Allan Kelly - R.I.P.
I am at a loss for words.
I feel like I’ve been kicked in the gut..I didn’t post much but I always checked in on the Skipper every day.
My deepest sympathies to his sons, your Dad was a special, special man. His passing is a loss felt around the world.Our heart felt prayers go out to Allan’s family. I am surprised that I am so saddened, when my only interaction with him was via this Blog. I can only say that I wish I had the opportunity to know him personally. He seemed like a great guy.
I’m with CS. Not much in posting, but I checked this place every day.
From the Severa household, prayers and condolences to Allan’s family.My condolences to the Skipper’s family and friends. This is the first blog I started visiting on a daily basis. I wish I’d had the opportunity to meet him. Rest in Peace Allan.
OMG!!! I’ve been wondering where he’s been. This truly is a sad day for the blogosphere. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and all of you here at the Barking Moonbat Early Warning System. Other than that, I am at a complete loss for words. I will post a short memorial over at my site as well.
My Condolences,
MoUnbelievable.... Wasn’t the skip talking about a medical procedure that was going to be performed this past week?
This is a very sad day indeed.
I never posted much, but visiting Barking Moonbat on a regular basis to see if there was any updates was one of my daily pleasures. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I am totally at a lost of words.
Rest in Peace Skipper. You will be missed.
This was an amazing blog… I remember the run-up to the 2004 presidential election. This blog was the steady drum beat for us conservatives.
I am speechless.
I knew he was sick, but I had no idea…
My deepest condolences to all who loved the Skipper as a friend and a father; may he enjoy eternal peace.
I feel like throwing up.
I just don’t know what to say. I am so sorry.
Posted by Countrygirl
06/01/2007 at 04:26 PM
He meant a lot to me and many others as well...people from all over the world would stop in to see what was happening here. he will be missed, .......still trying to accept it.
our prayers to his family, [Taps playing in background] GOOD BYE SKIPPER! so long friend.....®My condolences to the family and all of you that knew the “Skipper” well.
Posted by Springs_guy
06/01/2007 at 04:39 PM
Deepest sympathies to the family, Allan will be missed… Rest in Peace…
To the family of the Skipper:
My deepest condolences and prayers for you all. You have lost a loved one and that has left a big hole which will never be filled.
For the rest of us who visited Barking Moonbat Early Warning System, this was a gut shot. I knew he had back problems and was facing surgery, but this? We now have a hole in our lives which will never be filled also.
Skipper, you were a man of convictions and principles. You defended this nation at a time when it was not “politically correct”, yet you knew what heeded to be done. A hero of this nation and to the people of the US.
Here’s a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down they soared to score the rainbow’s pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!From one USAF veteran to a departed USAF veteran - Here’s a toast in your memory and I will see you one day in the vastness of the sky.
Pontotoc Bill
Major, USAF retired.With the long silence after his back surgery announcement, I had a feeling something wasn’t right.
The Skipper was a hard working man, a clear, concise writer, and a patriot who kept us aware and entertained. May God rest his soul and give his family peace. He will be missed.
The one piece of news I was truly scared of. A lot of us are in our late 50’s, the age when the Reaper comes in without knocking.
Rest in Peace Skipper. This blog that you created has been a wonderful and important forum for me and so many other people around the world. I only hope that when your sons see this, they will know just how much you created for our country and the world.
Oink, Southern Doll, Twerp, I stayed here after the blow up. It was a good place, but you guys were missed a lot. I’m glad to know that you guys are still around and apparently in good shape. I’ve always been sorry that so much damage was done and so many feelings hurt.
Rest in peace, Skipper. My condolences to his family and friends. I rarely say anything but I visit daily.
Posted by Cindermutha
06/01/2007 at 06:41 PM
Mr. Christian,
I had just sent in a donation to keep the blog going, and Allen sent me a nice note of thanks. I Love Barking Moonbat. It’s kept me going for a long time. We are in danger of being swallowed by the smiling and smirking army of progressives and the head-in-the-ass platoons of followers. More than ever, we need conservatives who laugh in the face of their stupidity.Allen, I know you are in heaven and I hope you can hear me. I love you man! Thank you for keeping me smiling!
Love, VT_conservative.
Posted by Tired_of_the_left
06/01/2007 at 07:18 PM
May you rest in peace Skipper. I wasn’t around here long and enough to know you, but it was enough to know that you were a true leader of men and one of the wisest bloggers I’ve ever encountered. This blog has been a source of inspiration to me in recent months, and I shall sorely miss your wit and wisdom.
Let us carry on in your memory.
I’m another one not to post much, but anyone who knows me personally knows I’m almost NEVER speechless. I truly don’t know what to say.
You’ll be greatly missed, Skipper.
