Yes, readers, this is terrible news…and, unfortunately, no joke.
The most entertaining and prolific commenter to this blog and at least one other — KC Confidential — died on Wednesday, apparently from an infection that spread from a leg to his brain.
I did not know The Smartman, but Hearne Christopher, who governs the KC Confidential blog, identified him as Marti N. Dolinar, 52. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and lived in the KC area his whole life. He was a resident of the Brookside area, I believe.
Here is Hearne’s account, which he posted on Thursday.
…I first got an inkling of trouble this morning, after reading a comment from our second most frequent commenter, “Chuck.”
At 9:59 p.m. last night, Chuck wrote this, “So long, Smarty.”
Naturally, that sounded an alarm, and a little reporting then led to the awful news.
Coincidentally, Dolinar’s obit ran in this morning’s KC Star. Here it is…
Marti N. Dolinar, 52, died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at St. Luke’s Hospital, KCMO. The Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 29, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Strawberry Hill in KCK, where visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Marti’s wishes were to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Marti’s memory to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd., KCMO 64137 or to the St. John’s Church Restoration Fund.
Marti was born June 27, 1961, to George M. and JoAnn (Goodack) Dolinar in Kansas City, Kan. He was a graduate of St. John the Baptist Grade School and Bishop Ward High School Class of 1979. Some of Marti’s favorite childhood memories involve his years as a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout of Troop 19. Early in his career, Marti worked as a music-promotion entrepreneur. He devoted the remainder of his career to working in the plastic packaging industry in sales. Marti loved music, animals, reading and spending time with his family. He had an overwhelming enthusiasm for life and a clever sense of humor.
He has now joined his devoted mother, JoAnn in heaven; leaving behind his dear father, George and beloved sweetheart, Sherri Parker; uncle, Ed (Fran) Dolinar; aunts, Josephine Uniak and Rose Gerkovich; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
“…a clever sense of humor.” A-men!
God, I’m going to miss you, Smartman, and so will our readers…May you be with God in heaven.
JimmyCsays: At the juncture of journalism and daily life in KC 
Jim:
A shock to read about the Smartman. Am sure he will be missed on your blog.
You gave him an outlet he needed and appreciated. He died way too young but you made life better for him while he was here.
Sincerely,
Laura
Say it isn’t so. As your blog has evolved I found myself looking, amongst your erudite followers, for Smartman’s acerbic, thought-provoking -or just provoking – replies to your posts. A sharp pointed foil I will miss. Thank you for letting us know the sad news. Jayson
Prayers for the readers, friends and family of The Smartman.
I feel like most of us involved in JimmyCsays considered him an arms-length friend, despite his often-non-politically-correct comments. He was a genuine personality.
So long smarty.
I guess that makes me the most frequent commenter. No false humility, that is like asking Matt Cassel to cover for Aaron Rodgers. I just ain’t up to it buddy.
This makes me sick in my heart.
That guy was so funny.
I share your feelings completely, Chuck…sick at heart says it all…And, by the way, thank you so much for posting your three-word tribute. But I guess that’s part of the role of a second banana, isn’t it? Let everyone know what’s going on with No 1.
Demonstrates how much this blog, unlike so many others, has become somewhat of a family where opposing views can be shared in a civil manner. RIP Smartman, long live Jimmycsays.
Thanks, John…That’s high praise. Anybody can develop into a friend in this department.
Damn. We need all the smart and funny people we can get. He’ll be missed. Let’s keep up the high quality interaction on this blog, he’d like that.
sorry to hear of the loss, but this foot infection thing seems to be a growing problem especially for men. in the past three months i’ve had two close friends come down with foot infections that damn near killed them both, only because of quick response at the hospital did they both recover but not without extended stays in the hospital. let’s pay attention guys!!!
That’s a good point, Gus…I have no idea whether The Smartman got to the doctor right away, after the infection developed…But my policy is always, if something seems wrong, get to the doctor. If he/she tells you, “You’re fine; don’t worry about it,” great. But there just could be that one time when he/she says, “It’s a good thing you came in when you did.”
PJ