remembers u/bossgalaga

2.60K views

Hi Everyone,

We have come to learn some very sad news recently, u/bossgalaga, the founder of r/Explainlikeimfive, has unfortunately passed away. In his honor we wanted to post the links of two charities that were dear to him:

[The Immune Deficiency Foundation](https://primaryimmune.org/waystogive)

[The Institute for Effective Education](https://www.tiee.org/about/)

We are forever grateful for what he has created and hope you will consider supporting charitable organizations as he did. As our regulars may recognize this post is out of character for us but as a mod team we felt these circumstances were unique. This post will stay up for a week, and we will include links to those charities in our wiki.

Additionally, it has come to our attention that u/bossgalaga made a post in /r/askreddit on July 28th, 2011 (ten years ago yesterday) asking if people would be interested in a sub dedicated to, “…ask(ing) questions that some people might find obvious — and to do so without fear of being downvoted, made fun of, or ignored.” This, of course, led to the start of r/explainlikeimfive. If you’re interested in reading that post, [you can do so here.](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/j2a9k/would_anybody_be_interested_in_a_new_subreddit/)

Thank you all for the kind words thus far. u/bossgalaga’s friends and family certainly will appreciate them.

In: Other

42 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

This is awful, I’m so sorry to hear about this! This sub was one of the main reason I got on Reddit to begin with! Really sorry to hear this, u/bossgalaga made learning on the internet fun for everyone! Thank you and RIP!

Anonymous 0 Comments

The best part of reddit, hands down. A community based in learning and kindness, what a legacy. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

Anonymous 0 Comments

This is one if my favourite sub-reddits so my thanks and thoughts are with the family

Anonymous 0 Comments

Personally, I don’t know the guy but an online diplomacy player told me to join reddit using this sub as an example. Kudos!

Anonymous 0 Comments

RIP. Truly gives my condolences to family and friends. I have learned many things here easily due to my circumstances. Very grateful for this community.

Anonymous 0 Comments

One of the best sub reddits. It has inspired many young people to pursue their curiosity in the sciences. Never knew who is behind the username, but he will be remembered. Rip u/bossgalaga

Anonymous 0 Comments

I remember finding this sub and thinking “Fuck, that’s a really good idea, actually, this is EXACTLY what the internet should be for”

I’ve learned a shit-ton over the years here, and my life is more interesting and vibrant for it.

So, if u/bossgalaga ‘s family is reading, know that his life legacy included making one random dude in DC’s life a little bit nicer and more fun.

That doesn’t suck, at all.

Anonymous 0 Comments

This sub is one of the cornerstones of Reddit, a highlight across the entire internet, and a monument to the Information Age. RIP u/bossgalaga and thank you.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Wow… I didn’t know /u/bossgalaga, but ELI5 has become a vital part of what I consider Reddit to be. They may be gone, but their contribution will live on.

Anonymous 0 Comments

I’ve learned so much from this sub.
RIP u/bossgalaga.