I don’t know what to say. Allan was a good friend and worked for me in Austin. I had just finished doing reference interviews for him after his current contract had run out. I wish I knew how to get in touch with his family. Vaja con Dios…
How sad. Really loved the blog. Hope someone keeps it up, if possible. We all gotta go, I just hope it’s not TODAY!
Posted by Fiftycal
06/01/2007 at 08:01 PM
I have been an avid daily reader for several years now. His was one of the truly excellent blogs that was kept up to date, informative, and most importantly, interesting. Skipper was one of the most rational level-header Americans with a true love of his country. My heart goes out to his family. Let it be known that Skipper was truly a great person.
Steve Karlecke
FloridaTo Allan’s Family: May God keep you in His Care. Skipper...I’m going to miss you.
So Say We All!
Strong feelings of sorrow and regret. Deepest sympathy for Skipper’s family. I too was a quiet one, but read daily, and will continue to do so. Don’t let Skipper’s legacy falter!
I am so stunned - my daughter (who actually started reading BMEWS at college) just ran up to tell me this terrible news. I am so sorry that I did not think anything when there wasn’t a new posting this AM when I checked in. Sad, but nice to see some old familiar names show up - missed you guys.
I am at a loss for words - I feel as though I’ve lost a dear friend, even though I never met the Skipper.
To his family, my family extends it’s condolences and
RIP Skipper
Words fail, BMEWS became a daily read, lots of great info and insight. Peace Bro
’Another saddened fan, here in Bangkok. Every morning, my computer opens up to Rantburg, which is set as my home page. BMEWS has always been my next stop. The “Skipper” will be sorely missed - I’ll hoist a pint in his memory down Nana-way tonight.
Steve
The Lone RangerPosted by Lone Ranger
06/01/2007 at 08:34 PM
RIP Skipper.
I knew he was not feeling well, but what a shock!
What terrible news.
To Allan’s family, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
The Skipper will be missed.I don’t know what to say. I never met you Allan, but we had some good conversations. God speed. I think I am going to go hide in the bedroom and cry now.
Allen, I know that you reached the Lord and he smiled upon you.
May he keep all of those who were dear to you in His Blessed arms and watch over all of those who remain behind, missing your fine words and wit.
You were a great man and you have had a profound effect on a huge part of the world. I will miss you and I am so damn sad I never got a chance to meet you face to face and thank you for your wisdom.
A light of truth in the void of this evil world has gone out.
Fly the blue skies, Allen. I’ll meet you on the other side.
All I can really tell you is (a) keep a firm grasp of right and wrong, (b) stay involved in government and watch the bastards in Washignton every minute, (c) use every legal means to make sure you can defend yourself in the event of real internal trouble, and (d) keep talking to each other, whether here or elsewhere.
I looked over the Skipper’s last postings and found this. Kinda the whole idea behind BMEWS and our Republic.
I’m stunned. I was on earlier this afternoon, and just checked in again now. Oh Allen, I’m gonna miss you. God bless, old friend.
My Gosh! I’m sure going to miss Allen and his insight on things.
For those of you who had the opportunity to read Allan’s writings, Heavenly Poker, Act I and Act II, Allan is now interviewing the characters in person for Act III.
Damn. I just lost a dear friend. Info as it develops, please.
This has been one of my regular stops. I had wondered where he was, as there had been no posts since May 23rd. Rest in Peace.
Semper Fidelis,
ASM826Posted by ASM826
06/01/2007 at 09:58 PM
Hello Bmews Menbers. My name is Brian and I am the half brother of Alan. I wish to thank you all for the sympathy and support you are providing to the family of Alan at thsi time. I have been in contact with Alan’s son and my nephew, David, tonight and he seems to be doing very well considering the circumstances. David’s current wishes are for Alan to be buried here in Montgomery, Alabama next to his Mother and Stepfather. I wish all members to understand what a remarkable man, father, and brother Alan was. Alan would have wanted this blog to carry on without him. Alan is ten years older than me he was an incredible older brother. I learned a lot about life from him for which I am greatly appreciative. I will try to post further details as the become known to me. Thank you all for your sympathy. -Brian
Posted by BN Head
06/01/2007 at 10:41 PM
Although I did not post here that often I have read this blog most days for at least 3 years. This is about the first blog I ever found and liked while starting to surf the net.
I had not payed to much attention to politics before. Reading this blog turned me into a conservative very quickly. I want to thank Alan for that and express my condolences to his family as this is quite a shock. I will miss you Skipper Paul WeirPosted by Paul "No Fear" Weir
06/01/2007 at 11:19 PM
Thank you all for your condolences.
As Uncle Brian said, our plans are to bury dad in Montgomery, AL near our grandmother.
