Russian Women Discussion
RWD Administrative => RWD Announcements => Topic started by: Admin on July 23, 2013, 09:33:52 PM
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Jack Bragg passed away on July 19, 2013 after a protracted battle with cancer. Jack was among the very first members of RWD having joined this site immediately after formation. Many of you recall Jack for his impassioned and doggedly persistent position on many issues, some quite controversial. I welcome you to remember Jack in this Tribute thread that will eventually be moved to a more suitable forum and 'stickied.' It should not need to be stated, but knowing that there are those who hold grudges even after one's passing, I will make it abundantly clear that I will not tolerate ANY disparagement in this topic. I do not mean to sugarcoat anything, but the time has passed to 'air your beef' with Jack.
I'll open with the story of how I first came to know Jack. It was on a forum over at our sister site, Planet-Love when they still hosted an 'Eastern European' forum. Jack shared the story of one of his trips to Crimea and his visits to the caves where the rebels hid out during the Crimean War. His knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian history was remarkable and his passion and love for the people of the region was constantly on display. While on the surface Jack's business focused on the women of the FSU, he has more than his share of men in Ukraine and Russia who have worked with Jack and think very highly of him. He truly did love the people of the region.
Some short time later I met Jack in Dallas for the first time. I was on a business trip and we met for lunch at the hotel I was staying. He came armed with several very VERY large photo albums of his trips to Russia and Ukraine. He was an accomplished photographer and not only of the controversial street photos he often proudly displayed here at RWD. In fact, the magnificent photo of Moscow that adorns our Home Page was one that Jack took.
Jack was my friend. He was not always an easy friend to have, but I never for a moment doubted him and his loyalty. I will miss him greatly.
- Dan
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RIP :(
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I never met Jack but had many conversations with him when I was in need of advice,,back in the day when i needed advice. He was honest and forthright. His heart was in the right place. May he rest in peace.
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I am very sad.
I invited him few months ago to come to my marriage party. This party happened the 19th july exactly.
Of course it was not possible for him to answer positively.
He was a guy very passionate by FSU.
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Sorry to hear this news.
After the debacle of my last trip to Ukraine ,i intended to go on one of Jacks tours next time i went there.I'm sure i would have learnt a lot about Ukraine and the women from him,might even have hit it off with a girl at one of his socials.
RIP
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So sad to hear this. It was always interesting to read Jack's opinions (not least when he was bickering with Eduard :P ) and, as Dan says, he was an excellent photographer. He was the sort of person that most discussion groups would give their right arm to have as a member, simply because of the depth of his knowledge of his specialist subject. Of course I didn't agree with everything that he wrote - I doubt that anyone did. On balance, however, I think the world will be a poorer place for his passing.
R.I.P. :thumbsdown:
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I will post a little more later but was very sad to hear about Jack. I always felt Jack was the kind of guy people liked a lot or disliked a lot because he did have a strong personality and had no hesitation is saying what he felt and fighting for what he believed. He was the kind of person that would help anyone in need even if there was nothing to gain. When someone was in the FSU and posted they were in trouble, you could always refer them to Jack and he would come to the rescue. Jack was only 59 but I do think he lived more in those short years than most who live to an old age. I will miss Jack and I am sure there are many who feel the same.
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Don't know about Jack from from the message boards but I did run into him several times in airports and restaurants in Ukraine by accident when I lived there. He was one of the few foreign men I met in Ukraine that could blend in with the locals and really cared about his business. You see a lot of foreign men worried about what they make and could care less about being a good person in the community.
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I will definitely miss those great photo posts of his....R.I.P. Jack
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May you rest in peace, Jack! Condolences to all the beloved....
It was nary 5 months ago when I last heard from Jack. I haven't seen him post for a while and all of the sudden I received a PM from him. Jack and I have had a lot of fun on the board, and even his first and only PM to me started by saying how much he likes disagreeing with me on most everything...LOL
Little did I know, he apparently was following a particular, fairly controversial thread. So he took the time to stop by to say 'hello', reiterated how much he likes disagreeing with me - BUT - on that particular thread, he said he's happy letting me know he agrees with everything I was saying.
