I am a minister. I've also been a firefighter / rescue recovery specialist in my younger years. I've officiated for strangers, friends and family. All of them have affected me in one way or another. But I don't think I've ever felt such a deep sense of loss over someone I've never met in person as I feel today at hearing this news. I looked forward to all of Kevin's posts and comments. All of them. But this. And I have never ever been at a loss of words as I am over this. I hope that the guys that Kevin had hand picked to help moderate this site will do their utmost to ensure the longevity of this sight. The best way to remember such a fine gentleman as Kevin would be to ensure that what he had started with WB, as a means of connecting with and helping other fellow craftsmen, continues on and someone else will take the helm. I wish I had known him like some of you others had. I feel like there is something missing now that I never actually had. And that's a major drag. Coulda, woulda, Shoulda. I hope that in the days ahead, when each of us gets an opportunity to meet another WB friend in person that we will make it happen. I had thought many times in the last few months that I need to go meet this guy that has this unique ability to find fire in trees. And now I'll never get to do that.
@Clay3063 we will do our very best as we always have to keep wood barter going for all the right reasons. I'm sure that I can speak for my fellow moderators and say that it is even more important now than it ever was. We will do our best to honor our friend and the founding father of wood barter. So many members have reached out to us and asked us to do this. It was a priority for me right away as soon as the shock passed. Kevin's family feels the same too.
Very thoughtful post Clay. Sentiments shared by many if not all of us. Even though relatively new to WB, Kevin and I had become very good friends, quickly. I can say that the moderators, all of them, have been exceptionally great here, warm and welcoming. They are a tight-knit group sharing Kevin's singular vision of making this one of the best sites it can be. I would name them all, but I'm afraid I might leave someone out. All of them, without exception are great at what they do and how they safeguard and watch over this website. The ideals that Kevin instilled in them and the members will live on, if only to honor his name in how he would have wanted it. But also because he steered this ship a certain way. Now with Doc and Scott (continuing) at the helm, it will continue a straight course, guided by Kevin's memory. The moderators deserve a great deal of credit as well, including several regulars who are just there like anchors. I respect them all and wish for continued great success. As time wears on and the shock wears off, life on the forum will go on, and Kevin's memory will not fade away, like the Buddy Holly song. Mark
Great post Mark, you have very eloquently said what we feel as a collective group. Many thanks to the Mods. Tony
Wow, amazing words and feeling you expressed about my father. I feel so happy reading all these comments about my father. I knew what kind of man he was but to know that this many people loved him and have been touched by him makes me very happy! Thank you all for keeping up his legacy! He loved WB and all the WB family!
