That is sad news. I wish his family the best.

Terribly sad news. My thoughts to his family.

Speed to your resting place.

Sad news <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> RIP

Blimey, what a shock .... Pat/Tyger and I came to the Yard around the same time and became JYD's around the same time too .... many a thread topic was shared and we had a lot in common .... prayers sent and condolences to his family ...

At first I couldn' place him but then when I saw him guarding the Stanley Cup It all came back. I really enjoyed his posts and his presence here. And He WILL for sure be missed. Peace and rest to his family and friends. May they have fond memories that bring a smile to their faces and a warmth to their hearts.

Patrick and I became JYD about the same time too, that was some good times. From what I found there was not a reason for the house fire, and many besides us will miss Patrick's companionship.

Just thought I would post how tragic it feels regarding Tyger ... to serve in the military for so long ... do two tours in the Lebanon, then Bosnia and Afghanistan and to have life snatched from you in such a freak urban accident ... he was only 35 ... just seems so "unjust" ... to avoid death "in action" and then have this happen ...

Sumo I checked up on what happened because he was "a buddy" to me and we shared a military background and I thought it all seemed so strange ... it appears it was a "gas explosion" in the basement of his house and then a resulting fire which seems to have caught hold badly in just minutes ... no suspicious circumstances from the Police investigation ... and all his neighbours spoke highly of him ... he clearly made the same good impression with them as he had here on the yard ... and that comforts me as I am sure many people think when you are single and live alone (as I do) and are involved with the military ... any sudden death like this means either you have taken your own life ... or have messed around with explosives when you should'nt ... or even conspiracy theories can surface ... and these issues play havoc with family and friends ...

In that sense I am pleased that the issue of an accident appears able to be clearly seen ... and would to that extent be a blessing ...

For those who followed Tygers posts he went ahead and bought the motorbike he wanted as per his last post on here where he said back in April last year that he was considering doing ... and was just starting some vacation time in June from what I gather before being due to ship out to Afghanistan in September ...

Being so young these words just feel right ... for Pat ...

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Rest in Peace & Smoke sent from across the Pond.
What tragic news
Prayers sent & my thoughts are with the family

Guys -- just a brief update. I received an email from Pat's sister Karen, and I have to say that it tugs at the emotions. She read this thread and all of Pat's posts, and she said it meant a tremendous deal to her and her family. This is why I left it "stickied" and will do so for another week. She was able to see for herself that Pat was genuinely thought well of and will be missed.
I am sending her the lanyards that Pat made for me, for her and both parents. Being the man that he was, I'm sure that Pat would approve. And again, thank you for all the kind words on Pat's behalf; you ALL do the Yard proud!

Long Live the Brotherhood! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Tom

His passing to the other side is a blessing for him; he is at peace. Prayers for those he left behind to continue the path without him. Until you all meet at the end of the trail, may God comfort and be with you.

Thank you my friend for your service to our country, for your friendship on this site, and for the enthusiasm with which you shared your life.
I truly hope that your family can find some small amount of comfort in knowing that you touched the lives of so many people in a positive way.


THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

Very touching Gary.

Be back in a minute. Got something in my eye...