The Energon Pub

I hadn't really been here in a while, but when I got the news from TFW2005 I was saddened by it and couldn't really think of much to say.
His customs and ideas were extraordinary and they will be missed.

So long, TFMaster. Rest in Peace.

...I'll respond more once the shock wares off.

I'm a very lucky person to have known Bill as well as I did. He was always a friend first, a kitbasher second. He may have had other friends aside from me, but he always made me feel like I was his only friend. I wish I had done more for him. Every time I think I've gotten over this the tears come again. It's just so hard to stop. I'll never forget him, and I hope to see his smiling face again someday.

Oh God, this is horrifying news. I never met him, but it was this site and his awe-inspiring work that lifted my spirit when I was feeling down in 2004. My God, the number of times I came here just to see if there was some bit that be so amazing as to perk me right up...and without fail, there something was, lifting me up.

This truely is horrible, because we did lose a family member. All of us, whether in the context of all or Transfandom or all us meek ones at Transtopia are like family to each other. When I read of his passing, I did cry. I'm crying as I write this. These tears, which I shed for a man I didn't even know, would cease to be at either of my aunts' funerals or wakes. We are a strong group, and we need to show that strength to his family right now, because God knows an eight-year old boy needs all the help he can get at a time like this.

A moment of silence and prayer for the hero of us all, the inspirer of the latent talent, Bill Koshorek, the TFmaster.

I've all but stopped customizing and moved on to other things but still lurk here every once in a while to see what amazing customs are being made. It is truly sad to find out about his passing. This hobby has changed quite a bit compared to only a couple of years ago and its in a large part due to TFM and this site. His dedication to the hobby is surpassed by none. But more than just a guy who made amazing customs, he was also a great guy all around as I was fortunate to have chatted with him online and met him personally during Botcon '05.

R.I.P. TFM

Farewell, Master.

All here will miss you.
Your work will keep you alive for ever.

WOW... I am absolutely stunned. I've been away from kitbashing for awhile, but I've always checked Transtopia from time to time to see what's going on and what other people along with TFmaster were coming up with.

I remember back when I first started kitbashing a few years ago, his kitbashes were inspiration for me to attempt my own and I remember submiting my first few it was always great to receive feedback and thoughts, heck, even critisism from him. I looked forward to it. He could be a stubborn s.o.b. at times, but he stood by what he believed in and and loved his hobby and family with a mad passion. I respected him for it.

I don't know what his faith was, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and son. I supppose I will remember him best for a post he once made about a time he was kitbashing and his son came up to him and had a Godzilla head on a Transformer or something and said, "Look Dad, I can kitbash too!" And he said he could cry he was so proud. He struck me as a father who loved his family very much.

Transformer fandom has truly lost a creative legend.

R.I.P. TFMASTER
See you up in the great Allspark in the sky buddy.

I am not gonna lie when I say I am rather broken up about this. It's gonna be very difficult to go to his service.

His work not only got me interested in kitbashing/toymaking, but because of that interest I went into jewelry/metalsmithing in college. Really, I was there because I knew the tools and techniques would carry over well. I've been making a living as a jeweler for going on five years now, and that was because of him.

Then he gave us this site. This community is what kept me going those months trapped in bed after my accident, and more so gave me something to look forward to during the depression of my wife leaving me.

And then there's the advice he freely gave us all. He was like our resident professor of kitbashing. He was a mentor. I think I would have a similar feeling if something like this happened to any of about three teachers I've had in my life, the ones that really leave a lasting impression on you.

...I miss him already.

I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already been expressed. He was such a great member of this community and such a talented artist. I never saw a piece of his that wasn't amazing. Unfortunately I can't comment on his life outside of the forums but I know when he was on that he was helpful and always had great opinions to add. I learnt all customization I know through this site. I hope it lives on. It would be a tribute.

Ryan just posted this over at Seibetron.com in regards to TFMaster's funeral. He asked that it be passed along. It might be a good idea to post this in the news on the front page. Here is the link: http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=9734. I wish i could go, but it is too far away.

I only just read the news, having been away for a while, but d*mn...
What a loss, to all TF fans, but most of all to his family and friends whom I wish strength in the days ahead.

In epitaph,
in memoriam,
in remembrance.
Sorrow is but a word,
not enough to convey the pain now in all our hearts.

I have been gone for a bit due to some R.L. problems and a Strained/pulled Quad in my right leg When I discovered the news on TFD I shot right over here.

I remember the first time I spoke to him on the original Transtopia that he had on freeservers... and at that time I knew nothing of kitbashing and i had glanced over the work he had done and the first thing that inspired me was his R.I.D Sunstreaker which I made one of mine own that was slightly diffrent, I know I had nowhere near the level of skill Bill had but it was enough to start me down a endless path of an constantly empty wallet

To this day I'm still doing Kitbashes there's many I still need to show on here as well as TFD.... But thank you Bill for giving me a hobby That I enjoy more then just being a typical Transfan I'm a kitbasher and prould of it!. And I owe it all to you

Rest In Peace my Friend, You earned it.