[Featured]: TONMO mourns the loss of staff member DWhatley; "D"; Denise Whatley

[tonmo]

Today and for all of #Squidtember and onward we remember @DWhatley ("D"; Denise Whatley), who passed on September 3rd after a long battle. D was our beloved staff member and author of over 21k posts on TONMO (more than double that of any other member, including myself).

Denise quietly fought her illness but remained a dedicated member of our community throughout. We will miss her and continue to honor her memory and contributions; may her posts and texts, which she posted with the consistent intention of ensuring cephalopod well-being, forever stand in her honor.
--
This post is meant to be a

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
for
DENISE WHATLEY
She asked me to make this post to let all of her friends know that she has lost the hard fought fight against cancer on September 3, 2022.
Her Family, both direct and extended, meant everything to her and this is something we all should cherish.
Her friends were not far behind. I feel that she received much more than she gave in tutoring the members of tonmo.com start and maintain their cephalopod aquariums. Through tonmo she made friends worldwide,
I would like to thank ALL of her family and friends for being there for her.
So, I would like for you to raise a glass in remembrance of Denise Whatley
From me, her loving husband of 51 years, I would like to say
You were my everything and my life.
We had a hellava good ride.
I will always love and remember you
Neal

 

[Architeuthoceras]

Rest in peace D

 

[CHolland]

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for updating all of us here. She was always so kind and supportive anytime I interacted with her on this forum.

 

[adlysia]

I’m so very sorry for your loss @tonmo Rest In Peace, D

 

[tonmo]

@DWhatley and me at #tcon7 in 2018:

Candid Group Photos

Lunch

tonmo.com

and here at #tcon6 in 2016:

TONMOCON VI this weekend - Official "hey I'm here!" thread!

Hi TONMOers, Very exited as our final details are pretty buttoned up. We've got roughly 45 attendees, including presenters, but not including some additional Mote employees who may be stopping in. This is a good crowd. The content is incredible, and the speakers are amazing. I'm real...

tonmo.com

Also from #tcon6; there is Denise on the left with camera, sporting octopus shorts, next to my wife and I:

RIP Denise
<-- one of her many emoji's/smilies

 

[mournblade]

I am so sorry to hear this.

 

[Joe-Ceph]

She was very generous with her time and knowledge, I’m very sorry to hear that she’s gone.

 

[Tomh]

She will be missed! She helped me out a lot over the years! Rest In Peace!

 

[Nancy]

D played a big role in advising octopus keepers on Tonmo. Over time she kept many octopuses and was able to pass on the knowledge she gained. She will be missed for her expertise and also as a friend. Rest In Peace D Whatley

Nancy