Memoriam
Added 2019-10-11 06:28:31 +0000 UTCTransactional:
The show is difficult to make and happenstance has made it more difficult.
This is tiring but not heartbreaking. Just something you work through.
I'll write more on it another time.
Personal:
Today I found out that I lost a friend.
Back when we started this show I was just some jerk who read too much and commented on the internet. I learned photography and digital editing so I could keep track of my thoughts. I shared that and people liked it.
From there it grew into video, Patreon, etc... You guys certainly all know because you are the every day lifeblood of what we do now.
But 7 years ago? I was just some dude on the internet with a hobby. I went to talk about it on reddit because, at that time, old guns weren't really popular on that platform. Only a handful of, mostly younger, collectors joined me at first. One of them was NotHipsterCollector.
He was an excellent researcher and collector and, like myself, had worked over the old southern gun and pawn shops for the best of the rare and weird. He knew the hidden deals and appreciated the simple differences in one pattern over another. Plus he was local enough that we managed a few day trips together to collectors shows or the museum.
NHC also shared my... particular sense of humor. Dry, understated, and practically invisible to people who have no idea what they are looking at. He was the master of the subtle troll.
He also was one of the very first people to let me photograph his collection. I couldn't just buy every gun I wanted to discuss (still obviously can't!). He'd pack a car full and come on over to let me shove them all in my light box.
We grew apart eventually, just because he became far more interested in cave exploring than old guns. But we were still friends, no hard feelings at all, just fewer intersecting moments.
Then today his cousin told me he had passed last month in a car accident. A stranger not minding the road and poof. NHC was too young and too kind for that, but I my opinion doesn't leverage a choice in the matter.
I wouldn't have the show if not for a handful of people like NHC who encouraged me at the beginning. I won't be forgetting him ever and I'm sorrow stricken to hear he's gone.
So today is for him. For every one of you with a good gun or history buddy at hand, make sure they know you care.
Comments
My condolences :(
Matt Haught
2019-11-11 18:37:19 +0000 UTCCondolences on your friend and my gratitude to him, for the help and support as friendship he gave you! Othias - DO remember that people who are as you and him (or me & my best friends) NEVER loose the deep connection or thinking about eachother ; although various factors may drive us in different directions for longer periods of time! He sound like he did live life to the fullest every day :-) My regards to you and his loved ones!
Kim Futtrup Petersen
2019-10-15 17:47:36 +0000 UTCI think as you grow older, on an intellectual, level you accept mortality. Then it punches you in the face. For me it was last year and my wifes sister. She was a good friend to me, and my wifes best friend. In six weeks she went from bad back pain to dead from secondary bone cancers. Sometimes life can be a bitch and all you can do is try and roll with it. Best wishes Othias.
GWTpict
2019-10-14 16:27:42 +0000 UTCThank you. I really love those posts.
C&Rsenal
2019-10-13 22:52:03 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing your grief. It's a good reminder to do as the song sez, & shower the people you love w/ love. Fewer regrets on the flip side...
Bruce Brodnax
2019-10-13 06:12:16 +0000 UTCSorry for the loss, that's tragic.
Sabertooth88
2019-10-12 13:40:22 +0000 UTCMy condolences for your loss. I you, his family and friends find peace in the fond memories you can share.
Andrew Paul
2019-10-12 08:20:58 +0000 UTCWow, that sucks. He's never really gone. Look what he gave to you? Inspiration. His passion lives on with yours. It takes a village, it's said. He's one of those who helped you get where you are. You are forever indebted to him. So, he's not really gone.
Cobra Commander
2019-10-12 06:13:59 +0000 UTCRIP
Jeremy
2019-10-12 00:12:46 +0000 UTCI'm deeply sorry for your loss. My condolences.
PHP
2019-10-11 21:05:46 +0000 UTCRIP to your friend.
B M
2019-10-11 18:04:59 +0000 UTCF
Will Sullivan
2019-10-11 17:50:36 +0000 UTCI am sorry for your loss.
Milsurp Mike
2019-10-11 17:19:44 +0000 UTCOthias, I'm sorry incredibly sorry. We're here for you. I know what it's like to lose a friend. I'll keep you in my prayers. Godspeed
Jacob Parker
2019-10-11 14:30:30 +0000 UTCThanks for your post, and sincere condolences for your loss. Your post is a great reminder at what is really behind the guns or pick your subject of fancy- especially as most of us who tend to deep dive into a thing are either introverted or just don’t seek or make a lot of human contact- the people we meet and come to know along the way. My father started my love for old guns along time ago, along the way I have met several fixtures in my life because of my love of firearms. Recently I have had the great pleasure to share C&R and some FW with my Dad and it had been fantastic time spent. So Othias thanks and again condolences for the loss of your buddy.
Gary Newman
2019-10-11 14:23:06 +0000 UTCSince he was a man of the internet, it is fitting to use its jargon for loss. F. Sorry Othias :(
Sean
2019-10-11 14:11:37 +0000 UTCF. Hate to see a good friend leave for any reason but having them taken is the worst. Condolences on your loss.
Donald Gray II
2019-10-11 12:38:28 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry to hear he's gone. I remember his posts on Reddit - you're right that his sense of humor was unique, but every time you saw a 'I paid $xxxx for this Mosin, I must be an idiot' post, you knew it was going to be something good. Though he hasn't been a part of the gun community as much for years now, it's still a loss for us all. Do what you have to do to get through it.
Steven Faiello
2019-10-11 12:20:13 +0000 UTCThat's really sad to hear. Hope you're doing ok.
Peter A
2019-10-11 12:06:26 +0000 UTCSorry for your loss
2019-10-11 10:42:29 +0000 UTCSorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Much love to everyone
Frank Baud
2019-10-11 10:22:57 +0000 UTCI'm sorry for your loss, I'll keep you and him in my prayers.
2019-10-11 09:53:05 +0000 UTCReally sorry for your loss
2019-10-11 07:11:12 +0000 UTCMy condolences. It's been another sober reminder for me about how short life runs. A friend of mine reported that her father lost his fight with Parkinson's yesterday. That same day my father called to tell me the doctor gave him a clean bill of health. It's an odd frame of mind to be in.
Benjamin de Groot
2019-10-11 07:02:50 +0000 UTCSo sorry for your loss. Big hugs.
Chris M
2019-10-11 07:02:25 +0000 UTCCondolences. I hope you have something to remember him by.
Jeff Freeman
2019-10-11 06:40:08 +0000 UTCSorry for your loss. Best thoughts and wishes.
CJ Sailey
2019-10-11 06:34:12 +0000 UTCReally sorry for your loss...
William Katz
2019-10-11 06:31:52 +0000 UTCIf you need a break to mourn, please do.
Andrew Gossen
2019-10-11 06:31:01 +0000 UTC
