A childhood friend offed himself this week.

[fastfredracing]

We are away at the beach ,celebrating Easter, and my dads 70th birthday. I kept getting calls from a number I did not recognize on Thursday. I texted them to tell them I was out of town for a few days, ( thinking it was someone needing work done), and they replied that " Rich passed away today" I only know a few Riches , and was floored to find out that it was a childhood friend .
I ran around with basically 3 older guys when I was a kid. Rich, and two brothers that all lived in the same neighborhood. I really looked up to these guys. They were all 4 years older than me, and they had me up on motorcycles, shooting guns, drinking beer, riding around in cars, and chasing girls at way too young of an age. I thought these 3 were the cats meow, and I really learned a lot from them (not all of it was good) , but always fun.
He always had a problem with the bottle in his adult life, and I guess he was drinking pretty heavily for the last few years. He had hit his wife, and she left him earlier in the week. .
I am guessing fueled by a gut full of the drink and a head full of guilt and despair over his actions set him off. He shot himself in the chest. He has an 18 year old son, who I guess is a mess over the whole affair.
I had just spoke wit him about 3 weeks ago. He was starting a new job, and sounded pretty happy. I would have never seen this coming. I think we all have our demons inside
No one had seen him in 3 days, and he was a talkative sort , and mowed the lawns for two of the older neighbors in our old neighborhood. A neighbor went over to check on him, and found him in a pool of blood.
My good friend Ron , is really taking it hard. We are all going to try to get together when I get home, and throw back a beer in his memory.
I have lost quite a few friends over the last few years, this getting old is not all it is cracked up to be.
I am sure a few of you have been down this road. Always good to share stuff like this with you guys, thanks for listening.

[recycled sixtie]

I am sorry to hear this Fred. Alcohol does not solve many problems and can create lots. It is too bad that your friend did not reach out and get some help from you or from an organization. When I was in my early teens a friend did the same thing but don't know if it was an accident or if it was on purpose.

It must be very painful for his relatives as well. Time heals somewhat.
Cheers, Guy

[M.D. Holloway]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sad when anyone dies but even worse when they take their own life.

Sorry dude.

[DonDavis]

Certainly sad news. Takes time to really wrap the mind around an event like that. Heck, maybe never. His demons won their battle with him.

Let's hope the son has some strong, patient men in his life to walk with him for the next few years.

Peace and strength to all impacted by the loss.

[herr_oberst]

Sorry Fred.

You've had far too much bad news lately. Keep fighting the good fight!

[pavulon]

This. Hope that Rich has found some peace.

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Sorry Fred.

You've had far too much bad news lately. Keep fighting the good fight!

[mikesride]

Sorry man.... I have been through a similar situation twice in my life so far...It leaves so many unanswered questions......
This sucks for all involved.

[porsche4life]

I had a friend drink himself for his 20th birthday. Rough.

[LWJ]

My Uncle that is / was the number one role model for me did this to himself. It hurts. It is meaningless. It will mess with your memory because you will have anger while missing / loving them at the same time. I feel for you.

Larry

[Oh Haha]

Husband of my little sister did the same just about a year after they were married. From the outside, he seemed to have it all. Luckily for us, my sister didn't meet him that night or we would be telling a different story, according to the investigating detective anyway.

My little brother TRIED this way out about a month ago(pills) but his wife was quick enough to call for help. We rallied around him at the hospital but it was tough to know he was at such a low place. He has a good doctor now and he seemed genuinely happy today when we saw him.

Fred--don't beat yourself up over what you could/should/would have done.

Stay strong,my friend.

[BoxsterSteve]

Originally Posted by mikesride

...It leaves so many unanswered questions......
This sucks for all involved.

Agree completely.
My younger brother took his life almost a year ago, and it's been as *****show ever since.
I have to keep telling myself that I can't try to understand where he was mentally when he made that choice. Sadly it made sense to him at the time.