I have e-mailed Mr. Christian and given him my phone number. Hopefully he will contact me soon and I will keep him informed when we have any solid information so that he can keep you all informed.
Again, thank you. I believe dad truly would have been honored and overwhelmed by all of your comments.
Posted by Sean Kelly
06/01/2007 at 11:25 PM
*snif*
Another day of bad news. I was out today and just heard- I was photographing the Patriot Guard escorting PFC Anzac’s casket in Tustin to send some of the ptohos to the Patriot guard, and some to the skipper… and I come home and get this news…
This is the season
These are the waking days
Throw off your wet sheets
Step into the Soft Parade
...
We’re about to be born again(From “Second Skin” - Respectfully stolen from WSP)
I am saddened to hear of the Skippers passing. And glad to see some of the old readers showed up to pay their respects.
Requiescant in Pace, Allan
The Hobo
To Sean, Mr Christian, and all you who knew him, my deepest sympathys. What a shock for all of us who re4ad his fine work daily. He has been my first or second stop for several years now.
I almost think he knew it was coming, what with setting up the members blog, it was almost like he made plans so we could carry on. Lets not disappoint him, nor allow his work to go unfinished.I too am one of those who did not post here heavily, but that was mostly because of the brilliance of the Skipper. I simply had nothing to add, whatever the Skipper said, he usually got it 100% spot on. This site is the first I read every day, without fail, and I will continue to do so.
To Sean, Brian, Mr. Christian, and all who knew him outside of cyberspace, my deepest sympathies and condolences. He will be sorely missed, but I am comforted to know that he is up there watching over us now.
I raise my glass to you Skipper, and thank you for so many great words of wisdom.
Vaja Con Dios, Allan.
The Skipper will surely be missed. He created a web site that was uniquely his own. One of the few places on the web that I looked forward to visiting and felt at home amongst friends when I was there.
Allan was smart, funny and honest. There is now a giant void in cyberspace for those of us who only knew him as the Skipper. My condolences to his family and friends who knew Allan the man.
May the good Lord comfort and watch over us.
God Bless America.
Rest in peace Allan, you made the world a better place and you will be greatly missed.
What a shock! Rest in peace, brother. Rest in peace. We’re all going to miss hearing from you every day.
Say hello to Mr. Kerr for me. We’re right behind you buddy/ RIP Skip
I am saddened.
Semper Fi Skipper
I could only think of one thing after the initial shock had set in. Skip will certainly be missed by thousands of readers, family and friends.
Godspeed my friend and let us all remember a quote from our LORD:
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Sean, David and Brian I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father/half brother. If there’s anything I can do…
My condolences to Skipper’s family and friends.
He was a good man that cared about what is happening in the world. And Lord knows there are too few of them.
I hope there is a way that B.M.E.W.S. can continue, in his memory and honor.“Oh I Have Slipped
The Surly Bonds of Earth…
Put Out My Hand
And Touched the Face of God”God bless Skipper. You’re cleared to land.
Joe Macri
Foxboro, Ma.My condolences to Skippers family and a big Thank you and “We’ll all see ya down the road”, to the Skipper.
Ciao,
Tim
Posted by fightin kentuckian
06/02/2007 at 09:51 AM
My condolences to all the family and friends, Skip is an American hero! Gods speed and carry on, you will be missed!
Fooey! Way too soon. We have lost another Good One. I shall miss reading his work--a lot! Godspeed and God’s peace on his family and all of us.
Posted by Gabby
06/02/2007 at 10:10 AM
This is truly a sad day in the blogging world. I will be posting on my blog about this. I may have been a “moonbat”, as Allan referred to, But I’m to show that not all Progressives are heartless. My deepest condolences to the family and the freinds of Allan Kelly.
-Chuck Adkins
Editor
The Populist
http://thepopulistblog.comPosted by The Populist
06/02/2007 at 10:31 AM
Standing, quietly, unable to say anything to either undo the situation or to ease the pain.
Rest in peace, Allan. Say hello to both the Acidman and Kerr.
Truely Sad News..RIP Skipper…
I add my condolences to those of the rest of y’all. I’m a relatively new member, but the BMEWS has become a daily pleasure. Rest in Peace, Allan.
-JimS
In honor of Allen, we should vow for all of us to stay in touch via this blog. What attracted me to this blog was the personification of the American common sense and fighting spirit. Allen was our ring leader and kept us ferrel cats into a more organized reasoned thought on issues that are pertinent in the US and world. The world at most times is very chaotic, and Allan’s sense of humor with that biting wit made difficult moments more surmountable.
I am stunned. My deepest sympathy to the Skipper’s family. PLEASE keep this site going--the name alone is priceless.
