I was thinking of Clint today and thought I'd post here. It's been five years, but I still have fond memories of a man I never met. His commentary and debates with those he disagreed with are still fresh in my memory. Clint's contributions to this website were always thoughtful and backed by sources. He sent me books he thought I'd enjoy and we spoke on the phone several times. His wealth of knowledge, not only of WW2, was immense. I still miss him.
So do I! I "met" him on the now defunct History Channel Forums. He persuaded me to come to this forum and I did. He and I had several good debates over the years and I never got the feeling he was looking down his nose at me or trying to demean me at all. He was very respectful and I always tried, and succeeded I think, to be equally respectful. We were both westerners so we had a common bond.
I ran across one of his posts a week or so ago and thought about him. He was a great guy and I for one remember him fondly, so as long as he lives in our memories he's still around.
One of the best we ever had here and even when he disagreed with my opinion he did so with great class and grace. He was also usually correct
I am a relative newcomer here compare to all of you but he made an immediate impression on me. A wealth of fact-based knowledge delivered in a thoughtful manner with respect. I do not possess the depth of knowledge about WW2 that most of you have, nor Clint, more of a long time interest but he. and all of you certainly enrich my life. I spent an enormous amount of time working and having this forum to read is a joy. Clint epitomized that good feeling.
Every now and then I'll pull up one of his post. And each time we pass through Billings Montana I think of Clint. (Once or twice a year ) His stories reminded me of my favorite writer, Patrick McManus. Just a regular cowboy doin' cowboy thangs. RIP Brndirt1.
It's trite, but I sincerely, ruefully miss a man I never met nor lay eyes on. Cheers to the Saddle Tramp.
Clint was a well-read amazing man. His knowledge was extensive, and even in disagreement he was kind. He died more than five years ago and those of us who were privileged to know him still miss him. Happy trails, Clint.
That is sad to hear, I never interacted with or knew this man, but hearing how all of you cared for him, and seeing for myself some of his posts, I feel quite sad I didn't have the opportunity to talk with him, as I'm sure I would have missed and loved him as much as you all do.
The internet is a difficult place to get a sense of one's true personality, but Clint was one of those guys who's genuine nature just sort of pushed through the screen.
Otto, what a touching and true description of how Clint was perceived by many on here. He came across as a true gentleman. In his posts, I've never come across a bad word written by him about another person. I'm also astounded that it is more than five years since he passed away. Happy trails Clint.
I conversed with Clint quite regularly, either in the back room or via PM, but we never had a phone conversation such as I have had with several Rogues here. His cancer affected his mouth/jaw/neck and made talking on the phone quite difficult for him. He worked as moderator for several years until his health began to affect his ability to devote the time necessary. He asked to be relieved of his role and duties and I would not hear of it, telling him to keep the title, don't worry about "moderating", and post as he could. He finally came back to me a few weeks before he died, asking again. I relented to his request, but I didn't want to. I did not remove his title, though, and I am not sure if most of the membership knew what was going on. Politically, we were not on the same page by a long shot. However, we were always able to have congenial talks and I appreciated that greatly. We disagreed, but were never disagreeable about it, much as political (or any) conversation with @LRusso216 is. Clint's death was hard on the forum as he provided so much. Here's to the old boy..
Truer words were never spoken. Clint and I shared a political philosophy which Jeff did not. I had one brief phone conversation with Clint and several conversations with Jeff. Both were equally convivial. Clint sent me books and videos that he thought I would enjoy. I still have a spot in my heart for him. By all means, a toast to him. Jeff and I disagree about most things, but we are still able to talk honestly about our differences. That's what being an adult is all about. I wish we could convey that sense to everyone.