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I first met him in Junior High when his family moved into a house in the neighborhood. He went into the USN 20+ years and was an ardent America First Trump supporter these past 7 years. His adult son passed away (overdose) almost 2 years ago. He just started collecting SS retirement this year. I just found out he had developed lung issues (not mesothelioma) after he died. His wife told me yesterday that he had severe emphysema and COPD from years of smoking. He lived out of state but we were in contact about every week. He was an honest, well meaning, soft spoken and good natured guy that you could depend on. He had a great sense of humor with a side of crazy.

This is the 2nd long time close friend I've lost in just the past 3 months. It sucks getting old. I'm still in good shape for my age but sadly so many less fortunate friends are falling by the wayside as time moves on. It may be the natural order but it still sucks to watch it happen around you with increasing rapidity. I'm already running low on top tier long time friends and most live out of state now.

Don't mind me, I guess I'm just venting. My "Golden Years" are apparently made of iron pyrite. I'll continue to do what I can to make the most of them before I inevitably hit the exit ramp myself, someday.

Cherish your time with close friends and family while you can and make great memories. You will never regret it.

I first met him in Junior High when his family moved into a house in the neighborhood. He went into the USN 20+ years and was an ardent America First Trump supporter these past 7 years. His adult son passed away (overdose) almost 2 years ago. He just started collecting SS retirement this year. I just found out he had developed lung issues (not mesothelioma) after he died. His wife told me yesterday that he had severe emphysema and COPD from years of smoking. He lived out of state but we were in contact about every week. He was an honest, well meaning, soft spoken and good natured guy that you could depend on. He had a great sense of humor with a side of crazy. This is the 2nd long time close friend I've lost in just the past 3 months. It sucks getting old. I'm still in good shape for my age but sadly so many less fortunate friends are falling by the wayside as time moves on. It may be the natural order but it still sucks to watch it happen around you with increasing rapidity. I'm already running low on top tier long time friends and most live out of state now. Don't mind me, I guess I'm just venting. My "Golden Years" are apparently made of iron pyrite. I'll continue to do what I can to make the most of them before I inevitably hit the exit ramp myself, someday. Cherish your time with close friends and family while you can and make great memories. You will never regret it.

(post is archived)

[–] • 4 pts

All my friends are grouchy old men I way younger then they are. We lost a couple last year and more will follow I'm sure. It sucks. I am grateful I had the time to spend with them and the knowledge they gave me though. Sorry bro

[–] • 1 pt

Thank's Boone, much appreciated. I'm trying not to fit in the grouchy category, but even older folks can exhibit a moment of human weakness. I'm sure your older friends truly appreciate you and your friendship.

[–] • 2 pts

I have 2 friends I’ve known since childhood who live across the country, and 1 friend I’ve known for 36 years who lives in the same town. This townie friend I see weekly for lunch and will miss him greatly when he is gone. He is not healthy, not to mention jabbed and boosted. When I do not feel like seeing him for lunch, I remind myself this lunch could be our last, so I go, I enjoy, and I thank the Lord we both made it this long. Sage advice, OP. I will never regret a single lunch.

[–] • 1 pt

I know how you feel. Sorry about your loss. It's weird how quickly we got here.

[–] • 1 pt

Thank you Keneo777. It is scary how fast time flys by at this age. The weeks are feeling more like days. Oh shit, it's Sunday already!

[–] • 1 pt

Sorry man, condolences from an internet stranger.

[–] • 1 pt

Thanks un1ty, much appreciated. Just living through the latter chapter's of "the human experience". This is not turning out to be quite as fantastic as I had hoped.

[+] [deleted] • 1 pt
[–] • 1 pt

Deepest condolences on the loss of your long time compadre, Lurker.

[–] • 1 pt

Thanks PlatosCaveman, I appreciate it. I wish the poor guy had at least another 10-15 years left on the clock to get some enjoyment out of his golden years. He had recently moved to a town near Daytona Beach, I was looking forward to seeing a race with him someday.

[–] • 1 pt

Indeed. I maintain friendships with folks from every season of my life but have found those bonds of brotherhood I forged in boyhood have been the deepest and strongest. Can go years without seeing each other and pick right up like we were in the saddle together just the day before. There's a strength and comfort in mates that know you for you. His memory will live on in the tales you tell.

[–] • 1 pt

Seriously, my condolences. My crowd of friends is at that stage too. It sucks losing someone who's been part of your life for such a long time.

[–] • 1 pt

Thanks Professor. All we have left are the memories if we oultlive them. Since I have no family, my Golden Years will probably be spent reflecting on the close friends/family I was fortunate to have had in my life and the great times we shared. Oh the stories I could tell! Lol! There is probably enough material there to fuel me to 100!

[–] • 1 pt

Toasting absent friends always sparks a bit of "remember when...?" conversation.

[–] • 1 pt

I'm sorry you lost your friend 🙏

[–] • 1 pt

Thanks Gothamgirl. I know it happens to all of us, I'm just having a moment of sadness it has happened to me twice already this year. Kind of rattles my foundation to lose old friends. I'm glad I have you and others here on POAL to share the pain and split the sorrow.

[–] • 0 pt

Sorry about your loss. There's a few of us old dirts here on Poal; we're at the age where friends and loved- ones are dying...aint supposed to happen.

Growing old is rubbish.

[–] • 1 pt

Thanks JeffersonHairpie, much appreciated.

Growing old is rubbish.

Especially when you have no immediate family left. One tends to hold their dear friends that much closer.