RIP Stan "Atenears" Aten

[bjh2130]

Unbelievable. Sending prayers to Kathy and his family. Stan was such a great man. Goes without saying this place wouldn't be here obviously. I'm so thankful for this board. Go Browns beat the Falcons for Stan.

[Zombo]

Lot's of folks have asked ... Yes, we will set something up for the family. We will collect for for flowers, plant, donation, etc. for the funeral, and then we will also collect some money for Kathy,  I don't know their financial situation but collecting some money so she doesn't have to worry about keeping the board afloat until we figure things out would be the proper gesture I think.

I will do a Paypal thingie later.

Go Browns ... Win one for Skippy ...

Zombo

[Riffer X]

24 minutes ago, Zombo said:

Lot's of folks have asked ... Yes, we will set something up for the family. We will collect for for flowers, plant, donation, etc. for the funeral, and then we will also collect some money for Kathy,  I don't know their financial situation but collecting some money so she doesn't have to worry about keeping the board afloat until we figure things out would be the proper gesture I think.

I will do a Paypal thingie later.

Go Browns ... Win one for Skippy ...

Zombo

I will be glad to pitch in for Kathy, the board and whatever else. Thanks for letting us know about everything and sorry for your loss along with everybody else who was close with Stan. He was a good dude.

[LondonBrown]

Very sad news. 

Thanks for the board Stan and best wishes to everyone affected. 

[Chicopee John]

At a loss for words.

Despite the miles between us, I always considered Stan to be a good friend.  

Whenever I traveled to Cleveland, he opened his house, etc. to me.  Always a gracious host and a kind man.

Stan, absolutely, loved his children

God Bless Stan and his family

 

[5150k9]

RIP, and Gods speed. This forum is part of your legacy and will live on.

[LondonBrown]

7 hours ago, Flugel said:

CRUSHING NEWS! 

There's 2 reasons the old AOL board back in 98 felt like THE place to call home were you and Stan (ATENEARS). You 2 knuckleheads never agreed on anything,which brought to life a level of oneupsmanship entertainment I had never encountered.  Hilarious from the get-go! 

Stan hated Tim Couch while you were handing out Guinness Beer to anyone joining you, me and Hoorta in Camp Couch.  Stan was one of the funniest smart assses I had ever seen.  He attacked my first Tim Couch Makes Sense post with a fine tooth comb; and I knew I was never leaving. Then came the temporarily outspoken male cheerleader from Kentucky with the screen name TOPJOCK and a creepy groinal warming for Tim Couch. Next thing I know half our board was in the penalty box with TOS Violations. Stan vowed to us he was going to start a board some day that gave us as close to anything goes as possible with freedom of speech.  And here we are - what it is....

The biggest thing I remember about Stan was no matter how much we disagreed and busted balls in here - he opened his house up to you and me (and a slew of others that lived out of town).  He brought a whole bunch of people together from as far east as England and as far west as California. It was great to meet guys like Hoorta, Ed (Roach), Furnier, KSHutchins, Gumbodog34, the legendary FatJeff and so many others. It got to the point where you, me and Stan got together almost every year for training camp visits, scrimmages (ie: Edinboro, Rochester) or weekend road trips home/away games. Unforgettable fun!  When he asked me what the game plan would be in our first tailgate down in Tampa in the preseason of 99 - I said "Tell you what - we're not leaving until Zombo's heaving."  To which he replied, "I'M THERE!"  I'm still meeting and partying with great long-time fans like Canton Mike, RifferX, Calfox, WSS, Gipper and others in recent years. 

When Stan coached kids in baseball, playing time had nothing to do with how good the kid was.  It was all about how HOT the kid's mom was.  And he taught sportsmanship the way you'd expect him to with this classic epitome of the guy: "WE DON'T SHAKE THEIR HANDS UNTIL AFTER WE'VE KICKED THEIR ASSS!" The first time he ever mentioned his WIFE - he called her "THE TOOTHLESS HAG."  When he got remarried it evolved into "HAG2." 

Our world here lost a GREAT dude!    I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I'll never forget him!

We’ve had our differences but this is a really good and touching post. I’m very sorry that you, Zombo etc and anyone who met him, have lost such a good friend. 

[TypicalBrowns50]

Sorry to hear. I remember him posting when I first joined. RIP. 

[BrownsnMopar]

R.I.P. Stan prayers for your family. Thank you for the legacy of this board and the many friends made here. Godspeed 

[Canton Dawg]

Seems fitting that the Browns win one for Stan today. 

Go Browns!

RIP Stan

[Kvoethe]

Thoughts n prayers...

A year younger than me..

Someone gonna set up a fund?

