I caught wind of this approximately 6:45am EDT but was so shocked I couldn't believe it so I wrote to Phil asking for verification. I was stunned to find out that the news I received earlier was indeed true.
He often came to me asking for tips I had to share in some of the projects he was working on to help better AmprNet as a whole and when he asked me to help test them before they were announced I was quite happy to do so. We shared sysadmin knowledge between us, bounced ideas about things off each other and strived to make things as best as possible for new guys to get on the AmprNet.
He was one to answer emails almost instantly no matter what time of day you wrote them, and stayed on top of things to insure amprgate was running for the good of those who rely upon it.
I recently shared knowledge of a BSD distribution in the works that will feature a full ax25 stack and he was quite interested in obtaining it to try out. I wish he was able to see that day.
My condolences to KA9Q, BK's family, and all of us who are impacted by this sad news.