in Australia and I will think of Raoul today whilst I'm at "the den". I'll raise a glass and say "here's to you Raoul on your 56th Birthday"!

Happy B-Day Raoul!  Have a cold one, on George's tab of course.

We all miss you.

Anyone know if he posted on the Rogan board at all? I was skimming through the China thread and saw a post by a dude named 'Raoul's drink'. Here's the thread: http://forums.joerogan.net/showthread.php?t=112527&page=8

Seems to need membership to access. Maybe you can post some part of it here?

Missing your wit and wisdom, Jefe

Went upstairs for lunch at the "Den" (Casino) and raised a glass to the Boss. Had about 10 mins to put in my name for the draw, so got up to do that before the mob got in. Guess whose name was called out of the whole Casino of patrons....   I like to think that the Boss had a hand in Granny being given A$2000.

Yes I think he is watching over us to make sure we behave.   

     

I miss him! Phil (Raoul) touched so many lives.  He was so generous, unselfish, and kind.  He was always available when needed.  His and the Saloon's help when I was making my move to China was invaluable.  Then he and the other Suzhou Saloonies laid out the welcome mat when I arrived.  While I lived in Suzhou, we became close, shared many good times, and I would like to think that we were very good friends. Last year was the last time I spoke with him.  I was home in Texas and he was in Oklahoma.  We planned a fishing trip that never materialized.  Oh how I regret not making the time to go up and meet him.  What I would give to see him one more time and let him know what he meant to me and the hundreds of others in and out of the Saloon. Rest in Peace and we will see you again.

Hello to all.  I haven't been on the Saloon for a couple of years.  This is his legacy, and I am happy to see that it is still going strong.

I had a look at Phil's postings on The Photo thread: shots he took around Suzhou that he loved so much. He found happiness there-I remember it well in 2002-then lost it again. I remember that as well, Shanghai.
Thinking of you on the 10th anniversary of The Saloon coming up, old mate.

It is 14th January here in Oz and I'm off to "the den". I'll think about Raoul today and will raise my glass to a man I never got to meet in person, but a man who had a strange impact on my life. I reckon if he was able to be with me at "the den", he would smile and say something like "Granny Mae, If we didn't go outside, I would think that we were in China".