This might not be popular with some of you, but redrumula was in the wrong in that thread. I'm not saying everyone else was right, but he jumped into a thread and behaved like a troll. He then tried to use his position in the community to claim that no one had the right to call him on his bad behavior and when the newer members wouldn't back down, he took his ball and went home.
No doubt he brought many good things to the community. But if he is going to run off or mistreat new members, then the question has to be asked if it is worth it. Unfortunately, begging him to come back is likely to enhance his attitude that his misbehavior is OK.