Just Over a Year Ago We Lost One of the Bright Young Lights in Numismatics

NotSure

Tom, you, sir, are one CLASS ACT!

I remember that time surrounding his untimely passing (hell, it's been over a year already?). Not being much older than Chad (whom I never had the chance, or honor to meet), when I realized that there were literally just a couple more than a handful of years between he and I, I thought to myself how much more of life in general I had experienced.....things that he never got a chance to. I realized that I took alot of those things for granted, as I had to think about them....they didn't just come to me. I truly felt (and still do feel) that sadness for his family, friends (in his 'real' life and here also, as I know that MANY here thought, and still do think, very highly of him). I honestly thought he was perhaps my age, the way he verbally delivered his thoughts. Wasn't until he had passed I realized how young he really was. I felt so sorry for his family, certainly for the short time he was with them, but moreso for the times they never would have with him, and even more for the times in life he SHOULD have been able to enjoy.

To have secured that coin, and dedicate it as you have, you are a class act, Tom.

Ponderit, you are correct in your observation as well....It brings to light the reality of what should be most important to all of us.

Swampboy

Very touching post Tom.

I miss Chad.

He was a fine young gentleman and a good friend.

DenverDave

RIP Our Friend...

pragmaticgoat

Thank You Tom,

I still have heart ache and teary eyes thinking about Chad. It's difficult to understand when somebody so young depart this realm. I treasure the few trinkets I purchased from him.

Joe

MICHAELDIXON

Like Tom, I have memories of Chad. On my desk is an NGC 1992 Clad Proof Set I sold him once and bought back. I look at this proof set every day and think about how short his life was and how we should appreciate each and every day we have. As Tom says: "Chad might be gone, but he is not forgotten..."

bigmarty58

Tom,

Your words are from the heart, thank you for this reminder that life is fleeting and we should make the best of it; like Chad did.

TomB

Chad's enthusiasm, knowledge and wisdom were a terrific combination. It has been two years now, but I still think of you.

astrorat

I still miss him.

WoodenJefferson

MonkeyMan...life is fleeting.

alohagary

very touching

mkman123

He was a great guy!

Trime

Tom's moving tribute to Chad reminded me what a special hobby we share. One of the most meaningful things is the wide diversity in age and background of the members of our tribe. This forum allows interactions between and among YNs and those of retirement age; rich or poor; experienced or new to numismatics; sending messages from Maine to Hawaii ( and far beyond).
It is a wonderful experience. Wish Chad was here to share the day.

drddm

<< <i>I still miss him. >>






Me too RIP my friend.

coinhunters

<< <i>Tom's moving tribute to Chad reminded me what a special hobby we share. One of the most meaningful things is the wide diversity in age and background of the members of our tribe. This forum allows interactions between and among YNs and those of retirement age; rich or poor; experienced or new to numismatics; sending messages from Maine to Hawaii ( and far beyond).
It is a wonderful experience. Wish Chad was here to share the day. >>




So very true. It's easy for one to feel that tremendous sense of loss with Tom's Tribute post, and to witness one's humble acknowledgement of their blessings. Thanks Tom and Thank you to Chad for this inspiration.

TURBO

Sad.

pontiacinf

nice job Tom

123cents

Two years ago today. It's seems much longer than that to me. RIP my friend and know that you are dearly missed by so many.

TomB

This coin is now in the possession of Chad's family.

claychaser

Thanks for posting, Tom. You helped my to understand what's important.

So today I learned that some of my tools were stolen from a job and feeling upset with unfairness of it all. A reminder like this puts things in perspective of what our real treasures are. Mine is some very nice memories of giving Chad a PCGS calendar and his very nice thank-you note back to me.

He will be missed.

etexmike

<< <i>This coin is now in the possession of Chad's family.

[/q


Can't think of a better home for the coin. Sounds like it is right where it needs to be.

Thanks for the post Tom.


Mike

ColonelJessup

Never knew him. Now I do. Thanks Tom. Thanks Chad. . . .

EVillageProwler

<< <i>Never knew him. Now I do. Thanks Tom. Thanks Chad. . . . >>



Concur. Very touching thread, and thanks for the update.

LMM

What a nice thread and thanks for sharing. I didn't know him our you but it still brought tears to my eyes. It's nice to know there are people out there that really care for others even if they aren't related or personally know each other face to face

SamByrd

Well done . You are a class act Tom. Great that Chads family would have the coin.

What better item to have to help remember Chad , I am sure it will stay in his family a very long time.

I had dealt with Chad as a buyer a few times he was indeed a bright young man with interest and passion for numismatics.

OldIndianNutKase

Thanks for the great Tribute to Chad, Tom. I was very touched by it even though I did not know Chad. A very special story.

bsshog40

I always enjoyed his posts and humor. We've lost some great people the last few years. Thanks for posting Tom!

mkman123

Had the pleasure of text messaging him and joking around with him for a time until he went quiet and I found out what happened....a good guy

gypsylea

I lost one of my closest friends when we were both 19. 45 years have gone by and it still hurts- a lot. TomB, you are a good guy.

steveben

every coin has a story...this one is a very sad one, but also very nice. nice work, tom.

braddick

<< <i>every coin has a story...this one is a very sad one, but also very nice. nice work, tom. >>



Every coin has a story yet not every story has a coin.

Wonderful tribute Tom and well worth the reread.

Rayman311

Nice tribute to your friend.

123cents

Great tribute to a very nice young man that I considered a friend. Your one of the best Tom!

NotSure

As part of my post to Tom's tribute to Chad, in 2011, the last sentence I wrote resonates now....I felt so sorry for his family, certainly for the short time he was with them, but moreso for the times they never would have with him, and even more for the times in life he SHOULD have been able to enjoy.

Damn, three years have passed already??? To think of all the things I have done in the last 3 years (the good and the bad, gotta take responsibility for the bad, and feel glorious about the good). It saddens me even more now, thinking of just how much he could have gotten accomplished and experienced in these last 3 years. The times and experiences he could/should have been able to enjoy in these last, are limitless, and it is sad to think about just how much more in life he could/should have experienced in each coming year. Thanks for bringing this back up.

bosco5041

I did not know him but that was a great tribute to him.

greghansen

bigmarty58

R. I. P. Chad, Tom well said.

Goldbully

Wonderful tribute to a good young man....thanks Tom.

TomB

It's been just over a dozen years since we lost Chad, who passed away as a teenager. He was a great addition to these boards, but even more than that he was a terrific person.

RIP, my friend.

TPRC

Wonderful post, Tom. I have always maintained that it is not the coins themselves that we cherish most, but rather, it is the relationships to friends, mentors, and colleagues that make coins so special to each of us.

relicsncoins

It's hard to fathom that was 12 years ago.

HTubbs

Wow, I admit I had forgotten about Chad until seeing this post bumped to the top. What a tragedy, he was a fantastic young man.

lkenefic

Sad... so young!!

bsshog40

Thanks Tom! I remember him well ats. Chad was a good guy!!