It saddens me to announce that the Grumpy Old Bastard across the street has kicked the bucket.
Chuck would have been 87 in April so it’s not like the old fart didn’t live a full life.
I had known he was in poor health for a while, I think the last time I got to talk to him was around Thanksgiving. Then me and the wife were sick for most of December and come to find out something kicked his ass around the same time.
He wound up with a UTI, fucked around with that long enough for it to go into sepsis and that was the beginning of the end. The last time I saw him besides the day they hauled him out on a stretcher a couple of weeks ago was a glimpse of him sitting in the front room on Christmas day, watching his Granddaughter open presents when I stepped out to have a smoke.
The sepsis caused blood poisoning and fucked up a replacement valve in his heart and fucked up his kidneys. When he went into the hospital they did a bunch of MRI’s and discovered he had lung cancer on top of all of it and it had gone into his brain.
Of course he didn’t smoke.
At that point the pill pushers threw up their hands and they moved him into hospice. That was two weeks ago, I just now talked to his ex wife and she told me he had passed away last Sunday.
I am pretty bummed.
He was basically the only one in this neighborhood I would talk to and he used to tell all the stories guy’s his age like to tell.
We had a few things in common like wrenching on old shit and for his age he got around pretty damned good. Kept his lawn mowed and his bushes trimmed, did his own oil changes and all kinds of shit.
I was already missing the old fart but now I’m double sad because I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye.
His daughter sold his car before he was even dead and now they are wanting to get rid of his 93 Dodge 3/4 ton 4X4 with 113k on it that he kept up pretty good.
I seriously considered buying it until I just went and spent damn near $90 to fill up the old Chevy.
That Dodge 4X4 would eat me alive as a daily driver.
Just pricing a set of tires for the thing would give me sticker shock so I’m going to give that one a pass.
He already gave me a bunch of his old tools that I cleaned up and put away so I will always have something to remember him by.
Rest In Peace old man, you can be glad you are going to miss the Shit Show coming down the pike.
Well, shit. We all have to make that crossing, but as you said, Phil, he had a full life. Condolences to his family.
I feel your pain, brother.
Had a neighbor die last August. He was in pretty bad shape. I’d had to call EMT whenever he fell, which was too often(he was around 300 lbs. and no muscle tone. I couldn’t lift him without hurting him).
Was a GREAT story-teller, and a long time collector of fine firearms. I SO wanted to buy some of his revolver collection, but couldn’t justify the expense. I’m not wealthy, and I have several of my own hardware.
His only survivor, a daughter, had NO interest in the shooting sports. Won’t sell anything to me without FFL. Was hoping for unregistered, which most of his collection was…
Opportunity missed, sadly…
I’m sorry about your neighbor…
Funny, how a person not related by blood can touch your inner core. Only because you and them share the simple pleasures in life. Old tools, being self-reliant, dirt under fingernails and tinkering with things will bring like thinking souls together. When they pass to their rewards it will leave a gaping hole in the survivor’s soul. The survivor duly recognizes the rarity of the deceased and is left to wonder, “when, if ever will I find another like that? Is there another that’ll ever fill their shoes?”
Condolence from afar to both of you. I view your lost friend as an encyclopedia of earned knowledge that I suspect you may have used when needed. Not only in fixing things but in managing life’s obstacles. Dad always said, “old too soon. Smart too late.” Sez, 1st ANGLICO class of 71’
Yeah, I lost a next door neighbor two months ago as well – great guy, retired Ironworker. Liked to help him and his live-in an chance I could.
They got smart and got married two months before he went – smart move!
I’m trying to get his .303, but so far no luck.
I forget where I heard it, but it seems appropriate….
“When an accomplished old person dies, it is very much like having a fine library burn down.”
Your neighbor is on my prayer list. RIP.
Sucks to see the old wise ones pass. I fear they’re not getting replaced quickly enough.
We all die. It’s about the only fair thing on the planet. And 87 was a good run. Sounds like he had a pretty good life and didn’t linger too long.
If that is a 93 Dodge 3/4 ton 4X4 with the diesel you need to jump on it. That is an almost bulletproof engine that will get into the low to mid 20’s hi-way mpg.
Sorry to hear of this, Phil. One is very lucky to have neighbors like that nowadays. Condolences to his family and all.
Sorry to hear about your neighbor. Good ones are like gold. Always have untold value. I loved your stories about him. Would love to have had a sit down with both of you with my mouth shut. Woulda been priceless. God speed neighbor, via con Dios.
ps He had a hell of a neighbor also.
That is unfortunate, but like so many have observed – it is unavoidable. It sounds like he lived a full life surrounded by friends and loved ones. A life, well spent, indeed.
My condolences on the loss of your friend.
Leigh
Whitehall, NY
RIP. Sorry for your loss Phil. We all are going to meet up on the other side at some point.
We are diminished.
Sorry to hear about your neighbor. Condolences to his family.
Like others, I’m sorry to hear about your friend Chuck dying, Phil. He sounded like a good neighbour to have.
I’d be interested in that dodge if you could get a contact #.