R.I.P. Paul Ash (Sniffyo)

General Yo-Yo
101

When I heard about Paul, it pretty much immediately took me back to Ryan Monsons’ Death. I just stared at the wall and had trouble forming thoughts. Just shaking my head and feeling frustrated about not having a clue could have used some help and alot of us never knew what was going on with Paul in time to possibly change his views on how to improve his ‘situation’.

I had ‘no idea’ he was getting ready to ‘cross over’ to escape a pressure overload.
The following Post was something I typed up on Ryan Monsons’ Obit Page, several years ago.
I read my own view on Houdini from several years ago and was confounded at how similar my feelings were for Ryan ‘then’ and ‘Paul’ now.

2 guys, years apart, ending their torments, by taking the short road out. And yet, at the same time, once again, leaving the rest of us to wonder if any or all of us could/would have been able to alter their fates, had we only known ‘in time’ to do anything???

I really liked Ryan. And likewise, I really liked Sniffy. They were good kids and had Golden hearts.
So, below with the utmost Respect, I am pasting the Exact excerpt from my Houdini Obit.
It soo accurately describes my feelings, that you need only Substitute Pauls’ name every time I say Houdini or Ryan.

I would love to think that at this very moment, Houdini is showing Paul a few tricks in the next dimension.

Please understand my intent. Just change the name because my thoughts are the same. We lost another Remarkable person and it’s a crying shame.

At my age(57) I have known alot of people that just memories now… But some folks just stand out as leaving the Planet Earth sooner than expected. Ryan is right at the front of my brain as a guy that checked out wayyyyyyyyyyyy ahead of schedule. I Always think good thoughts for his family; hoping they can pass each day with some enjoyment in their own lives; remembering the great times they had during Ryans’ life and knowing soo many of us also miss the kid… His legacy is the help he gave to the yoyo community and the videos we can rewatch until we eventually check out… I like to think;; think anyways; that I am part of the YoyoPuzzle. And if you ever messed with putting together a Puzzle; even one with 2500 pieces or more; you know that every piece is important in some way. The corner of a building. A piece of Grass. A little part of the blue sky. All the parts come together to form something complete. On this simple Planet; we have a WorldWide YoyoPuzzle. Especially with the evolution of the ‘internet connection’. Soo many people that will most likely never actually meet in person still get to know each other; from a distance. But on the Internet; it’s almost like we are 10 feet away. Sharing, laughing, teasing, learning, arguing. Trying to outsmart each other, etc. But all the time becoming friends to one degree or another. We have a bond or sorts. A common Ground. An understanding. Mostly we are all better for what we go through. Even if some are just passing through the Yoyo scene; they are better for it.

Ryan was an Amazing yoer and an Amazing person. It is said that ‘there is a replacement for everyone. This is not the first time or the last time I will disagree with some old phrase. But that is just what I am gonna do about that one. Because in my view; there is No ‘Replacement for Houdini. We still have a WorldWide YoyoPuzzle. And even though the World goes on and the YoyoCrowd marches on; the Puzzle is missing a very special piece. His name is Ryan ‘Houdini’ Monson.

It is said that,’ As long as someone, anyone; remembers you or speaks your name; you are not forgotten. Forgetting Ryan(or Paul/edit*) won’t happen any time soon or anytime ever. He was that kinda guy. That’s all……………………………

~ Mo Chavez, San Pedro, California

2 Likes
102

Thank you for everything you did for the yoyo community, Sniffy.
We will surely miss you. Rest in peace.

103

This is sad news, but at the same time I will never forget his voice, I remember just a few days ago I was watching the videos from the one drop ketteh code 2 that he helped organize. His voice was unique, or at least I thought so…
I think I saw someone wrote that he was 47? Wow he sounds young but regardless I really felt like I knew him even tho it was just through watching his videos and reviews. It’s almost as if this news is un-real. Rest in peace Paul!

104

I was unable to post something yesterday, unsure of what to say.  I was working with Paul on a project, but last Fall, he expressed that he was not feeling well enough to continue.  We delayed the project and I gave him “space.” He shared some bits with me about having some difficulties, but knowing him mostly through the forum and business, I asked questions, but was careful not to pry or be too nosy.  I left some bait to see if he would open up, but he did not about the specifics.  Our project did not materialize, and I noticed his posts on the forum, and his site, relative to his future plans with the conversation series.  I re-read his last posts here, and all that I read seemed hopeful.  But, while I will say how I got to know him, I am choosing not to address further the manner in which he passed, as I would rather celebrate the life he lived instead.

I did not know him extremely well, but I shared enough emails with him, and followed him enough to get to know him as a very kind person, an animal lover, a yo-yoer and contributing community member, a musician (drummer), an artist (he loved to draw), and someone who wanted to be positive.  Before I ever had any direct contact with him, as a direct result of his review on the Xcube Lagoutte, I purchased one.  It is after that review and purchase, that I became more curious about who he was in the community.  He discussed how in his reviews, he always wanted to be fair and not favor one brand over another, and he wanted Sniffy-yo to be a place where readers could get reviews without negativity and favoritism.  He always wanted to be positive.  It was important to him that he have a safe haven to do his artwork, record his reviews, and play the drums (when the neighbors were away).  He spent much of his time working on some giveaway or charity purpose he was dedicated to.  Whether he was “giving” by sharing information in is reviews, giving away prizes, or giving to charity, he was a man who shared.  He was generous with the community, and he had a kind heart.

