Goodnight Mister Funkleberry...

quantumsheep

It is with the heaviest of sheepy hearts that I write this.

I learned earlier today that Mister Funkleberry (Paul Bisceglia) sadly passed away on April 11th, 2014.

He’d been battling with depression for a year or so, and was just 35 years old. He is survived by his wife, Annie.

Those who have been here a few years will remember Mister Funkleberry as a supremely talented artist, a man of immeasurable wit and good humour and extraordinary kindness.

He created a couple of very lovely little games with wonderful artwork, charm, character, and a wicked sense of humour.

He set up saladgamers.com - a beautiful and free site to promote developers’ games to the masses.

At one point I believe GameSalad itself was looking into poaching him for his art skills.

He was a supremely talented artist. Everything he drew (or ‘doodled/scribbled’ as he’d put it) had character and style and a huge sense of fun.

To me, personally, he is the father of Spaceman Sam. Mister Funkleberry drew me some graphics while ‘bored’ one night for a game called 'Air Supply'. He did it for free. Because he was kind, generous to a fault, and believed it would be ‘fun’.

About my friend:

I was blessed to know Paul personally.

I first met him at the GameSalad London meet-up, many years ago. We really hit it off there. He was funny and smart, passionate about games and a genuine pleasure to be around.

I remember meeting up with him a few times. Once at my house we drank tea and talked shop after having gone to the pub. I hadn’t slept in a couple of days, and the pub made me very nervous and anxious. Paul picked up on this and insisted we leave. He was always thinking of others.

I was honoured when he and his wife, Annie, came to my 40th birthday party.

Another time was at his house, where he brilliantly scribbled out some wonderful ‘doodles’ for me. Working with him was a joy - there was an enthusiasm and happiness imbued in his art that just made everything more ‘fun’.

I don’t know what to do or say. The news has really knocked the wind out of me and I’ve been in a state of shock/crying for most of the day.

Forgive me if I’ve said anything wrong, or inappropriate. I’ve been lucky not to have had to ever write anything like this before.

If you know, or think you know, anyone suffering from depression, please, please be kind to them. Help them. Make them smile.

If you suffer from depression yourself, please ask for help. Please.

I’m trying to personally honour his memory in a number of ways. I will send a link to this thread to Tony, Mister F’s brother.

I’m sure he and his family will appreciate any kind words of condolence from the community.

To his family and friends: I am so, so sorry. My thoughts are with you. You have my deepest sympathy. I wish I could do more.

To Mister Funkleberry - I'm sorry if I ever let you down. Goodnight old friend. Sleep well. You will be missed.

QS

jonmulcahy

I remember his posts, such terrible news

beefy_clyro

Such sad news I still have some art he shared on one of my hard drives. Lovely bloke and as rightly said, great sense of humour and wit!

Thoughts go out to friends and family!

CodeWizard

Terrible news. I'm so sorry for your loss and his family's loss.

SF

So sad. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.

jamie_c

Terrible shame, I didn't know him but by your post I can tell he had a good friend in you @quantumsheep. I'm sorry to hear you've lost a friend.

SingleSparq

kolabo

That's sad news. My thoughts go out to you, his friends and family.

Braydon_SFX

Sad indeed. Sorry to hear that.

tatiang

I didn't know him but I am so sorry to hear that.

LumpApps

I don't think I know him but strength for you. Think of everything good. He will live on forever in Air Supply as the dad of Spaceman Sam. Space must be empty without him

-Timo-

sad news sorry to hear that

StormyStudio

Incredibly sad news. I met him along with you at the London get together some years ago. Laughed and drank with him and it was obvious you two both got on so well and great to know you became friends as a result. I remember seeing early versions of saladgamers as well. Very sad news, thoughts go out to his family.

gyroscope

How terribly sad. Deepest sympathies to family and friends.

Adrenaline

Very sad. Very sorry to hear this. My thoughts go out to you and everyone touched.

Socks

I didn't know the guy, but he obviously made his mark on you, really sad news.

tenrdrmer

RIP Mister Funkleberry

:frowning:

AfterBurnett

That's horrible news. He was such a nice guy... I only ever had online contact with him but he was awesome

As someone who has struggled with depression for over a decade, I really feel for him. Luckily I have managed to get myself out of that bleak place but others aren't so lucky and it really upsets me when they don't reach out for help... as this happens. I know for a fact it's because people feel that it's "weak" to admit you are depressed, especially when so many people out there are too quick to say ignorant stuff like "harden up" and "you'll get over it". This needs to change!

R.I.P. Mr Funkleberry. You will be missed

Thunder_Child

An excellent testimony to someone I didn't know of. Im sure he always appreciated your friendship. Sorry for you loss.

xforce

i didnt know him but thats very sad to hear. very young

Riffel

so sad... R.I.P. Young man.

CodeMonster

Really sad.
I didn't know the guy, but I'm sure he was an amazing person.
R.I.P

KillerPenguinStudios

Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and everyone else!

quantumsheep

Thanks all. I'm sure his family appreciate your kind words.

matarua

@quantumsheep said:
Thanks all. I'm sure his family appreciate your kind words.

Sorry I only came across this on twitter yesterday really. So sorry to hear this. Condolences to you and the people whose hearts he touched and family he has left behind.

Such a nice message from you QS, respect, M@

quantumsheep

@matarua said:
Sorry I only came across this on twitter yesterday really. So sorry to hear this. Condolences to you and the people whose hearts he touched and family he has left behind.
Such a nice message from you QS, respect, M@

Thank you. His funeral service was on Friday 2nd May, and it was, as you can imagine, a very sad and emotional day.

As I told his brother and his wife (who both displayed such grace in an impossible circumstance), Mister Funkleberry will be sorely missed, but he will never be forgotten.

QS