Well, can finally see the monitor and keyboard without losing my shit, for now.
We lost a really good man. A man that has been my friend for 9 yrs. To say we 'hit it off' would be an understatement. After lurking on here for years I decided to jump in. He was one of the guys on the site that you just knew had an incredible back story, and yes, his wit was razor sharp. Most all those guys are gone, one way or the other, and now this.
Chip was kinda a hard nut to crack. I PM'd him outta the blue after us commenting in a couple threads. He definitely was not shy when it came to being naughty, so we ended up making a sport of it. Today is the 3rd day I haven't heard from him. We were in contact damn near every day. PM's, texts, phone calls, video chat's, snaps, you name it.
This has been a 20 something year struggle with heart disease, and a host of other issues. Things just kept getting worse and worse. He couldn't cut a break. I can't imagine how hard it was for him as his health declined, then throw in some accidents here and there, which he never recovered from, and then being bed and chair bound with little chance of ever walking freely again. I can't imagine. And that's just another reason I did my best to be there for him. Hell, I'd call him thinking I was gonna get a word in edge wise. Ya, that didn't happen. Not very often. He'd call me to see how I was doing, then yack for an hour or two and my entire input would be "ya", "uh huh", "right", "really", "what", "wow", then all of a sudden he's gotta go or done with "OUR" conversation! LMAO Ok Chip, talk to you later.........
Pretty complex guy actually. Extremely smart, holds all kinds of credentials, he did speak like 5 languages, for the record he has 2 Sons from his previous marriage, he was all that. Our world is diminished without him. So much knowledge lost at the blink of an eye. But he's at rest, and he sure as hell deserves it.
I sent a snap on Thursday in regards to some things we were doing for him. His wife answered for him. They were on their way to Hospital due to yet more complications and she told me to hold off on the things we were putting together for him/them. I knew this trip wasn't good. The last month saw him declining yet ever more. The last week or so was not kind to him. While I was out in the shop with my 2 Sons painting a Stock, Chip was taking his last breaths in the last place he wanted to be. Couped up in Hospital. I woke up yesterday and seen I had a text from his wife. I thought I was going to throw up. She actually took the time to apologize to me for telling me in this manner. Can you imagine that? You just lost your Husband, Best Friend, Confidant, and you're apologizing for the manner in which you're informing a friend of his friends demise. THAT right there shows the kinda character he and his wife possess.
I've been in contact with his lovely wife, back and forth a bit, and we will continue to do so due to marching orders he's left for me, promises I've made, and what he's told his wife he wants me to do for him/them. I'm gladly at their service.
Chip will have a very small, very short service this week. This COVID thing has screwed up so many peoples activity, and it has placed restrictions on his service and number of attendees. When the COVID restrictions are lifted he will have a Memorial Service near State College, PA where his ashes will be spread at his request.
Godspeed Chip !! You will be greatly missed. I enjoyed our skulduggery together, teaming up to do the most childish crap for a laugh. Rest in peace Brother and know, you will never be forgotten.