I'm glad there was an occasion that afforded us an opportunity to see eye-to-eye and exchanged a chuckle and pleasantries.
R.I.P.
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I didn't know Jack, but I like his FSU photos. It's nice to open RWD and see some of them across the top of the page. Mrs. Santa Claus in Kiev always puts me in the Christmas spirit, even in July.
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Wow Dan, this is really a jolt.
Wondering about Jack for awhile now.
We used to talk on the phone often.
Karl
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I knew of Jack before even Planet Love, corresponded with him on business matters unrelated to FSUW way back when, and both agreed and disagreed with him longer than anyone on this board, including Dan. But, I never met him face to face. He probably would have punched me out!!
He was a true wealth of information about FSUW and the entire process; and, as others have already mentioned, he was generous in passing on much information free of cost. Much of the info I have posted in the thread "Pursuing FSUW 101" was put together from various parts of Jack's preaching over the years.
Jack was one of the most stubborn men I have ever encountered, but it seems to have served him well overall. I wondered what had happened to him in the past few months. Now, I already miss him.
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I never met Jack, yet from his posts and photos, he left a vivid impression.
Jack clearly was a strong man, physically and mentally. Yet, he had his soft side, such as his generosity noted above and his artistry in photos.
Jack took pride in his introductions of AM with RW. Many of his clients married RW. Just in his area of Texas, the number was large enough to form an annual picnic that he hosted.
He started in the old days when "one week wonders" were prevalent. Yet, he changed with the times,. For example, I understand he modified his tours away from the pretentious, lustful, if not deceitful model associated with the likes of AFA. Instead, he structured tours to facilitate genuine meetings between sincere men and women.
My encounters with him at RWD were few. Yet, he was always fair, even in disagreement.
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DAMN!!!
I guess I'll never have that beer with him. That's one of two Texans that I locked horns with and still respected them, a lot.
First "encounter" was back in 1999 on the RW-L. At the beginning he came across as a hustler, however, the more I "talked" to the man, the more I would understand his position and the less disagreements we had to a point that once in a while he would be the one asking ME if I had any misgivings about what he said.
I can honestly say I will miss him as much as Neeley.
RIP Jack
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For those who asked, I have been in regular contact with Jack over these many months. He and I would often talk of his illness and his plans for recovery and resumption of his FSU activities. Jack was a natural optimist, and he remained so till nearly the end. As he grew weaker and the cancer more grave, I was in contact with those close to him in Texas.
- Dan
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I didn't know Jack Bragg or talk to him ever, only read some of his postings on this site. But it's always sad when someone passes on way before their time. May he rest in Peace and may God look kindly on his soul.
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Obituary...
http://www.tributes.com/show/Jack-Walter-Bragg-96159267
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Jack took pride in his introductions of AM with RW. Many of his clients married RW. Just in his area of Texas, the number was large enough to form an annual picnic that he hosted.
Sorry to hear about Jack's passing.
I wonder if the folks in Dallas will still have the picnic as a tribute to him?
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Just for the record, we had never been friends and I disliked him a lot. Yet now that bickering does not seem important and I feel sorry for him. He was not that old to die…
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Dan, thank you for the insight into your personal relationship with Jack. Jack's opinions were not always popular....but his knowledge in many areas of this boards primary subject matter was very apparent. The truth is....you can be on this forum for many years and not really know true character of its members. Some of the members of this board (and the old RWG) I have met in person......and some have become good friends. Their generosity and friendship has been truly appreciated. In truth.......some of the "crustiest" most opinionated "geezers" on the board (rabble rousers) i would get a chuckle from. "Chuckle" ........ because I believed in their opinion......but too many (members) focussed on the delivery....not true meaning of what they were saying. There are too many members of these forums who try, and try, and try for success......but don't (can't, won't) grasp the concept that they eventually must accept that it is time to take a different "tack". Some of the most helpful members to me over the years were not always the most patient or gentle with some members hear....but there were often times "hidden gems" buried in those rants (advice :-). Hearing of Jack's death.....makes me appreciate....all the more....those folks who I have been fortunate....to call my friend.
