Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2021-01-31/Obituary

Obituary

Flyer22 Frozen

By Wikipedia editors

Flyer22 Frozen, previously known as Flyer22 and Flyer22 Reborn, died in her late 30s on January 16, 2021, from complications of a long-term physical illness. An editor since May 2007, she was well-known for policy-focused editing in controversial topic areas, especially sexology, to ensure that appropriate sources were used and the neutral point of view policy followed, and for identifying a large number of sockpuppets over the years. Flyer22 racked up a prodigious 366,000 edits across 180,000 pages. The first page she created and worked on was JR Chandler and Babe Carey. Some of her best work was at Todd Manning , which became a featured article in 2015, as well as at Titanic (1997 film) , Jennifer's Body , Avatar (2009 film) , 2011 Tucson shooting , Clitoris , Vagina , G-spot , and Asexuality . She made significant contributions to many other topics, including Angelina Jolie , Brad Pitt , Scarlett Johansson , Human brain , Sexual intercourse, Lexa (The 100), and One Tree Hill (TV series).

Flyer22 was among Wikipedia's most generous editors when it came to helping other contributors develop their skills and knowledge. She would write detailed and highly cogent article talk posts explaining the diverse range of opinions found in mainstream sources – something that is especially valuable in fields like gender studies where prevailing views can change rapidly. Many fellow editors expressed gratitude for what Flyer taught them, some noting that Flyer helped them improve as an editor and collaborator not just on Wikipedia but on other wikis as well. Flyer took article accuracy and policy adherence very seriously, although she would occasionally show her playful side.

Besides her strong focus on mainspace editing, Flyer22 was also a frequent participant in WikiProject Medicine, WikiProject LGBT Studies, WikiProject Film, WikiProject Anatomy, and WikiProject Soap Operas; plus a variety of noticeboards, especially on biographies of living persons, page protection, vandalism, reliable sources, edit warring, and original research – with especial attention to child protection and the blocking of egregious trolls. She was given around 74 barnstars and other wiki-awards between 2007 and 2017.

Editors who kept in touch with Flyer22 over the years came to know her as a warm, kind woman. A vegetarian, she enjoyed the occasional Impossible Whopper. Her death was announced to her closest wiki-collaborators on January 21 by her brother, Halo Jerk1.

Some testimonials from her fellow editors:

"Flyer22 believed in the good that Wikipedia could do in the world, and lived that out."
"I never knew how deeply she had affected me. When I first started at Wikipedia, she showed me what an effect I could have, too."
"She was tough as nails, but underneath that exterior armor she was very sensitive and had a heart of gold, and some of the highest integrity of anyone I've ever seen."
"She didn't need to boast about plaques on the wall, because it was readily apparent she brought real expertise. I was always thankful we had someone like Flyer around."
"She epitomized the comment Jimbo once made about how it amazed him that WP editors could put up with so much and for as long as we do."
"I think she was the bravest editor I have known."
"Flyer was a good human being, and that was the basis for her becoming a great editor. She can be succeeded but never replaced. Godspeed."

Her brother stated:

"She was an anchor for me for many years. I loved her deeply and will miss her."

(Contributors to this obituary include Anatashala, Crossroads, Cullen328, Doug Weller, FeydHuxtable, Figureskatingfan, Girth Summit, Halo Jerk1, Montanabw, Ozzie10aaaa, Pyxis Solitary, SlimVirgin, SMcCandlish, and Zaereth.)

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31 January 2021 (all comments)

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Lovely tribute. —valereee (talk) 20:48, 31 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Flyer was an impressive editor. Her loss will be felt for a long time to come. Thank you to those who put this tribute together! Springee (talk) 21:05, 31 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you to all who contributed from me, as well. El_C 21:13, 31 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

That is unfortunate indeed. Flyer22 will certainly be missed. Seraphimblade ^{Talk to me} 15:52, 1 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for a well-done tribute. I'll just add the following:

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble." - Charles H. Spurgeon

Atsme 💬 📧 16:32, 1 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks. Paul August ☎ 21:49, 1 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

A fitting tribute to a beautiful person. I've always tried to picture her - somehow just knowing approximately how old she was helps me to do so even though of course I'm imagining. If Wikipedia goes on for another hundred years it will still have her spirit in its pages. Thanks to everyone who put this together. Clayoquot (talk | contribs) 05:02, 2 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

In my experience it was always a pleasure and positive experience to engage with Flyer22, including over differences of opinion. Will be sorely missed. Thanks for a fine tribute. Almanacer (talk) 13:52, 2 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

That was indeed a fine tribute. I never knew she ill. She will be remembered. scope_creep^Talk 20:34, 2 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
An excellent tribute. — Bilorv (talk) 12:34, 3 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Flyer22 was an important contributor and will be missed.--agr (talk) 23:11, 4 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
A sad loss indeed... Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 15:56, 7 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
A great editor, and a sad loss. -- The Anome (talk) 14:07, 12 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
I often saw her doing RCP on Huggle. I was shocked when I heard the news. Scorpions13256 (talk) 07:08, 13 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
This is just crazy.... RIP <3 Ⓩⓟⓟⓘⓧ _Talk 18:32, 16 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Very sad. Flyer was a great editor and a truly special character. She will be missed. Donner60 (talk) 04:59, 25 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

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