My friend Charlie was fighting heart problems, cancer, and lung disease and died on Tuesday from complications of a car accident that happened a few weeks ago.
Charlie was a hunter and shooter in his healthier times and left behind a lot of folks but closest to him were his wife and two children - grown.
My hope is that some of you can spare the time for a private prayer for his family and rejoice with me in the firm knowledge that Charlie is once again hunting the high plains.

RIP Charlie...my prayers are with you,keep ya powder dry.

My condolences to the family.
I am sorry for your loss.

PaulS, may your memories of you friend continue to keep you company.

Sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out. All the best...
Gil

I am reminded of him all the time. He sold me a couple of scopes a while back for a ridiculously cheap price. I asked him to include a bit of history that he had with them so as I passed the guns and scopes down my family would always remember him. One of those scopes is on my 22 silhouette gun and I remembered him fondly as I sighted the gun in for the new ammo.
Charlie wasn't always easy to get along with but he was always real. Pain was a part of his life and once in a while it took over in his interaction with other folks. He didn't owe anyone anything and he gave what he could to make each day better for those around him.
We got off to a rocky start (one of those times that his pain was in control). That was back when my pain could make me say things I didn't mean too. Once we got to know each other we fast became friends. His wife is as close to a saint as my mother was. A darn nice woman. His daughter mostly needed a good spanking but his son is a lot like his dad. Just a "normal" family but it was nice to share some bread and chili with them and listen and tell some stories about hunting and just being in the outdoors.

I don't really "feel" the loss yet but I know I will. By the grace of the Creator I will feel more of the memories and not so much pain. I need to get back up to Bellingham to see the family.
You always think there is always tomorrow - until all the tomorrows are yesterdays. It's great that you guys listen to me and put up with my crap. I truly wish we could all get together for a BBQ and a cold one. Thanks for being here for me - even if Charlie wasn't known to you guys you are helping me through this time. Blessings on the lot of you!

Paul,
Loosing a good mate is never easy, unfortunately the older we get the more it happens.
Remember the good times, it helps.
My condolences to you and his family.