R.I.P Jack
Capt B
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Obituary...
http://www.tributes.com/show/Jack-Walter-Bragg-96159267 (http://www.tributes.com/show/Jack-Walter-Bragg-96159267)
I'm sure that Jack would have a real chuckle about how the numbers of Certificates on the left-hand side don't match up!
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I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
He meant a lot to the forums and his solid knowledge of the FSU will be missed. May God comfort his family and grant him memory eternal.
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I'm very saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Very early on in my search Jack gave me some words of encouragement when some of the crustier guys on this forum were busting my bawls. Jack had a strong belief in what did and there are many that are better men as a result. Jack didn't hesitate to get in a grill when he thought someone needed to. He also not once, hesitated to help someone in need and there were many.
Rest peacefully Jack
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I never actually got around to meeting Jack, but in addition to many robust debates across several forums over a few years, I did have the pleasure of speaking with him on the phone at length (thanks to some peace making by Dan), and found him to be a funny bloke who was every bit as frank and forthright as his online persona suggested.
59 is too young to go.
RIP.
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I'm sure that Jack would have a real chuckle about how the numbers of Certificates on the left-hand side don't match up!
HAHAHA... thanks for pointing that out. He's probably rolling right now.
Jack and I 'went at it' for quite some time, but I am happy we made peace, even if only in the form of tolerance long ago.
I did learn from him one thing.. - that it is impossible for opposing sides of a coin to reduce it's worth.
A nickel is a nickel, a dime will always be a dime regardless which side you choose to view it from.
We never met, but one day will, God willing not too soon.
Take care Jack.
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Never had any problems with Jack. We were on the same side most of the time especially when bashing bad agencies.
I never took it as Jack bashing other competitors. He truly wanted to get rid of the bad in this business for everyone's benefit. I've never read a complaint from a customer but read lots of recommendations. No matter if you hated his online personality, one has to respect that he does his customers good and that says a lot about his soul.
Anybody know what's going to happen with his business? Here is a link to it with Jack's words.
http://www.firstdream.com/ (http://www.firstdream.com/)
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Jack was a decent guy with a good heart. A truly larger than life Texan who didn’t always translate well to the online world. He wanted to help everybody even if doing so didn’t make him a dime. He was genuine.
My last conversation with him was in May before I left for Ukraine. It was a difficult call as he was hard to hear and sometimes struggled for breath. His words painted a grim picture: “in the hospital for more than two weeks”. . .”white cell count not good”. . . “they can’t give me chemo right now”. . .”maybe some stray cancer cells still in my system”. And in spite of all of this what he really wanted to know was how my mother was doing with her own recent struggle with cancer. Are her quarterly tests still good? Is she still cancer free? He wanted to know about my travel plans and if Val had found an apartment for me. Ever the optimist, he said was that he would be out of the hospital in a couple of weeks and wanted me to call him as he would have access to his computer and resources and he would be able to help me more then. I wished him well and sent my hopes for a speedy recovery. Told him that I would be thinking about him. I called as we discussed but only got voice mail. I tried every couple of weeks after that but it didn’t surprise me that there was no answer.
