In reflecting on the several comments following my comment, I am overwhelmed by how diminished we are by the loss of these fine individuals.  Most were exceptionally fine people who added a great deal.  Smart, savvy, interesting, insightful, experienced, knowledgeable, helpful, positive and so on.  I know we can all think of many who fit that list of attributes.  For the fellow collectors I knew, the void they left behind a large one.  I’ve met a lot of people in my life, and the profession I work in is very far from our collecting hobby.  It is people from our collecting fraternity that comprise the finest people I have known and who I want to spend time with.

There are some collectors I have met over the years who I had only brief contact with.  Maybe even over just the sale of an item.  It’s interesting how during some of these brief contacts – maybe even just a phone call – I felt an immediate kinship and quickly gained a sense of who they were.  I recall one collector/dealer from many years ago – we were discussing a piece he had that I was interested in.  There were a few reasons to carefully consider whether I should buy it.  As we were dialoging back and forth, he said, “don’t talk yourself into it.”  That was very kind and insightful advice on his part.  

Zebulon said
If it’s not too late, perhaps Brad could make some mention of Mike’s death in the Summer Collector. I’m sure the Membership would want to at least recognize his passing in print. While not exclusively devoted to Winchesters, Mike certainly brought favorable attention to and interest in the brand and it’s history. And he had many friends and no enemies I’ve heard of. It would fitting to honor his memory in some small way, as an association. 

  

I’d like that, but Mike’s contributions are timeless. Perhaps Shrapnel can put something together, I can only reflect on his published works but I know Kirk can add some personal touches. I’d be happy to help if needed. It doesn’t have to be the Summer edition, we need to honor the writings of a man who understood shooting old Winchesters better than most folks. Mike’s writing career was curtailed by his sincere interests in old Winchesters, Colts and milsurps. The cold, hard truth of being a gunrag writer is they have to write about modern guns.  I follow the modern guns, I even like some of theme. I can understand Mike’s reluctance  to write about them. Mike was not a journalistic whore and I’ll always respect his principles and interest in the guns we love.

Mike

Great Ideas Guy’s!

Anthony