[tiamat63]

A W for Stan The Man.     Very fitting.  

[Cowsrus]

Omg, this is quite a shock. My thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with Stan's wife, family and friends. He kept this place going not only for Browns fans everywhere but through his complaints, I think he did it for himself as well. Godspeed Stan. 😪

[bjh2130]

2 minutes ago, Kvoethe said:

Thoughts n prayers...

A year younger than me..

Someone gonna set up a fund?

Yeah zombo posted something about it at top of page 2 second comment.

[stillmotion]

I only talked to Stan a couple of times via PM, but I have great respect for the person who put together this board. It brings fans of the Browns from all sorts of different walks of life together, and Stan must've had a great passion for Cleveland sports to keep this board up through all the chaos of bad seasons we've had. I deeply appreciate what he did for us Browns fans, and It deeply saddens me that he passed away so young. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and i'll never for a moment forget what he did for us Browns fans bringing us together. I'd like to believe we crushed the Falcon's today for him.

[Ghoolie]

The stories about how Stan created TBB as an AOL off shoot I think have been shared a lot, by more than one of us. I think however the reasons Stan created TBB have not been shared, or at least put up on a pedestal properly.

Many think that Stan’s love for the Browns is the fuel that formulated this place, but it isn’t, and it really never was. Oh, for sure, the unfair treatment of our core AOL group helped instigate Stan’s effort, for we AOL posters were being treated the same way NFL refs have treated our team. However, if you want to really learn something about Stan, I hope you will read along as I share my own personal journey with him.

Nearly 2 decades ago Stan pulled together a phenomenal tailgate for the Inaugural 1999 return of the Browns. He enabled many cyber friends to cross into the realm of real-life friendship. He enabled me to turn my once online hated rival Rich4Eagle into a beloved friend. Stan’s efforts brought me many other personal and lifelong pals, West Side Steve, Flugs, Chicopee John, I still think Hoorta and Zombo, and many others.

Oddly, at the 1999 inaugural, I barely introduced myself to Stan. We were antagonistic to each other. Both perhaps not enamored with the other’s ego. It was not until we discovered our mutual interest in Las Vegas years back that our friendship really grew and soared.

How sad it was this morning for me to receive a message from Zombo that my suspension had been lifted. I say that because his message also included the horrible news that is at this moment ripping a piece of many our hearts out.

Some might say, “how odd that Zombo would reach out to Ghoolie, I thought those guys hated each other.” Hmm, and now, we can begin to see why Stan created TBB.

A few years ago when I wrote an Irish composition for John (Zombo), Stan told me in Vegas that I was gay, that Zombo was gay, and my love song to him was proof positive. All kidding aside, the real story here is that it was TBB that facilitated that song. It facilitates a hell of a lot of our songs.

Stan created this place out of his love for people, for knuckleheads, for every odd nut, bolt and spacer that ever cheered for, cursed, and scratched their heads over the Browns. Stan created for us the real life “Cheers”, a place where everyone knows your name. Zombo, Hoorta, Ghoolie, WSS, Stinkhole, Vagitron, Gunz……

To the dismay of many, Stan and I seldom talked about TBB, and it was Stan who asked me to be here, not the other way around. However, Stan didn’t ask me to be here because he knew I was so great that the board couldn’t get along without me, no, he knew that I, me, Ghoolie, could not get along without TBB and my dear friends; friends who know me away from the Ghoolie schtick. On several occasions I asked Stan to change my screen name to Tom. He refused. In fact, Zombo changed my name back from Vesna Kociper, because to my extreme humility he felt Ghoolie needed to remain a part of our place.

In recent times, like me, Stan had fallen out of love with the Browns, even saying to me that I was right to want the new team to be named something other than the Browns. The reasoning being so that the new owners didn’t get a free ride and take advantage of our undying love for what had come before. But Stan was wrong, and I was wrong. The “Browns” whatever that is, is us. Pure and simple, it is us, and my beloved friend Stan Aten created a place for us.

Stan and I planned to post a picture of he and I wearing Las Vegas Raiders shirts in Vegas this coming winter. Two weeks ago we were each in Vegas at the same time, but missed each other. My God, that is yet another spear in my heart. I was so close, so nearby Stan and Kathy, and we missed signals. However, at the end of the day, Raiders joking aside, we talked about us. You, me, the knuckleheads, the oddballs, the fans who just need a place where everyone knows their name.

Stan…………..I know his name……………I knew him and I loved him.

God Bless you Stan, us, we, everyone here will never forget your name.

 

 

[Mark O]

8 hours ago, Flugel said:

CRUSHING NEWS! 