My first trip to Ukraine was with on one of Jack’s New Year’s trips. The first full day in Kyiv was bright, sunny, very cold with some blowing snow. A lady who I had written to on Elena’s Models met me at the big Christmas tree at Independence square and we walked to a place for lunch. While walking with her along Khreschatyk in the bright sun, blowing snow and the haze of my jet lag I saw what I was sure was a bear walking towards us in the distance. As we got closer I realized that the “bear” was actually Jack lumbering towards us dressed in heavy winter clothes, Sorel boots and one of those big “Russian style” fur hats. An imposing sight. He stopped and introductions were made. He was warm and friendly and respectful and asked my new friend all the right questions about her and her family all while smiling from ear to ear. He wished her and her family a very Happy New Year and then resumed his lumbering walk down Khreschatyk and soon was again blurred by the blowing snow. It was one of those brief encounters that leaves an impression and left us both warmer on such a cold winter day.
Those of us who were lucky enough to know Jack are better for it. He was just that kind of guy. I’ll miss him. I’m sure that he’s in a better place now, hopefully with a good camera and lots of pretty ladies to photograph. Rest in peace Jack and thanks. . .
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Jack was as my oldest brother. I always help to Jack take care about guys with many little and big things in Kiev. I still can't believe, that will never see Jack again...what a sad story.
Val Kiev
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Deeply regrettable.
I did not know Jack. He always had a unique viewpoint.
R.I.P.
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I just heard this news from a friend of mine whom I'd met on one of Jack's tours way back in 2007 and came on this forum to see if there was any news. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing - I'd hoped to meet him one day but never got around to it. We'd spoken quite frequently on the phone and the conversations were always interesting and stimulating.
I would have not met my wife (we are celebrating our 5 year anniversary next week and I had planned to call Jack and let him know) if it wasn't for going on his tour and I am forever grateful for the tour he put together. In fact, due to a mix up I'd missed the flight to Kiev to meet with his tour group for the tour and with some creative work and help of his staff and booking another flight a few days later I was able to get to meet the tour in Kharkov and eventually meet my (to be) wife.
Jack, I hope one day to shake your hand in heaven as I am sure that is where you are now...someone who was responsible for so many people getting together, IMHO, must have made it up there. Rest In Peace my friend and may there be lots of RW to chase for you up there! (Jack had a lot of female UW/RW friends and was not embarrassed to admit it as far as I knew.)
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I worked some with Jack Bragg years ago when I was just starting out. He was always generous with his time on the phone with me, and his advice was great. He always helped me solve my problems: getting flowers delivered to obscure places, renting flats, whatever. He was a straight-up guy and always a pleasure to deal with.
We finally met in Kiev a couple of years later and spent time together just chatting.
I can totally understand SteveOR's comment:
Jack was a decent guy with a good heart. A truly larger than life Texan who didn’t always translate well to the online world. He wanted to help everybody even if doing so didn’t make him a dime. He was genuine.
He was always so controversial on these fora, yet my own experience of him was nothing other than helpful.
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Although I never met Jack, I always enjoyed his posts. We emailed a few times. His comments and advice were always welcome. I remember a time when I corresponded with one of the women on his site. When she asked for money, Jack immediately looked into it and took her off of his site within days. He really was concerned about all of us and wanted us to succeed.
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I am saddened to read of Jack's passing. We shared limited exchanges over the course of a few years. Perhaps there was none as colorful and passionate here in his contributions.
"But if you only met one, how will you ever know if she's the right one?"
I will never know, Jack, but I've never looked back.
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Jack lived boldly. Life is fragile.
RIP
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Never come on these sites anymore, but just happened to find this...
Jack was a tough guy but one of the most honest and genuine people I've ever known...
He will be missed - rest in peace, my friend...
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I rarely read the board anymore and the first thing I saw tonight was this post.
I spoke with Jack at least twice on the phone. Even though I never used his services, he gave me his contact information should I need help in Ukraine. He seemed to be truly interested in helping guys out with their search for the right woman. From his posts he appeared to be very intelligent. He was too young to die. RIP Jack and thank you for offering your help.