Posted by goddessoftheclassroom
06/02/2007 at 01:37 PM
this is a sad day indeed - R.I.P Allan - my four years lurking here has taught me SO much. My condolences to the family. I hope the BMEWDS blog tradition continues. ‘The Skipper’ will be sorely missed.
Posted by zygazint
06/02/2007 at 02:21 PM
Damn I just found out. It doesn’t seem fair he was a good man. I hope he went peacefully. I’m going to miss him. Prayers to his family.
I still wish I’d had the opportunity to meet him, chat with him, laugh with him, and get to know him.
EXACTLY my sentiment, Larry-in-Houston. What a kick in the head for all of us. Skipper, I don’t imagine you knew the effect/influence you had on so many people.
R.I.P., good man.
Larry-in-Shorewood [IL]I can hardly believe this. I was a lurker for a couple of years and only started commenting in the last month. I love this blog! I love when the Skipper was “lost”. I loved the pictures of all kinds, especially the ones about the military and the motivational posters. I sent some of the posters to one of my brothers when he was recently in the VA Hospital (Marines, Vietnam, 1967-1969). The nurses and doctors loved them. I loved the planes and the ships. I love the way the Skipper would do honor to what is right and decent and true. I love the fact that I could always find something to laugh about and something to think about at BMEWS, always. I love the jokes and silly stories. I love the obvious love the Skipper had for America. I loved the Skipper’s anger at fatuous “peace” marchers and cruel people. I love the people the Skipper had adding to his blog, Mr. Christian, et al.
I hope that the blog continues.
Rest in Peace, Skipper.
Thank you for everything.
Posted by Minta Marie Morze
06/02/2007 at 06:19 PM
I still wish I’d had the opportunity to meet him, chat with him, laugh with him, and get to know him.
EXACTLY my sentiment, Larry-in-Houston.
Skipper, if you only knew the influence you had on so many lives. R.I.P., good man.To The Skipper!
Keep a stool at the Great Pub clear and warmed, Skip, and if the lass is a redhead, all the better!
My most sincere condolences to Allen’s family. The Skipper sounded like a man who lived life at its fullest. He will be missed.
The next question is how do we keep this love of his life alive, as much as a tribute to the Skipper as to give us the chance to try to remain sane in this crazy world of ours. There is still much work to be done before we hand this country to our children.
I hope there is away.
Can’t add any more to what everyone has said. I’ve read BMEWS daily for several years. This is a terrible shock. This really does feel like losing a personal friend. I’m so sorry.
Posted by Curly
06/02/2007 at 09:48 PM
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, But the blogging world, has lost ANOTHER voice, this time on the Progressive/Liberal side. Steve Gilliard of “The News Blog” has died, he was 41, heart trouble was the cause.
Rest in Peace
-TP
Posted by The Populist
06/02/2007 at 10:19 PM
Thanks Skipper. The last time I felt this way reading Barking-Moonbat was when Vilmar left and all he did was leave the blog. You’re gone but I do believe the last line of a prayer I say often, “It is in dying - that we are born to eternal life”.
Thanks again for all your thoughts, you’ve added to my life.
My sincerest condolences to Allan’s family.
His site has been a regular drop by for a couple of years now and I will miss his postings on politics, photography and his “Where Am I?” series.
I know that this may be a stretch… but the best memories were when Allan and Vilmar were partners. I was really sad with the split. I followed Vilmar’s venture with Right Wing Howler until that blog site was shut down by the ISP. Vilmar, any chance you can partner with the current regime? I know Allan greatly supported you after the split and the split from your ISP. What say you Vilmar? Your voice is sadly missed too!
From a very gracious supporter....
Holy smokes, what a punch to the gut...BMEWS was one of the first blogs I discovered, and was one of my daily must-reads.
Pontotoc Bill captured my feelings exactly. RIP Skipper, from one USAF vet to another. You’ll be missed…
Very Sad News, I somehow felt something wasn’t right. Skipper was gone for quite a while. This is the second time this happens to me in a few months period. First was Acidman. I guess Allan no longer needs Google Earth to see his favorite AFBs. Got your wings now! Thanks for all the motivation, too! God Speed, Skipper!
My deepest sympathies to the family of Allan Kelly. I was hoping that my own fears were in error, after reading that the Skipper had gone native for the past week, but am very saddened to have them confirmed. I enjoyed reading the rantings of someone smarter than me, who shared many of the same sentiments, and to just feel good in the frolics of getting lost, which was fun and tested the memories of many as to where they had been at times in their lives. His was a serious site, but he never forgot to have fun, too. I enjoyed the getting lost and knowing that Anonymous was in the running to win the Golden Compass Award regularly. He treated us as a group of friends that were sitting around the table having a cold one and discussing the news of the day and even disagreeing from time to time. I, as everyone else, will miss him greatly.
