Thoughts and Prayers

Status
Not open for further replies.
So many others have put it far more eloquently than I, I am sorry to hear of Dave's passing, condolences to his family and freinds, THR and the world is smaller due to his passing
 
Thank you for your condolence.

Thank you for the many thoughts and prayers offered for Dave, and comfort to my children and to me at this sad time. Dave loved to share his knowledge and to be a part of this community. It was thoughtful of you to send flowers, we appreciate your reaching out to us.

Rachel McCracken
 
Just came back to this forum after some time away, saw this thread and regret I was not here when it was current. I started to type out a descriptive reply and failed miserably. All I can really leave here is... BA/UU/R.
 
bikerdoc

Gentlemen,

While extending condolences let us also pledge to honor Dave by passing on his legacy of knowledge to others.

Let us also refer to him as our Celestial moderator.


My first visits here to THR were spent reading at length in Dave's thread "On Fighting Shotguns"...

Many, many thanks to Dave for his wit, humor, knowledge and steadfastness.

He is free of the illness that took him directly from us... but he is never gone.

As a collector of these things, I'll have what might be considered the "shotgun" of lanterns lighted tonight when I get home... a 500 CP Coleman 237 Empire to honor B.D.McCracken's memory.
 
Am I the only one who's re-reading Dave's contributions? Seems like he could deliver a decade's worth of knowledge in an afternoon...
 
Nope- I read them regularly.

It helps keep him "with us"

Even though there will be no new contributions, his legacy remains ever etched in these digital stones, for all to read and remember.
 
The contributions Dave left us are timeless. They predate him, and they will continue to be taught after him.


But Dave passed on knowledge in such a way that no one else could. His abilities as a teacher are unique, and his passing brings his individual teaching style to an end.

That happens to all teachers. Someday we will all cease being among us. But when it comes to teachers like Dave and his presence here, their daily contribution doesn't end upon death or retirement.


With all great teachers the mentored pick up the baton and carry it forward.


I carry forward his mantra of Buy Ammo, Use Up, Repeat.


In fact if you don't shoot many times more in cost in ammo through your beloved rifle/shotgun/handgun than what it cost you to buy, expect me to consider your opinion not very valuable.

I own several $2,000 firearms I've shot well over $6,000 worth of ammunition through.



Like Dave always said. BA/UU/R


Once you arrive, you'll understand.
 
I was a regular with "The Geezer Squad" at PGC for a few years. That's where I met Dave. I showed up with my Dad's old 870 TC with a 34" tube and proceeded to hold my own with a gang of guys who had more collective experience than I could fathom at the time. In my late-30s, I became an "honorary Geezer." I would head to PGC, without fail, every Friday for a few rounds of trap, a round or two of Chinese, and the great bull sessions that preceded and followed each and EVERY round (aw, Hell - they continued even DURING the round, 'specially when someone was running 'em straight....).

After the death of my father '08, I slowly drifted away from my Friday play-time. I practically gave up shooting trap all together. Don't know why - it just happened.

Earlier today, my Son and I got a call from one his friend's Dads. We're heading out to PGC tomorrow for some skeet and sporting clays. I decided to check in with THR and see what my old friend Dave has been up to.

I'm sitting here typing this with tears streaming down my face.

Goodbye, my friend. You probably never realized it, but you were a huge influence on me. The world is a poorer place due to your absence. I will miss you forever, just like I miss my Old Man.

I promise that I will remember those golden nuggets of wisdom you planted in my brain and also promise that many targets will be ground to dust in your honor tomorrow.

:(
 
One of the amazing things about a man like Dave is that I had absolutely no clue who he was, and was not a member when he passed. Yet his teachings are reaching people (me) right now. His legacy lives on. Immortal in the hearts of those who knew him. And immortalized in his written words. Can anyone really ask for more after they pass?

BA/UU/R
 
A Man Like No Other

Dave selflessly coached me at the 5-stand at the Prince George's Trap and Skeet center in Maryland when I started out with a new 870 express in 2010. At 30 years of age, I was new to gun ownership and had only shot a few times prior. I had very little firearms experience or knowledge.

Dave took me under his wing and started me down the right path as though he were my uncle or grandfather. He gave me advice and encouragement. He inspired in me an enthusiasm and drive to better hone my skills. I only interacted with him half-a-dozen or so weekends at the range but it felt as though I knew him for years.

I learned more than just about shotguns from him. He taught me firearm and range etiquette, how to carry one's self, and showed by example how to handle those who are less than admirable or respectful.

Now, after upgrading to a Beretta O/U and practicing his mantra of BA/UU/R, I'm glad to say I'm regularly dusting over 22 and occasionally busting 25 of 25 at the trap stations.

He will be sorely missed and forever in my heart.
 
My family and I will add him to our evening prayers. God Bless Dave and the McCracken family!
 
So sorry to hear about Dave, I do know what his family is going thru, I lost my 1st wife thru breast cancer. Sure do wish there was cure too many good people have to succumb to it.
 
Not that I believe prayers are ever a bad thing and I am sure appreciated.....but Dave passed like 7 or 8 years ago.

All that said I too offer a prayer and a hearty......BA/UU/R!!!!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top