Lost a friend today

[Capt Steve]

I got the call about 1130, my friend AJ had died. Lung cancer took him, (though he didn't smoke). As was his way he told no one of his diagnosis six months ago. He chose to forgo chemo etc., and get by on pain meds as he continued to work, ride his motorcycle and shoot.

To know AJ was a privilege. A quiet gentleman who refused to suffer fools gladly. He knew more about guns, bikes and boats than anyone I ever met. He generously shared this knowledge with any who sought it but never burdened others with his many gifts. I will forever treasure my Ruger, his former carry piece, that he gun- smithed to a whole new level; triple ported, crowned barrel, Hogue grips with the lightest smoothest trigger this side of heaven.

He was my friend, my mentor and damn near the older brother I never had. Where ever your soul should wander...travel well.

 

[mtb1bkr]

Steve,
Sorry to hear about AJ. It's good to know that he went his way though instead of dragging through treatments that he obviously didn't want to suffer.

Bill

 

[DGNY]

Our thoughts are with you and with AJ. Sounds like he was a very good man.

Blessings,

Dyson

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Sorry to hear that Steve. Keep him alive in your memories. Please accept my condolensces.

WG840

 

[Iggy]

A tip of the ol Stetson to a man who chose to go out with dignity and honor.

Well done AJ.

 

[Spotteddog]

Sorry for the loss of your (near) brother.
He did it right and wisely. It doesn't make it any easier on his loved ones and friends, but perhaps it made it just a bit easier on him? For his sake as well as yours, I hope so!
These are the times in your life when your own mortality, and that of loved ones sort of smacks you in the puss.

 

[Eagle Guns]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I can feel your hurt, been there & done that. Go with the feeling of companionship for the years you had.

 

[bamabiker]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a dear friend 4 months ago(on my 50th birthday) and have not been able to talk/write about it. It was a gun related accident. Still can not believe he is gone. He loved shooting my 28-2 and always said he was going to buy it from me. Cherish the memmories of your friend. True friends are hard to come by.
I miss you, Kenny!

 

[palmetto99]

May your friend rest in peace.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Always sad to hear a man loses a good friend, they are hard to come by. Hope you the best with the sorrow of your lose

 

[Andy Taylor]

Godspeed AJ.
Steve, thoughts and prayers are with you and AJ's family.

 

[M29since14]

Steve, that's a very nice tribute to your friend. It is always incomprehensible to me why good people sometimes die tragic deaths. It sounds like your friend left this world with as much dignity as he could. May AJ rest in peace and may you take comfort in your memories of him.

 

[Capt Steve]

Thank you one and all for the kind words and condolences. They have helped more than you know.

 

[BarbC]

If we are remembered by the tracks we leave behind, then your friend AJ has left the best legacy of all.

Consolations to you and his family.

 

[deralte]

AJ left some big shoes that will probably never be filled. Godspeed.

 

[2Loud4You]

Sorry for your loss. Close friends become family despite genetics.