Cybermemorials and their potential

Recently, drummer Devon Clifford of the Vancouver band You Say Party! We Say Die! passed away due to an undiagnosed cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital birth defect that caused massive bleeding in his brain when he collasped last Friday during the band's homecoming gig at the Rickshaw Theatre. News of Clifford's death spread like wildfire and perhaps not surprisingly, Facebook groups and pages were quickly created to honour the drummer in cyberspace.

Clifford worked in the Downtown Eastside for the Portland Hotel Society. A particular memorial group on Facebook is actually dedicated to raise money to donate in honour of Clifford: Devon Clifford Discussion

(I apologize for those who cannot access the link! Here is a public look at the site, but it's still not incredibly informative)

They have contacted the Portland Hotel Society, and are trying to organize a fundraising event/benefit concert in honour of Clifford. What is inspiring about this new direction some cybermemorials are taking is the forward action its creators are employing. Rather than create a space to talk about the past, this group is talking about the future and continuing the work Clifford was doing. Something like this is a rather fitting tribute.

The Vancouver Sun also wrote a lovely obit if you are interested.