Harpseal passed on as of March 19, 2004

His friend | Mar 22, 2004 | Laz

[Lazamataz]

Matt Reilly, also known as 'harpseal' on Free Republic, died on March 19, 2004.

His friend Eileen is making arrangements for a Memorial service at the local VA.

Matt was a former Navy SEAL, a keen businessman, a friend to his Walker Hound, and an accomplished sailor.

He was also my friend and my business partner. I can't barely see the keyboard through my tears. He will be missed greatly.

[MrBambaLaMamba]

Sorry news mate, very, very sorry. He'll be remembered.

[Jeff Head]

Oh man...I've been out of town all weekend (since Friday) when I took my mother back to Salt Lake City and the airport there...and did not know about this!

Laz, do you have any details on the services? If I can get there, I will. Please tell Eileen (if you are in touch) how much he will be missed and how much we desire to do anything we can to help.

Matt has been a good friend and we have had many soul searching conversations since he informed me of his health problems and asked for our prayers some time ago.

He also was of great help and support in my book series, faithfully reviewing it in tital, and giving me very worthwhile and excellent imput.

Matt was also a great American and he will be sorely missed...but I have no doubts. He is in a far better place and I look forward to the dau when I can personally meet him there, shake his hand and give him a hug and thanks for his service to us all in this life.

Matt...may you go with God my friend! We who are left here shall strive to carry on in your tradition. May God rest your soul now and comfort your loved ones!

[mylife]

Sorry to hear of you loss Laz

[sistergoldenhair]

I saw this thread earlier but couldn't think of anything to say.
I thought, if I waited a bit, it would be easier.
It's not.
I always enjoyed harpseal's posts. I shall miss him.
Take care of yourself.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

How SAD Lazamataz. harpseal was a FINE FReeper. He will be sorely missed. I was looking through some of his old posts and noticed this one to Jeff Head and his words to Jeff about his Dad. I thought his words were comforting since he said them so recently and in light of his own sudden passing. I thought I'd share them with you. God Bless.

Posted by harpseal to Jeff Head On News/Activism 03/07/2004 9:08:08 AM PST #48 of 72

Fantastic news on volume 5. I am really happy to hear it is doing well and you are dealing with your father passing on. Of course you know he is in a better place thaqn this life so that makes dealing with the loss a little easier but it is still a great loss.

[Jeff Head]

See my post 482. He will be sorely missed.

[webster]

My deepest condolences

[Jeff Head]

Yes he shall.

[webster]

My deepest condolences

[Howlin]

I'm really, really sorry to hear this.

[Jeff Head]

MAtt was a class act and a greta man...he never let on regarding the seriousness of his own condition.

A few of us knew...which made our respect for him increase all the more as he continued in his efforts to inform others...to help his nation and his countrymen.

[redrock]

I was at a funeral a lot of years back, for a fallen soldier, and this was read then. Somehow...it always feels appropriate when an American Fighting Man falls.....

Prayer of a Soldier in France

Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918)

MY shoulders ache beneath my pack
(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back).

I march with feet that burn and smart
(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart).

Men shout at me who may not speak
(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy cheek).

I may not lift a hand to clear
My eyes of salty drops that sear.

(Then shall my fickle soul forget
Thy Agony of Bloody Sweat?)

My rifle hand is stiff and numb
(From Thy pierced palm red rivers come).

Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me
Than all the hosts of land and sea.

So let me render back again
This millionth of Thy gift. Amen

-------

Take solace...you WILL meet again.

redrock

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

God Bless him!! A "CLASS ACT" Indeed!!

Thanks for sharing this with us Jeff! Sounds like he was a real trooper.

He'll sure be missed around here. I would read his responses and he spoke for us! Looking at his profile page again today.. again, his views are shared by a lot of us.

You know, we often times read a lot of what people write and you really get to know peoples hearts and minds here on FR from reading their views. You don't respond to everything you read, there isn't enough time in a day to do that. But you really "feel" like you know people from what they write.

harpseal was one of those people. He's been around as long as we have. An "oldtimer" so to speak.

Like I said.. he's going to be missed. We never knew he was sick. Really sad to hear about this.

Many prayers going up for him and for his loved ones and for all his FRiends here.

Mary Ann & Art

[Pegita]

Heavenly Father, we return to give You thanks for the outpouring of love that is showered upon Laz at the passing of harpseal, one who meant so much to him, and to so many other FReepers. Comfort his heart as only You can ... walk with him in the days ahead ... keep him close to you, for his grief is profound. Thank You for the greatness of Matt's life and for his imprint on so many ... we mourn his passing, but his joy is with You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen ...

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Bump to 493. You must have been posting to this at the same time I was FRiend.

God Bless.

[razorback-bert]

Ah, Mary pierced with sorrow,
Remember, reach and save
The soul that comes to-morrow
Before the God that gave!
Since each was born of woman,
For each at utter need --
True comrade and true foeman --
Madonna, intercede!






Aw shit!

[technochick99]

What's happening to his dog?

[irish guard]

Sorry to learn of harpseal's death...I am kind of an old time lurker and have seen both yours and his posts here at the Freerepublic. I will say a prayer.

[SAMWolf]

Please accept my condolences.Prayers offered for Harpseal's soul.

[Robert_Paulson2]

This represents quite a loss to the forum.
and to most of us here.