Veterans: Ready - Hand Salute. Two
Posted by MikeyB
06/03/2007 at 11:50 AM
Rest in peace, you will be missed.
This has been my favorite blog for a long time. The last few days I’ve found myself mourning a man I never met or talked to. God bless and be with the Skippers family, and with all of us who will miss him more than we ever imagined.
I am also shocked and saddened by Skipper’s passing.
I too wish I had the opportunity to meet this great man in person. He was a voice of reason in a wilderness bullshit.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I hope to see Ya on the other side Skipper! (For me, that is in question)
Doug
A PROPOSAL!
Let’s wait until Wednesday, to give people time to read this, and at 8 pm, wherever you are, hoist one in a toast to the Skipper. That way, depending on where readers are located, we can have a multi-hour rolling toast to our departed friend.
What say? Mr. C, add this idea as an update so it does not get lost in the many comments?
<font color="#800000"><font face="trebuchet ms,geneva"><font size="4">Skipper, Goodby my friend, you will be missed more than you could ever know. You gave us so much and ask for so little in return. You had the courage to see what others refussed to see. Truly a giant among men. Thanks for your insight. Thanks for making a differance. Thanks for caring. Thanks for this place. </font></font></font><font color="#800000"><font face="trebuchet ms,geneva"><font size="4">Thanks for everything!</font></font></font>
I hope someone will be able to take the helm. The Skipper performed a great service with this blog. It was easy to read and navigate through. I hope someone will take over and keep it running in his memory. Evidently God needed him more than we did.
For everybody who loved Allan and everybody that Allan loved, may God bless you and keep you wrapped in His loving arms to comfort you in your time of loss.
RIP Skipper we will miss you.
As one of the old lags in the membership, I would like to convey my condolences to Allen’s family and friends. Since I am of a similar vintage to the Skipper, I take this as a warning that I should take better care of myself. I don’t post much nowadays, but I do lurk here on most days. Godspeed Allen, and say hi to StinKerr when you see him.
(Are posts moderated now? Is that why the first didn’t register immediately? If so, the administrators can delete this one to keep the thread tidy.)
I can’t believe The Skipper is gone.
I offer my condolences to his family.
Thanks Skipper for sharing your humor, insights, concerns, rants and daily living with all of us. Even though we never met I has always considered you a friend. You will surely be missed.
F.O.C.
I am at a loss for words.
This is usually the first or second blog I read every day. I usually don’t read to much political stuff over the weekends, I am usually on a golf course or playing music at a friends house. So when I went to the BMEWS this morning I was stunned. I live hust across the river from the Skipper, I live in Belleville, IL, and am saddened that I will never get to meet the man who helped out in my blogging abilities. I never asked questions form him or emailed him, but his writing ability and sarcasm and quick wit inspired me. I guess you can say he was like a blog-father to me. But I never got a chance to meet him. I really don;t remember how long I havce been coming here, but it is at least a few years. I would put a comment here and there every once in a while, but was manily a lurker. I will miss his wit and his great writning abilities. The BMEWS should live on in his memory, he was a true patriot and great spokesman for the conservatives in this great country.This also comes right afterone of my best friend’s father passing away. It was truly a saddening week.
My condolences to the Skipper’s family and those that knew and loved the man. He was great man and a true gentelman.
I read above about this blog when the Skipper and Vilmer were partners. I agree that the pair were great together and did miss Vilmer when he left. I too am hoping that Vilmer will take the helm and pilot the SS Barking-Moonbat. This site has become a part of my daily routine and a piece of my life. I would surely hate to see it gone. They say the Captain goes down with his ship. The reverse may be true here however. The ship will go down with her captain. We have all come to love the writings and style of our beloved Skipper and no matter who takes the wheel, that is forever lost. I can only hope that Vilmer takes command as he is the best choice for the job. The Skipper has trained him well and I know he is able to handle this ship and follow the course as Skipper had charted. Vilmer, I as well as I am sure many, humbly ask you to take charge. If you do, you have a good ship and a ready crew behind you every step of the way. Vilmer, if you have doubts about what I am proposing, please let us know. I am sure all of us can help in any way you need. Just let us know. We can generate lots of clicks on your advertisers and I for one would be willing to click on the tip jar (several times if needed) to get this ship off the reef and back on course. Please, just let us know. I put forth that Vilmer be promoted to Captain. Does anyone second this motion?
Wow, talk about a kick in the gut. This place has been my daily refuge for as long as I can remember. Alan, thanks for the memories and God Speed my brother.
As a relative newcomer here I wish I’d had more of a history of interaction with Allan but unfortunately, I didn’t.
