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Notes from the 'Kevin Smith' website www.viewaskew.com |
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Kevin:
Philip E. Katz, A.K.A Philthy Phil died last night in a car accident on Washington Avenue in Albany, NY. He was 23.
Phil never posted a single message on the View Askew board, but he is and always will be THE biggest fan that you'll ever have. Chasing Amy was a story that shook his mind at its core and forever changed his life. He told you this on March 6, 1999 as he stood in front of you for the first time with tears in his eyes. That was the first and last time I've ever seen him cry.
At my request, he'll be buried on Friday with two books: Penn & Teller's "How To Play With Your Food" and "Clerks & Chasing Amy: Two Screenplays", both signed by the authors.
I could ramble on here for hours about who he was and what he stood for, but I don't have to. If you ever met him even for a few seconds, you'd know. I just wanted to let you know that your biggest fan has passed on, that you changed and inspired him, and that he loved you for it...
-Len |
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I'm at a loss here...
I will never forget Phil crying at the Stash Bash. It was really moving. He seemed like a really good guy whose name wasn't very accurate. Didn't know him much beyond that, but hadn't forgotten him since. Probably never will now.
Rest in peace, Phil. Say hi to the Boss for me.
-Kevin Smith |
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A request for Len and a note for Lynch
We'd really like to send some flowers to the wake/funeral. Do you have an address for the funeral home? Can you call it in to the office if you get a chance? Thanks.
I've gotta say - this has really profoundly cut me to the quick. It's kind of cast the day in a new light, altogether.
And Lynch - if you're reading this by any chance - this is why you don't want to pull the proposed "Brian kills himself" board prank. Some shit is funny; some shit just isn't. Use the time that would've been spent on that hoax to finish 'Big Helium Dog' instead, please.
-Kevin Smith |
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I'm really sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. I was going to write this on the board, but this seems a bit more personal. Either way, I can't even begin to understand how bad you must feel, but know my thoughts (as well as alot of other people's thoughts, it seems) are with you and Phil's family.
Doubt I can do anything from here, but if there's anything you need, let me know. Again, I'm sorry.
-Brian Lynch |
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I met the infamous Phil at the DOGMA benefit screening and he was indeed quite a chap. Jeez, what a bummer this news is. I know you guys were great friends, Len, and can't imagine how you must be feeling right now. I'm truly very sorry- I wish I could say or do more. My condolences to his family and all of his friends.
-Vincent Periera |
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Just wanted to write and say how sorry we are for your loss, I remember the guy from the events and it really is quite sad to see someone go at such a young age. I've dealt with my share of it already in my life, and it's always a shock and so very sad.
I was away yesterday, so sorry for the delay in all of this. I'm glad it all got covered on the web board and that everyone was kind enough to pay their respects.
Sincerely, our condolences, and may he rest in peace. Best wishes to you and all of Phil's friends and family.
Brad Plevyak
Webmaster, News Askew |
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Truly touching...
Glad to have met you at least once ..
You will be missed.
Rob LaRock,
A.K.A Rug Muncher |
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What do you say to ease people in times like these. I never met Phil but I am sitting here crying at my computer reading about his passing. I guess it is the feeling of community we have here at the boards. He was too young and he sounded like such a great guy, one of those people I know I would have liked if I had met him.
My prayers go out to his friends and family that were left behind.
-Eileen |
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This has really made me stop and think. Sounds like my kinda guy, I'm sorry to say I never met him or talked to him. And Marksman, I'm sorry for your loss. It must be a terrible thing to lose a friend so suddenly. I can't even imagine. Good luck in Albany, even though I don't know you or Phil, know in some small way your friendship has affected me and made me smile. It's wonderful to see how much you loved your friend, and terrible that he's gone.
Again, good luck.
-=Scott=- |
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At first, I thought it might not be... respectful... for me to send my condolences out for Phil... because, y'know, maybe it'd cheapen the replies of the people who'd actually met him and knew him... and I'd never so much as e-mailed the man. I'd heard of him and heard only good things... but...