There's 2 reasons the old AOL board back in 98 felt like THE place to call home were you and Stan (ATENEARS). You 2 knuckleheads never agreed on anything,which brought to life a level of oneupsmanship entertainment I had never encountered.  Hilarious from the get-go! 

Stan hated Tim Couch while you were handing out Guinness Beer to anyone joining you, me and Hoorta in Camp Couch.  Stan was one of the funniest smart assses I had ever seen.  He attacked my first Tim Couch Makes Sense post with a fine tooth comb; and I knew I was never leaving. Then came the temporarily outspoken male cheerleader from Kentucky with the screen name TOPJOCK and a creepy groinal warming for Tim Couch. Next thing I know half our board was in the penalty box with TOS Violations. Stan vowed to us he was going to start a board some day that gave us as close to anything goes as possible with freedom of speech.  And here we are - what it is....

The biggest thing I remember about Stan was no matter how much we disagreed and busted balls in here - he opened his house up to you and me (and a slew of others that lived out of town).  He brought a whole bunch of people together from as far east as England and as far west as California. It was great to meet guys like Hoorta, Ed (Roach), Furnier, KSHutchins, Gumbodog34, the legendary FatJeff and so many others. It got to the point where you, me and Stan got together almost every year for training camp visits, scrimmages (ie: Edinboro, Rochester) or weekend road trips home/away games. Unforgettable fun!  When he asked me what the game plan would be in our first tailgate down in Tampa in the preseason of 99 - I said "Tell you what - we're not leaving until Zombo's heaving."  To which he replied, "I'M THERE!"  I'm still meeting and partying with great long-time fans like Canton Mike, RifferX, Calfox, WSS, Gipper and others in recent years. 

When Stan coached kids in baseball, playing time had nothing to do with how good the kid was.  It was all about how HOT the kid's mom was.  And he taught sportsmanship the way you'd expect him to with this classic epitome of the guy: "WE DON'T SHAKE THEIR HANDS UNTIL AFTER WE'VE KICKED THEIR ASSS!" The first time he ever mentioned his WIFE - he called her "THE TOOTHLESS HAG."  When he got remarried it evolved into "HAG2." 

Our world here lost a GREAT dude!    I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I'll never forget him!

That about sums it all up.  Well Said Flugels... 

[jcam222]

I never had the privilege of meeting or talking to Stan. I respect and love he he’ll out of him for what he created and maintained for us as a labor of love. Prayers for his family and God bless his soul. 

[roach]

Dear Stan,

As you know, I worked for a company that was mainly a sales organization.  As an executive I had to write many many letters of tribute or congratulations to our field salespeople or employees.  Letters such as those were always difficult as it is not one of my strengths.  This one will come easy for me.

I miss you man.

I know it's been only one day, but I miss you.  I'll never forget how we met.  First on the AOL board, then you attending our preseason tailgate party in 1999.  It was at that party that we decided to open it up, to include all of our AOL friends.  You did the leg work, Don and I did the cooking.  Thanks to you, I've met so many wonderful lifelong friends at these parties.  I'm not going to mention them as the names are far too many.  But, if they're reading this, they will know who they are.

The parties grew and were a blast.  We entertained groups as small as 12 and as large as over 100.  You were the General and we were your lieutenants.  Thanks to you I've met terrific people from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico, and overseas.  We met new friends together, we got drunk together, and we even had our cars broken into while we were at the game together.

I was honored when you asked Don, Carl and I to cook at your wedding party. We had a blast and that was the first time that I met your beautiful bride, Kathy.  The two of you were, and have always been a wonderful couple.  I've never met a couple like you that had so much fun laughing at each other and with each other.  Our families have shared so many good times from Berea to Panama City Beach.

Stan, I know from talking to Kathy, Alexis, Shannon, Trevor, others and my own experiences over the years what a great and caring father you have been.  Your family's hearts have never been heavier than they are today.

As I walked back from the Stadium today, I thought back to the all the same walks we made together.  Today was a tough walk for me because, even though we won, I walked back without one of my fondest friends.

I miss you man.

Ed

 

 

 

[CLEVELANDwantsPLAYOFFS]

My prayers go out to Stan and his family! 🙏

This Victory truly was for you... it was the greatest Browns performance on all phases I have ever watched and I can’t help but think the founder wasn’t watching from above.

 

[VikingDawg]

Man, that sucks. 

 

RIP Stan, you are already greatly missed. 

[hoorta]

2 hours ago, Ghoolie said:

Stan and I planned to post a picture of he and I wearing Las Vegas Raiders shirts in Vegas this coming winter. Two weeks ago we were each in Vegas at the same time, but missed each other. My God, that is yet another spear in my heart. I was so close, so nearby Stan and Kathy, and we missed signals. However, at the end of the day, Raiders joking aside, we talked about us. You, me, the knuckleheads, the oddballs, the fans who just need a place where everyone knows their name.