Still the same, I can honestly say that I liked him and his style. He told it like it is and that’s a decreasing commodity in this day and age. And being from Massachusetts this site is one the bastions of sensibility that I rely on to remind me that there are sane, conservative, military minded men, real men in the most complimentary sense of the word left in this world, unlike the mamby-pamby liberals that I find myself surrounded by on a daily basis.
Go with God Skipper, and tell John Wayne and Ronald Reagan I said hello.
Jake
Randolph MassachusettsAlthough I’ve only commented a couple of times on BMEWS, I have been an avid reader and fan of Allan’s for a couple of years. My God, the world’s going to be a duller place without him! My sincerest condolences to the Kelly family.
This Wednesday, I’ll open a fresh 18-year-old bottle of single malt in Allan’s memory.
Derek
Columbia, South CarolinaPosted by DaGeneral
06/04/2007 at 11:13 AM
As fate has it, I am heading out to St Louis ( Chesterfield ) for business this evening. If anyone is in the area and wants to raise a glass in honor of The Skipper tomorrow night e-mail me via my username below.
F.O.C.
My heart felt condolences to Allan’s family.
I’ve only been visiting this site for about 6 wonderful months. Reading the posts and comments were/are always a highlight of my day.
I’ll miss you Allan.
Resto nella pace il mio amico
Paul
In reference to Sdkar’s comment, I think it’s still too early to think of promoting anyone to Captain. The Skipper will always be Captain in my mind, even if he isn’t on this plane anymore. maybe First Mate. But if There was to be a new Captain, I would propose that Mr. Christian gets that promotion. just think of everything he has had to go through these past few days.He may just be The Linker, but I think he’s done a superb job in getting updates and information to us. and through it all Basically Becoming more then just a friend of Allan’s that was concerned but also the first person to find out the tragic news and have to relay it to us and contact Allan’s family with it through the means he had. Again, I still think it’s too early to start nominating replacements for The Skipper, and I don’t think there could be 1, those are big shoes to fill.
What can I say that all you others before haven’t said?
I just hope this site goes on in his memory.
From one former AF to another....spread your wings.
God Bless.
If anyone in the Los Angeles area (Draven? We can’t be the only 2 in So. Cal.) would like to organize a get together for Wednesday, please contact me.
Doc
well, I have about an hour to spare before class…
(Seriously, when you’re this close to graduating with my kind of GPA...)
This has always been my first stop when I get off work in the AM.I saw the post friday and just shut down the computer.Nice to see how well loved the Skipper was,like others said he will be missed.
A late RIP.I will be raising my toast (sorry, no alcohol for me, but I will get some decent sparkling cider) to Allan Wednesday, 8PM MST.
My most sincere condolences to the Skipper’s family and friends. I very much regret his passing. He fought a good fight, and he fought it well.
Time was when I was an active contributor here, and I regret that I drifted away. For a number of months, an occasional check-through was the extent of my contact here. There was always the excuse of work and contingencies, but now that does not seem to mean very much.
I will offer this in tribute to the Skipper and also to Stin, who was lost to us many months ago:
Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden,
Einen bessern findst du nicht.
Die Trommel schlug zum Streite,
Er ging an meiner Seite
In gleichem Schritt und Tritt.In battle he was my comrade,
None better I have had.
The drum called us to fight,
He always on my right,
In step, through good and bad.Damn!!!
I’m off the Net for a week and everything goes to hell.
I’ve loved this blog ever since it started. This was always the first thing I read on the Net every mornning. This is as if I lost a member of my family.
Rest easy, Skipper!! Your fought the good fight, you ran your course.
I just don’t know what to say.
Posted by MAJ Mike
06/04/2007 at 09:15 PM
God’s Blessings on you Allan. See you on the other side.
My heart felt condolences To Allan’s family, God’s blessings on you all.
It’s the damnedest thing, I was stunned when I read this today. I was hoping it was just a cruel trick. Oddly enough, this is the first thing I’ve had really get to me in a long time. Allan will be missed immensely. He was an inspiration in his life, and his memory will continue in my political leanings for a long time to come. RIP Skipper.
Good to hear from Tannenberg, OCM, Annoying Little Twerp and Oink.
Formerly Stan.
This was one of my favorite places to come and I stopped by nearly everyday although I never posted.
RIP Skipper. I’ll miss you.
Posted by karen
06/05/2007 at 12:23 PM
I’m quite proud that almost all of the old members - the ones who had to leave here, sometimes in a hurry - have stopped by. I miss you guys, even though we may have crossed digital swords now and again.
I’ll come by Wednesday at 8 with some decent well aged rum. Maybe I’ll even run out and find some sort of BritBeer and let it get warm for Bulldog’s sake.
Even if I don’t have the good stuff like most other posters (and I know the risk of me getting a lightning bolt from the Skipper for what I’m about to suggest is high but I’ll risk it) I’ll raise a Bud in toast to him.
