The title says it all folks. This is not a joke; our beloved big dog is leaving us. After well over 4 years of hard work for this site, acting as my right arm, BigAkita has helped put us where we are today. His articles and reviews were thorough and concise... He is a man of honor, respect, and loyalty. He will be sorely missed from this site and I can only hope he can return some time in the future... I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for that.

Here is a good-bye letter that he asked that I present to you all when breaking this news:

"Ever since I stumbled upon our site several years ago, I knew that there was a spark that I hadn't seen on any other website. That spark was a feeling of camaraderie and a sense of belonging to a community. That spark has continued on through each generation of members that we've acquired. Yes, there is drama; but there is also an easygoing friendliness and willingness to help that is always underlying... just like in any family.

Over the years I've managed to progress from uppity n00b to regular member, then senior member, then reviewer and staff member, to senior reviewer, and finally to Admin. I've always enjoyed myself, I wouldn't have stayed unless it was so. As a matter of fact, I think I enjoyed it a little too much; so much that I couldn't see what else was going on around me.

I have been on the forum for years, and over the last few have been hot and heavy into reviewing and administering the forum; both of which consume a huge amount of time. I have been so focused on my online family that I had forgotten or ignored my real family. Most evenings I would get home from work, eat dinner, then retire to the dungeon for some review action and to keep an eye on the forum. Many weekends were spent trying to meet review deadlines and editing other staff members reviews. I wasn't allocating enough time to what truly should have been important to me.

A short while back it suddenly dawned on me that I have let way too much time slip away. I came to the realization that my children will start leaving home in about a year and that it must seem to both them and my wife that I didn't care for their company anymore. That epiphany came with a huge wave of regret, but also with a resolve to change things immediately.

Since my decision to leave I am amazed at the free time I have now, and how much I can get accomplished around the house and yard. I am holding actual conversations with my children again and the relationship between my wife and I hasn't felt this strong since we were newlyweds. I want everyone to know that leaving is something that I had to do... life is too damn short.

I know it seems sudden, but that is my military background. Sometimes it is easier to walk away quietly than to have to bear the goodbye's. I wish everyone well for the future, especially Gary with this very special community he has built. I'm not turning my back on geekiness, oh hell no, I will always be a power hungry mobo abuser, but instead I am turning towards something that for too long I didn't realize I was missing."

- BigAkita

I wish Brett all the best in his life. May good fortunes fall upon him and eventally bring him back home to us.

I wish you all the best Brett, you're a cornerstone of the PCApex community. I hope you still stop in from time to time, but we all have to make priorities in life, and you've made the right ones for you.

Talk about unexpected!!!

Man I would have never seen this coming..... Brett has always been like... The Glue that held PCX together on the forums and such... I remember alot of good times and great posts as I am typing this... Man.... You will be missed man.. I hope this is just a step down as Admin or what ever and not a goodbye for good.. You cant leave the forums completely man.. you could use some of that time to do some killer mods and post.. ... This is truely a sad moment for me and I am sure alot of others.. but more do the other staff who I know have much respect for you man.. Good luck in all that you do!! and stay with us as a member for a change

Darn... what a loss... I've only been here for a couple of months but I've come to value the Big Akita a LOT!

On the other hand.... , luckily, PC Apex has a GREAT staff (no... I'm NOT "kissing up" here, I've gone
through "all the ranks" on a non-modding related forum myself....so I know what I'm talking about,
including the HUGE amount of time & effort which comes with it...I had to give it up myself, eventually)
which, undoubtfully, will continue the'job at hand.... Which is, imho, a great community of 'modding fans who like to share their hobby, help eachother & have fun together without all of the abuse, flaming & 'crap you see all over the web... & do a bit of "folding" on the side (which I really should get into myself!)...helping humanity in the process...

All I want to say is... Thanks, Big Akita! Thanks for all you did, good luck & god speed!

TDR

Just wanted to let him Know Thanks for all the help he gave me and he also keep me out of trouble with out his guidance I be lost and banned alog time ago.

And for the leaving part.

Thanks, Big Akita!

And good luck.

I didn't know you that well, MrAkita, being fairly new here. But from the posts I've seen you make and such, I can see that this forum has lost a valued member. As you said, however, priorities change throughout life, and I'd have to agree that family should always be the #1. You should definitely make time to stop in once in awhile and say hello.

All the best,
Tattoo

Hasta Brett - you're leaving one helluva legacy for the new admins to follow.

You will be missed, big dog, but I'm glad to see that you are following your own advice. You had once told me that family is more important than being a member of this online community, as it should be before all else, too. Take care and I want to wish you happy journey, bro.

Stop by from time to time to drop a few words of wisdom.

Rob

I wish you all the best. Good luck and rock on!

Take care buddy. You'll be missed.

Wish you all the best. We will still be around when ever you want to drop by. Thanks for all the help you have givin to me and all the others here at PR/ PC Apex.

Brett,

Your truely gonna be missed , but form your letter your doing whats right by you and your family and for that along with all the other things you've taught not only myself but all the members here, and done for this community you have my deepest respect and admiration. You are what all men should aspire to be. A man of honor, pride, dignity integrity and loyalty to those you call family and friends.

Take care of yourself and your family Bro.

with the utmost respect, Mace AkA HTRN

Brett,
You were my first friend here.LOL, everytime I put my foot in my month, you were there to help me pull out. Do what you have to do. Just know I will miss you and always love you.

mom.

CAN I AT LEAST SEE WHO I"M SAYING BYE TO ??? TIME FOR A PICTURE.

Brett,
You were my first friend here at PR. Evevrtime I put my food in my mouth you were right there to help me pull it out. LOL.

I will miss you and always love you my friend.

Darlene

While I have only been active here for the last few months, I have known about and visited PimpRig/PCApex for years, ever since I got involved over at GruntvillE for many of the very same reasons that BigAkita stated for his involvment here. I can completely, 1000% understand where he is coming from because I have gone through the same thing to a lesser extent. I have had to cut back on my involvment in several "virtual" activites, most notable online gaming such as WoW and CoD2. Anyways, enough of that.

Best of wishes to you BA, I have always enjoyed your reviews and valued your opinion, even if you never knew it. You, along with the other staff here, have done a great job and PCApex is something that you can all be very proud of. I am sure we will see you around, perhaps just not in an "official" way, and not as much once you get things in the rest of your life leveled out. Good luck!

Well big guy u shall be missed, u have truly helped this forum out a lot.

Take Care Bro! You will be missed and I do hope you will drop by every now and then. The bonds you have built will never be broken.

I hope we are still on for that beer when I can drive through town!

I've been here for a few months, yet I could easily tell BigAkita was an important part to this site.

Well best of luck to you.

Good luck man. Sorry to see you go, the forums gonna miss you. Best of wishes for you and the family.