I remember the fun times here on the forum:

He will be missed, and my condolences to his family.

5 Likes
105

My condolences to his family. Twitter came alive in the yoyoing world courtesy of him. I am always grateful for that. RIP Sniffy-Yo

106

That’s insane. I was hoping to see him at worlds this year… I just now heard the news. This is unbelievably terrible, and the yoyo community will no doubt never be the same without him. A generous man, and extremely innocent. Rest In Peace, man. Paul, you will never ever be forgotten.

107

Wow…I am just speechless. Sniffy-Yo was such a great contributor to our community and had new stuff up just a couple weeks ago on his website. It’s sad to hear the news of a fellow thrower who’s life string broke :cry: My prayers go out to his family, R.I.P. Sniffy-Yo.

1 Like
108

We will miss you , Sniffyo
RIP

109

This is really sad news to hear. It was Sniffy’s reviews that got me into the world of yo-yos! I’d watch them even if I had no funds to spend because they were in depth, down to earth, and down right enjoyable. I feel kind of bad for writing because I did not know him personally, but he definitely left his mark on this world and this community. I hope his memory, sniffy character or something goes into the Yo-Yo Museum.

For what it is worth, my best wishes go out to his family and friends.
Rest in Peace

110

Im really sad to hear this, Sniffy was a class act guy.

Rest in peace sniffy :frowning:

111

:‘( thats about all I can say. :’(

112

Oh man no way. I cannot express what i feel right now… it is just too much. I really wish someone knew what drove him to this so that he could be helped. I have struggled with a lot of personal grief in my life, and help from those close to me got me through it… I am sorry if that sounds insensitive, but i am really just trying to say that if you feel like this, there is always another way. I hope that Paul’s family is doing ok. I hope they understand how much Paul will be missed.

Rest In Peace

113

I was travelling all day yesterday and have now just learned about this terrible, and saddening news. But it goes to show how far someone’s reach really can be. Judging by all of these posts, Paul touched many more people (including me) than he may not have realized.

Listen to Navy Throw and Q. TALK TO PEOPLE. I did. And it made the difference because I’m still here and I changed jobs to be a teacher. The burden that I thought I was dumping on others has become the reason we are so close today.

Love is universal. So if you need any, send me a pm. I would be glad to pass on the gift that I have been given.

114

ya its sad. i literally saw a picture of sniffy yo logo, and it said RIP Paul “sniffy” Ash. and i was like no way! this cant be possible. so i checked his website and saw that he was in a moped accident. and i was like he must have just been hurt. well that wasnt true. i was in shock, much worse than the godaddy commercial at the super bowl. its sad what drove him to do that but it happens. seriously, if you feel down, try and talk to someone it helps. i just tore my ACL ( knee part) for the 4th time, literally, and got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. it sucks what can happen in life, but just trust God and know that he will fix everything. i know that a lot of people dont beleive in God, but whoever you follow, just keep your passion strong and your faith strong and all will be good.

Ben

Stay throwing my friends.

3 Likes
115

I wish I had something profound to say, something meaningful, something healing, something that could change things. I don’t know what else can be said, you’ve all covered about everything, but I’ll add this:

The sea of life can be a beautiful thing. Sunrises and sunsets, clouds, cool and warm breezes, recreation, all just so wonderful. Then without warning the storm rolls in and the waves that were enjoyable earlier, get larger and larger. They can crash down on us, pushing us beneath the surface and just as we come to the surface and grab a quick breath, another wave pushes us down. The waves can push us deeper and deeper if we don’t act quickly. Kick, swim and reach your hand out before the waves push you to deep. Reaching out for help isn’t asking someone to save you, rather it is you taking the initiative to save yourself, to get attention and assistance.

It’s a sad day, a day of loss, a day of sorrow, but let it be the catalyst for each of us to recognize that there are many hands waiting to assist us.

We will all miss you sniffy.

9 Likes
116

Skirtz that was an amazing post I love the meaningful words for our lost friend. Gone but not remotely forgetten

117

#GoneButNotForgotten

118

Wow such beautiful words. You said it all :slight_smile:

119

If you ever need to talk to someone about type 1, I’ve had it for 15 years now, and it won’t be an easy struggle but you’ll be ok. I’d honestly be happy to talk about it.

I didn’t know Paul personally but I’ve always checked out his reviews, like most of you did. I even have one of his Code 2’s. I’ve lost enough friends from drugs and suicide, and each time it hurts progressively more. It hurts me more to keep seeing it so prevalent everywhere. But what’s done is done. We must remember the good things about this man and what accomplishments he had done in his lifetime to benefit those he loved (the yoyo community and others). RIP Paul, you are in a better place now. Keep us in your prayers, and so shall I.

-George

120

Anyone know if there are any videos of sniffy throwing, or just a picture of what he looks like? Always been curious at what his skill level/style was like.