Ive lurked for quite some time, greatly enjoying this site. Skipper will be missed, my best wishes to his family at this time.
ShanePosted by shanem
06/05/2007 at 04:40 PM
I’ll miss him.
Anyone want to meet in the SW/W Chicago area for the toast?I run the risk of really pissing some people off, that is not my intention.
I--like many of you--am in uncharted waters dealing with the loss of a cyber friend. The initial kick in the gut from the original announcement left me stunned and saddened. I then began to hold out hope that this was some horrible mistake, then eventually succumbed to the reality, as the posts started flooding in, that the Skipper was gone.
As I reflected on what the passing of the Skipper meant to me, I reminded myself the internet is what it is, a place where anything goes. Skipper instilled in all of us the Reganesques value of “trust but verify”.
Its only been a few days since Skipper’s passing but have not yet been able to confirm his passing from any official source. Can anybody help?
I agree, Kuso. If old Air Force guys weren’t such notorious pranksters I wouldn’t be left wondering (and hoping) that this is just such a case…
Kuso JiJi,
Allan could not shut up long enough to successfully fake his own death. If he were alive, he would not be able to sit on the sidelines and not comment on his own wake. This should be proof enough of his demise.
I certainly know him well enough to identify the body, were I called upon to do so. I don’t think that this is necessary due to the fact that he has not opined on anything since Wednesday of last week. No emails, no postings, no phone calls…
I am starting the wake a little early. It is 6:30PM Tuesday now. Time for a scotch…
Formerly Stan.
Kuso, I gotta smile at the thought. The Skipper probably would have gotten a kick out of attending his own funeral. Way back when, I used to think that OldCatMan was his evil twin - teach me to think. The Skipper just didn’t work like that, he was just a little too direct. Sadly, I’m with Yellow Dog - I don’t think he would have stayed quiet this long, even if he did want to try that sort of thing. You’re not the only one having trouble getting used to the idea that the Skipper is gone and with him, probably BMEWS as well. He did a lot for all of us and we just don’t want him to not be with us.
Sean, David, Brian, I guess by now you’ve seen just how many people were impacted by him and it was a pretty good impact. A lot of us will miss him nearly as much as you will.
Hang in.
Doc
Although they had a falling out, OldCatMan still cared enough about Allen to call the St. Louis Corners Office. This is what he posted on his blog.
Damn.
I did obtain some information (from the St. Louis coroners office) this morning.
According to them, there were no suspicious circumstances and he was found in his bed--someone had reported him “missing”.
All I could say when I first read this was “Damn!” I’ve been lurking since long before Vilmar left, and have even posted a few comments here and there. This has long been one of my favorite cyber-haunts, and I will miss the Skipper’s ability to make me laugh, make me mad, make me think. I hope he went peacefully.
My condolences go out to his family.
Rest in peace, Skipper. You will be greatly missed.
I run the risk of really pissing some people off, that is not my intention.
I--like many of you--am in uncharted waters dealing with the loss of a cyber friend. The initial kick in the gut from the original announcement left me stunned and saddened. I then began to hold out hope that this was some horrible mistake, then eventually succumbed to the reality, as the posts started flooding in, that the Skipper was gone.
As I reflected on what the passing of the Skipper meant to me, I reminded myself the internet is what it is, a place where anything goes. Skipper instilled in all of us the Reganesques value of “trust but verify”.
Its only been a few days since Skipper’s passing but have not yet been able to confirm his passing from any official source. Can anybody help?
I think to fake his death like this would take too many willing participants such as his family, and then for him to stay away from the blog for so long. even with back pain, having his last logon being May 23rd was very unusual I think he would have managed a way to get to the computer to post… I was hoping not to see this post but it wasn’t too unexpected after Mr. Christian’s post about not having any contact for a while.
(although now checking his profile I see it does have him logged on as of june 4th at 10:52 PM.. But that is in all likelihood his family checking out his computer, probaly has BMEWS set to the homepage, or something like that that would register a logon)till now last logon was may 23rd at 10 something at night I beleive..Kuso has been well trained - trust but verify!
But alas, Mr. Christian does not bring us a false story ... a “sock puppet event” (if you happen to also follow the emperor’s blog). If even OCM is telling us he’s gone, then I tend to accept the inevitable.
I’ve found mention of his passing in a couple forums on his local paper’s website, but I have not been able to locate an obituary. Not everyone gets one I guess.
I’ve found mention of his death in dozens of blogs worldwide. BMEWS has an awful lot of readers, and a large number of fellow bloggers have run the news. I’m amazed and very pleased to learn the impact one man can have, and him not even an elected politician or news media talking head.