When I looked at his obituary, I realized... oh my God... this guy was Albany, this guy... the towns in his notice, Scotia, Schenectady, Albany... these are my old stomping grounds of youth.
I probably passed this guy in Crossgates Mall or at a concert at the Knick a half dozen times in my life, never knowing it at all. Three years older than me. God. Saratoga. I saw my first concert at Saratoga.
Here's this person, similar interests, same rough geographic area... God, who knows... maybe I exchanged an 'excuse me' or a 'nice shirt' some time at Colonie Centre with him... and I never knew.
And it hit home that... though I barely even knew of him, I feel less that I didn't know him when I had the chance.
And I regret that.
My deepest condolences
Smalls |
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Thank you for sharing that story with us Len. It really touched me. He sounded like a great guy, and I'm sorry we all didn't get to know him. Thanks again for letting us know a little about him!
-Kaytee |
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I'm just taking this time to say I’m really really sorry my heart goes out to you Phil’s family and everyone who knew him, he's in a much better place RIP Phil
-Chris |
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It is apparent how much you loved him. I know he is reading your words and smiling tonight. He was lucky to know you, and you were lucky to know him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I only hope I will be remembered as fondly.
-Steve Robertson |
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I didn't really know him aside from being entertained by his comments on the group 3 bus. Thanks for letting us know. I know it must have been hard to come on here and announce it. My heart goes out for you, Phil, and his family and friends.
-Randall |
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I'm sorry about the loss. It is not cool when someone dies at such a young age.
The good thing about this is that those of us who are fans have gathered together to remember a fellow fanatic.
Sleep well, Phil.
-Adam |
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I'm glad everyone who has met him at the stash-bash seemed to be awestruck by his charm. I'm glad it appears the magic he practiced best wasn't an illusion or a trick. I'm so sorry. May he rest in peace.
-Joseph |
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Though I barely remember Phil, I do recall who he was at the Stash Bash. Sat near me on the bus, and right next to me in Quick Stop. Didn't know him, but as with any other fan, I did know that I at least had a common thread with him. Much love to you, his family, and all his friends.
Rob Li |
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Although I didn't have the honor of knowing him, I can tell from the beautiful things that you said about him that I would have liked him.
I am truly sorry for his loss.
thx3188 |
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Dude, I'm so sorry to hear this fucked up news, I know how good of a friend he was to you. I've only hung out with him a couple of times, but it was enough to know he was a funny, goodhearted guy. Sorry again.
-DJ Andy
As the waitress takes away his half eaten breakfast:
"I'm sorry maam, I had no right ordering this much food" |
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Phil, you certainly lightened up the room when you made a joke..
-Alex |
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Sorry Len, I know he was a good buddy of yours as well. I'm sad to hear about it too, he was a good tour bus partner. Only knew him for a few days but he was a riot and a good person.
Sincerely,
Leslie |
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Hey man, don't know if you remember me or not from the grand opening of the Stash last year. I'm Seth, Kara's friend from Kentucky. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for you about Phil. I'm not going to give you the usual platitudes, but I'm sad that he died man and I hope you'll be ok.
Take care,
Seth |
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It took some guts to write that, man. You forever have my respect. I remember meeting you guys last year at the stash bash. It was good getting to hang with you two and yap it up for a bit. You guys were cool and laid back. Much more then I was at the time. heh. Best wishes to you, man. I know you guys were pals and I know it hurts to lose a friend.
Take care of yourself, brother. I'll say a prayer for Phil.
-Chris |
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I only met him at the Stash-Bash but he seemed like the friendly sort. My overall impression was that he was a lot of fun. If you remember he introduced me to the dubious benefits of cool-aid and liquor! And he also seemed to like the pizza I got.
I'm very sorry, I really am.
Love:
Phil (From London) |
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You have my deepest sympathies Len, and we all know life can do some pretty fucked up things once in a while. I just hope I have a friend thoughtful enough like you when I die.
Andrew |
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