Stan…………..I know his name……………I knew him and I loved him.

God Bless you Stan, us, we, everyone here will never forget your name.

 

Board stuff aside- this is why even though we might disagree- It's why we're here. this is one big family. Drawn together because we love the Browns. (some may not admit it, but deep down you do) We've lost folks- some that don't post anymore like Rich or Bees Indy, and some that have gone on to a better place like Fat Dad and Kathy Hutchins.

There's many, many great guys I would have never gotten to know as friends if not for this board.

So RIP Stan- that win today was for you.... 

[Zombo]

Very emotional win today.

These are some of the best posts ever on The Browns Board, and I'll get back to all of you tomorrow.

For now, I'm just going to enjoy my beer and Fireball in my "I Hate The Steelers" tshirt and think about the one thing Stan bitched about for 20 years: "I just wanna see the Browns play a solid game for 60 minutes on both sides of the ball" ... He got that today.

Z

[D Bone]

I didn't know Stan in any way, shape or form, but I am grateful that he created this board because as silly as it may sound, it's a meaningful part of my life. He was my age, and it goes as a reminder to me to be thankful for every day that I have on this planet with the people that matter to me, and I to them.

My thoughts and condolences are with his family........ RIP stranger I never met - and thank you. 

[TexasAg1969]

21 minutes ago, Zombo said:

Very emotional win today.

These are some of the best posts ever on The Browns Board, and I'll get back to all of you tomorrow.

For now, I'm just going to enjoy my beer and Fireball in my "I Hate The Steelers" tshirt and think about the one thing Stan bitched about for 20 years: "I just wanna see the Browns play a solid game for 60 minutes on both sides of the ball" ... He got that today.

Z

Matt Ryan's reaction on the sidelines as we took over the ball at the end said it all. Pure frustration for a team that needed the win far more for the playoffs, but not near as much as we did for the pride of a pure game of excellent football. What a sendoff present. Got to be smilin' up there!😇

[why cant we win]

coming out of retirement just to send my condolences. Rest easy Stan. Prayers to his family in this time of need. Saw the news on the yahoo message board and knew I had to come check my long lost family here. 

[Furnier]

I wasn't as close to Stan as many of you were. Not long after that first amazing tailgate in 1999 my now ex-wife went off the rails and it fell to me to hold my family together for the next 12 years so I was extremely limited in how much and how often I could be involved in the tailgates, the board and all the festivities surrounding a Browns home weekend. I only bring this up to shine a light on my favorite memory of Stan. In 2000 my ex-wife had left and I was working a full-time job and taking care of all the needs of all four of my kids. A truly daunting task that I had discussed with very few people. It wasn't fun to talk about. I had revealed it to Stan however. That summer he invited my sons and I to his home for a day of fun. He provided food. Opened his home to us and escorted us to the Browns practice facility where for the first time in my long Browns fandom I got to watch the Browns at training camp. It was a wonderful day of peace for my sons and I amidst the maelstrom that was our lives at that time. Stan ENTIRELY made that day happen and he did it for us. My older son was never a big sports fan but he still talks about that day. My younger son became a HUGE sports fan and that day was a catalyst for that. I can still remember sitting there next to him discussing alternately, The Browns and our kids. He loved his kids. He loved the kids he coached. Collectively they were everything to him. I always liked Stan and felt he understood that everyone deserved their voice here. That everyone had a different way of expressing their feelings regarding our team and he let that happen and let us be who we are for good or bad or ugly. Stan is (I refuse to say was) the ultimate Cleveland fan and my respect for that alone would be enough for me to have loved the guy......but the way he was to his kids and the way he treated my kids forever earned my respect. Stan, thank you. You will forever be missed. 

[Dutch Oven]

I've run out of "likes" or whatever they are called on here, or I'd give them all to Furnier for his post. 

I've only been on here for a little over a year or so, so I had no interaction with Stan. 

But from what people have said about him who did know him, he's someone who seemed to brighten the lives of those he did know. At the end of the day, that sounds like a successful life to me. 

Rest in Peace, Stan. 

[Orion]

15 hours ago, Zombo said:

RIP Stan "Atenears" Aten

1967-2018

Very sad.  Way too young.  Thoughts and prayers to his family!

[Canton Mike]

Flugel broke the news to me via text while I was at the game today.I was (am) absolutely shocked & we, as a community, have lost a good man.

Stan, thanks for the win today. I am sure you had a hand in it. Prayers for your Family & loved ones.

RIP.

Mike