Tokyo, Japan June 6, 2007 8 PM
Fare thee well! and if forever,
Still forever, fare thee well.
~Lord ByronR.I.P. Skipper
Kuso JiJi
I too raised a glass of Talsiker for my friend that I have never met. Allan reached a lot of people all over the world and BMEWS was a place I visited regularly. His death has been a real blow and yet I hardly knew him.
It would be nice to see BMEWS carry on Allan’s legacy. It was good to see Vilmar, Oink and OCM show up to pay their respects. Following Peiper’s comments maybe some kind of collaborative effort from the likes of Mr Christian and Vilmar (if you can drag him away from the garden!) With input from guests like Oink, Macker, Drew and Tannenberg? I think the Skipper would like to see his work carried on.
I’ll have to toast the Skipper early as I’ll be on the road later.
Here is to Allen Kelly, American By God Patriot.
Master of the universe, have mercy on Allan Kelly, this deceased person who was a child of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Your servants. And may his soul and spirit rest with the righteous, for you give life to the dead. Blessed are you who forgives the sins and transgressions of your people Israel through supplications.
Therefore, may it be Your will, Eternal our G-d and G-d of our ancestors that the angels of mercy circle before the deceased, for he was your servant. Eternal our G-d and G-d of our ancestors, who considers the poor, protect him from every trouble and from an evil day and from the judgment of Gehenna. Blessed are You, great in loving kindness and master of mercies.
Blessed are You who makes peace in His heavens for his servants and for those who revere His name.
Blessed is the One who mercifully redeems His people Israel from all sorts of trials.
Blessed are You who mercifully makes the covenant.
Make vanish the sins of this deceased person, Your servant, deliver him from the burning fire, for he is in great need of Your mercy, Eternal One. And you, Eternal our God are good and forgiving to all who call on you. Blessed are You, mercifully of great wisdom and of mighty deeds.
May he step with the feet of the righteous in the Garden of Eden, for that is the place of the upright, where G-d will guard the feet of his pious ones. Blessed are You, who gives great mercies and multitudinous compassion to the deceased of His people.
Amen. May it be Your will.
Goodbye Skipper
Go with G-dDoc
Haven’t been online much for a couple of weeks. I’m shocked. I went to Branson last week and was trying to hook up with the Skipper for lunch while passing through St. Louis. The last email I sent on this was my cellphone number so he could call me to work out when and where as I was driving back from Branson. Never heard from him. This is not the reason I wanted to hear.
Skipper gave me a lot of pointers on running a blog when I was starting mine. I guess in his memory I’m gonna have to ‘reactivate’ my blog just so his hard work with me won’t go to waste.
Fair winds and following seas, Skipper!
Rickvid had an excellent suggestion. At 8:00pm this Wednesday, we will hoist a toast in honor of the Skipper. Because this blog is read around the world, we will have a 24-hour rolling memorial for Allan.
Wow! Should I call in drunk? Naw. I’ve alread raised two this evening. I’ll just raise two more tomorrow night.
Here you go my friend… Cheers… to you.... I will miss you…
Posted by Countrygirl
06/07/2007 at 12:15 AM
Apologies to any who weren’t familiar with it, my last comment was the Burial Kaddish, also known as the Jewish Prayer for the Dead. It is our standard prayer when we commend a departed loved one to G-d’s care.
Shalom
Thanks for the verification info, Mr. Christian; although I truly wish it weren’t so.
May you rest in peace for all time, mighty Skipper.
At 8 pm, my fave pub in Seattle, raised a glass (Rogue pirate logo on the glass - fitting I thought) of Dick’s Bottleworks IPA. Got a cell-camera shot of it. Tossed the first few drops for the elves then downed it. Went back into the pub with my friends and had a hell of a good time.
Joy of life, Skip is happy.
I have been absent. This is a shock. Bless him and his family.
When I first tuned in about two years ago, he was having strong differences with a couple in the group. I was worried that he might not be open to a new member.I agreed with his views on everything, and felt fortunate that he did accept me under
the circumstances.About his problem, I could sense something wrong about a month ago, but it was his show and I didn’t comment or question.
Even though I didn’t personally know him, I feel like I lost a good friend. I am very sorry. Rest in peace, Skipper and God bless his family and friends.
Posted by CharmingBarracuda
06/08/2007 at 05:38 AM
I have just returned to checking my regular blogs. My own mom died a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been either traveling or catching up since then. It came as quite a shock to learn of the Skipper’s passing. BMEWS is a a great blog. Mr. Christian will do his darnedest to keep it going, and I’m sure he will do a great job. But the Skipper’s voice will be sorely missed. RIP, Allan.
06/01/2007 at 03:00 PM
06/01/2007 at 04:04 PM
06/02/2007 at 02:31 AM
