Today the octonaut community says goodbye to a great man and a true American icon.

George Carlin died Sunday of heart failure; he was 71. He will be remembered as one of America’s greatest comedians, his lewd and raunchy routine paving the way for a new generation of comedy. Yet his talents stretched far beyond the stage. He was a master of the silver screen, portraying such memorable characters as the Dick-Sucking Hitchhiker from Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Rufus from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. He was even enjoyed on the small screen, starring in the hit children’s program Shining Time Station as “Mr. Conductor”. Mr. Carlin will surely be missed.

However, if you are mourning this fallen star, to quote Carlin himself “You’re doin’ it all wrong!” We should instead celebrate his life and the laughs we had.

GEORGE DENIS PATRICK CARLIN (1937-2008)