Intimations of mortality.

[Driver]

This week I learned that an old mate of mine died some while ago. I don't know the circumstances of how he died. I'll probably learn more in a few days time.

None of you blokes (and ladies) would have known him - he was a mate from the old country.

We first met when we were 11 years old and going to the same high school. Over the years we became good mates. We had a few blues and belted the crap out of each other on more than one occasion but, as the Irish say, you only fight your friends and treat those you don't like or respect with scorn.

He was the life and soul of every party. He became a marine engineer. Every time he hit home port he would ring around all the old crowd and set up what always turned out to be a big night. (This was when we were all single, of course). He was only a short@rsed little bugger but he had the chat - girls loved him. And - as is frequently the case with the blokes who are successful with the girls - when he decided to settle down he made a bad choice. She treated him badly and they had a messy divorce. He later re-met and subsequently married a lovely girl whom we all had known from schooldays.

We lost touch. I started wandering around the world and he came ashore and settled down. Every now and then I'd get news of him through old friends or family members but I hadn't seen him in about thirty years.

And then I learned this week that he's gone.

I am more saddened than I would have imagined. Part of it, I'm sure, is that his passing - the first of my old mates - signals my own mortality. A selfish reaction, I know. But the greater part is just a deep sadness that someone who was a significant part of my childhood, adolescence and early adulthood is no longer around.

I think about you blokes on these forums as my mates and I hope you'll allow me to use the forums to pay a small tribute to a bloke who was my mate when I was younger - even though you didn't know him. Thanks.

Gray - I'll miss you, mate.

Col

[Cliff Rogers]

Damn... thats life for you.

Sad to hear it Col.

I don't know if it is better to have the chance to say goodbye or not.
Probably not on refelection.

Cherish the memories & raise a glass in his honour, then get busy & do those things that you were going to before it is your turn.

[craigb]

I can only second what Cliff said Col.

I'm sorry to hear about your mate.

I reckon you should raise a glass to him and the good memories you have.

Craig

[E. maculata]

Col, sounds like he was a real lad of his time, and lived well we should all be so lucky in life to have mates like that.

[Greg Q]

This week I learned that an old mate of mine died some while ago. I don't know the circumstances of how he died. I'll probably learn more in a few days time.

None of you blokes (and ladies) would have known him - he was a mate from the old country.

...snip...

And then I learned this week that he's gone.

I am more saddened than I would have imagined. Part of it, I'm sure, is that his passing - the first of my old mates - signals my own mortality. A selfish reaction, I know. But the greater part is just a deep sadness that someone who was a significant part of my childhood, adolescence and early adulthood is no longer around.

I think about you blokes on these forums as my mates and I hope you'll allow me to use the forums to pay a small tribute to a bloke who was my mate when I was younger - even though you didn't know him. Thanks.

Gray - I'll miss you, mate.

Col

Driver...

I am saddened for you, and the loss of your mate. My old buds from the old country, or countries, are my anchors. I can go years without contact, but when we do the years collapse to 'just yesterday'. Those guys from your youth are always the ones who knew you, yet loved you for it. I miss my departed mates terribly sometimes and wonder if I shall become an old man who talks to ghosts. Its late...

Best,

Greg

[Cliff Rogers]

.... I miss my departed mates terribly sometimes and wonder if I shall become an old man who talks to ghosts. ...

Remember the old mates & talk to the new ones.

[silentC]

If he was a mate of yours, he was a mate of ours. Sorry to hear about it Col.

[Wood Borer]

Sorry to hear of your loss Col.

It is amazing what thoughts go through our minds at such times but I think it is good for putting your life into perspective.

I agree, with you. I often refer to people on this BB in statements such as "a mate of mine told me the other day ...." and then I realise I haven't even met this person. It makes not an ounce of difference though.

[Driver]

Thanks fellas. I appreciate and I'm very grateful for your comments and sympathy.

I was in a maudlin mood yesterday evening when I wrote that post. We're funny buggers, aren't we? I would find it very difficult to say those things out loud but I didn't have a problem typing them into my computer. Anyway, I meant what I said about you all being mates and giving me a chance to share my memories with you.

I'll certainly have a drink or two in Gray's honour.

Col