Below is part of something I posted earlier this morning in an FO about Old Cosmo.

My heart is heavy this morning from news that Old Cosmo passed away. I feel so badly for his family. What a terrible loss. He was clearly a great man who loved his family and sought to give us his very best on CB, to uplift us as Nephi would. I am glad his fight is over, that his suffering is over, however, and that he, like Paul, "fought a good fight", "finished [his] course", and "kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7.)

Having lost a faithful mother to cancer three and a half years ago, I know that the pain of that departure remains for a long time. His poor wife and children will obviously suffer with their loss in so many ways. I am praying for their welfare and comfort. As for Old Cosmo, I hope he finds my mom, puts his arm around her, and tells her how much he enjoyed discussing BYU sports with me. She would love that. Perhaps my mom will then give Old Cosmo his first lesson on being a ministering angel from beyond the veil. I have no doubt that he will be working overtime to bless and comfort his grieving family to the extent the Lord allows.

Old Cosmo gave me hope, increased my faith, and provided me with a sense of spiritual comradery on CB. He was like a CB brother who always had the right answer and was very willing to provide it. Even though we barely knew each other in real life, Old Cosmo was someone in my life who provided inspiration to be better. How do I become that kind of person? I think it comes down to desire, then taking that desire and putting it into action in very small increments - perhaps one different little thing at a time implemented into my day that will draw me just a little closer to the Savior.

By the way, the one and only time I was present with Old Cosmo was at a fireside in Las Vegas, where he actually read a CB post by Choke about an experience Choke had with a young man who he randomly befriended in a church parking lot . . . a small act of love and friendship which served as a catalyst to change that young man's life. I have also read Choke's account in talks I have given on love and fellowship. (I figured, if Old Cosmo can do it, I can, too.)

There is certainly strength in CB for those who choose to be more like Nephi - ever focused on walking the strait and narrow path, giving no heed to what the world has to offer to the extent it seeks to draw his attention away from the Lord. Old Cosmo was like Nephi. I am grateful to have friends here who do that, and who inspire me to do that, as well. I am especially grateful this morning for Old Cosmo - for his spirituality, his sense of humor, his shared love for BYU, his family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and even for me, as a fellow CBer. My goodness, Old Cosmo will be missed. But, he left a wonderful legacy of love, courage and devotion to all things good in his mortal wake.