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Same here Clyde.. I spoke to him several times on the phone. I for one had no problem with Jack. He was always nice to me. I came on today just to see what was going on and Damn got hit with this..RIP My Friend
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Wow! I'm so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Jack was one of the GREAT "characters" in the Russian bride business and a LEGEND on the Russian bride forums. He truly was a "mans man" and it is no wonder why the FSU gals were so attracted to him. Love him or hate him, you had to admire his decisiveness, fortitude and HONESTY. Jack's 59 years were action packed and full of experiences (not to mention women too) I am proud to have been his friend and the world will miss him. I know I will. I would say RIP but whereever Jack is, I am sure he is chasing tail and having a party.
KenC
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Double wow KenC..it's been a couple of years since your last posting visit.
Doing OK?
Karl
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I just found out about Jack, I had met him many times at picnics he had every April, and he was one of the first people I met ,before my first trip, when I started this adventure.
Goodby Jack.
HiTech
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I have been off the grid for the past year and was not aware that Jack had passed away until today. The last time we spoke he was in Texas recovering from Surgery. Apparently his recovery did not go well. I tried calling him recently and of course his number was no longer in service. Tried his Facebook page which is still active and no luck there. When I googled him today I came across his obituary. It was a sinking feeling. We never met but he was priming me to make a trip to the Ukraine. He told me that I would do well there. Like I said I dropped off the grid the past year and was sad to read of his passing. I trusted Jack and thought he was the real deal and gave me the best opportunity to meet someone in the Ukriane.
Rest In Peace Jack,
Kent
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Somewhat late :
Didn't much go for Jack's photos but much enjoyed our banter.
RIP
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Bump
For newbies who aren't/weren't familiar with Jack's tips and service...start with his first post and browse backwards.
Lots of still pertinent info.....................................
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Hello to all the oldies who still remember Jack.
In tribute of him - his birthday is today, November 7, and he would be 65 - old enough, young enough.
5 years have passed, there s still that enigma of close people who passed away, you never believe it is for real.
I am sure there are many people here who knew him in real and who knew me (his right hand in Ukraine) and who were familiar with that epoch that is past now.
I have been truly missing Jack who was my good friend and a business partner. He was like a relative to me, an adventurer, a playboy, a sharp exploring mind (acting goofy sometimes:)), zest of life, full of emotions, very kind and generous. That is how I remember him and I hope some of you too.
I have been living in Canada for ten years and am totally back to my main UN education field... but a lot of pictures and episodes from my work with Jack got arisen in my memory today...
You are gone but not forgotten, good buddy, many can tell you thank you for happening in our lives!
Galina.
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I spoke to Jack a few times on the phone. This about ten years ago. He seemed like a nice guy. He was what my mother used to called a "character." I like characters.
R.I.P. Jack!
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Jack was big, Huge even.He had an appetite and a heart to boot. He loved sports, especially basketball, he loved his Mom and was decimated by her passing. Jack Bragg genuinely loved Ukraine, its history, its culture, its food and customs, and oh he so loved the girls.
Jack drew many to him. His naturally effusive enthusiasm was contagious to nearly all who found themselves circling among and around Jack's orbit
Jack could be obstinate. Look only at his feelings about the OJ Simpson trial. Jack was NOT the reasonable person whom another reasonable person might find common ground. Jack's mode was Jacks Way or the highway. Interesting fact about that ...it is rare, indeed, to be able to find anything he took a strong stand on, to be wrong. It may, and probably will, be controversial, but that is far from wrong.
Jack loved ... a lot. He loved talking to people about subjects he found interesting. He loved the tours and working with guys to educate them and counsel them. Some will say he loved bashing his competitors ,,,, and he did. It was not of malice. He could easily forgive and resume working with people. For him it was usually done just for sport and on rare occasion it was because he stumbled onto information that proved, to Jack, that someone was behaving hypocritically. Jack had no tolerance for hypocricy.
I miss Jack. Miss him every day. We did not talk every day, but we talked a lot. Some were arguments. Some were admonitions....either to me or to him .... some were just casual sharing of our lives .... some, especially toward the end, were more meaningful ....and morbid.
