Greg Davies, a long-time Geeks of Doom contributor and friend, passed away Tuesday. He was one of the first internet friends I made at the dawn of the social media and news-sharing era over a decade ago. He went by the handle cgt2099 and regularly used a silver alien head as his avatar. He immigrated to America from his home down under in Australia, and often ended discussions with the word “Dilligaf*.” And unlike the majority of folks I encountered in those early days of the social web, this guy was always hyper interested in two things: the most important news of the day, and figuring out a way to build a community around it that had more humanity than a rowdy comment section.

It’s no surprise that he eventually started a podcast called Social Blend for which he often asked me on as a guest. Then some time later, he approached me about the idea of co-hosting a podcast entirely devoted to Doctor Who. Matt Smith had just been named as the successor to David Tennant in the modern version of the series and buzz was just starting to build. Needless to say, I was all in, and the Geeks of Doom Doctor Who TARDIS Blend was born. And for 124 entertaining episodes, we proceeded to discuss the in’s and out’s of Whovian lore, plot devices, brilliant or lackluster performances, quality of writing and direction, and how this time-traveling 900-year-old alien in a blue box seemed to tie so well into the fabric of our crazy, ultra connected society — no matter what was going on in the world or which set of societal norms were being destroyed.

But alas, all great things must eventually come to an end. And unlike Timelords, great humans don’t have an option to regenerate. And earlier this week Greg passed away very unexpectedly — much to the shock and disbelief of so many folks who befriended him online over the years. For those like myself who knew Greg very well, who talked to him almost daily, I suspect it’ll be even harder. Greg was the kind of person you always wanted on your team. Not just because of how loyal a friend he was, but rather because if you were lucky enough to be in his social orbit, he genuinely took an interest in whatever was happening in your world. I’m better off for knowing him and so grateful I got to be his friend.

So it is with an enormously heavy heart that I announce the end of TARDIS Blend after a truly epic run. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we weren’t able to record a show reviewing the last episode of the season — a New Year’s Day special that saw the Doctor’s companions having some strong revelations about what it means to be family. Fortunately, Greg and I did discuss our thoughts about it. It perfectly captures the kind of person he was, and I’d like to share a little bit of the conversation below:

While the podcast may be over, the impact Greg had on those he knew will endure throughout space and time. I’d like to close with a bit of an admission”¦ I never actually knew what Greg’s send-off word “Dilligaf” meant until I started writing this piece. It’s actually an acronym for the phrase “Do I look like I give a fuck?” The funny thing is, yes, Greg always did. At least with the important stuff.

Dilligaf and farewell, my old friend.