Even tonight, he reached from the depths of his grave to grab my leg and cramp it to the point of agony and then led me to this site. A site I own. A site I haven't posted onto for some years ... and he makes me think .... about Jack. My great friend Jack. You were the best of them, and you were the worst of them, but I would not trade you for any 10 others of them. You are/were the best Jack. I will see you soon my friend .... I love you Buddy.
Dan
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Jack was big, Huge even.He had an appetite and a heart to boot. He loved sports, especially basketball, he loved his Mom and was decimated by her passing. Jack Bragg genuinely loved Ukraine, its history, its culture, its food and customs, and oh he so loved the girls.
Jack drew many to him. His naturally effusive enthusiasm was contagious to nearly all who found themselves circling among and around Jack's orbit
Jack could be obstinate. Look only at his feelings about the OJ Simpson trial. Jack was NOT the reasonable person whom another reasonable person might find common ground. Jack's mode was Jacks Way or the highway. Interesting fact about that ...it is rare, indeed, to be able to find anything he took a strong stand on, to be wrong. It may, and probably will, be controversial, but that is far from wrong.
Jack loved ... a lot. He loved talking to people about subjects he found interesting. He loved the tours and working with guys to educate them and counsel them. Some will say he loved bashing his competitors ,,,, and he did. It was not of malice. He could easily forgive and resume working with people. For him it was usually done just for sport and on rare occasion it was because he stumbled onto information that proved, to Jack, that someone was behaving hypocritically. Jack had no tolerance for hypocricy.
I miss Jack. Miss him every day. We did not talk every day, but we talked a lot. Some were arguments. Some were admonitions....either to me or to him .... some were just casual sharing of our lives .... some, especially toward the end, were more meaningful ....and morbid.
Even tonight, he reached from the depths of his grave to grab my leg and cramp it to the point of agony and then led me to this site. A site I own. A site I haven't posted onto for some years ... and he makes me think .... about Jack. My great friend Jack. You were the best of them, and you were the worst of them, but I would not trade you for any 10 others of them. You are/were the best Jack. I will see you soon my friend .... I love you Buddy.
Dan
Not too soon, Dan. And remember, you have other friends on here.
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I have had some writing Jack long time ago. It's necessary to say that even today i don't see anybody capable of replacing him.
He was totally trustable, with a good heart, hold his ground.
I would like to meet a guy like him and rely on him to make a tour. I would be ready today to sign with him. And that's a big applaud because for the ones who don't know me i made my own "tours" :P many times in FSU WMVM, VO and WAVM (write any visit many), and finally marry one.
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I would like to meet a guy like him and rely on him to make a tour.
I would be ready today to sign with him.
I sent you a PM
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I also knew and met Jack.
I never did any business with him regarding his tours, etc.
But we just happened to be in same place at same time.
He and I were nothing alike in virtually any aspect; yet we were able to be civil and enjoy our talk and our later exchange of emails.
For sure, he helped many, many guys, and . . . were there a battle or war, I would want him in my trench.
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.....led me to this site. A site I own. A site I haven't posted onto for some years ...
What a pleasant surprise!!!!
Welcome back to your baby, Dan. We missed you immensely. A few ol' hands, a couple in particular, have kept the site going, yet it was never the same after you left.
Several times we shared, in the private forum, fondly respectful thoughts about you, and none of us had a clue.
I wonder what prompts you to reappear after a 5 year absence, especially via a note to your buddy Jack. And then I read this and become deeply concerned.
I will see you soon my friend ....
Hopefully, this is just a general statement of fondness and remembrance, and nothing medical. Hopefully, my thoughts are wrong when I read this.
Even tonight, he reached from the depths of his grave to grab my leg and cramp it to the point of agony and then and he makes me think .... about Jack.
If my memory has not failed me, and it does frequently, I recall Jack suffered from DVT, a rare condition. Dan, please say it ain't so. And if so, please say you are taking care.