CHIEF negotiator dies in east Houston house fire

Houston Chronicle ^ | October 4, 2001 | S.K. BARDWELL

[Taxman]

A 53-year-old man died in an early morning house fire in southeast Houston today.

The man, whose name has not yet been released [I confirmed that this was, indeed, my FRiend, Herb Meadows, known to all of us on FRee Republic by his screen name, "CHIEF negotiator"] was found by Houston firefighters in a bathroom in the rear of his home in the 8000 block of Glencrest, after the house burned about 1:30 a.m.

Firefighters said the man's wife told them she was watching television in the home's living room when she heard a loud pop and her husband shouting from the back of the home.

The woman tried unsuccessfully to rescue her husband, firefighters said. She was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation symptoms.

Firefighters said it appeared the man tried to get out of the burning home, but the heavy smoke entered the bathroom, where he collapsed.

Arson investigators are at the scene of the fire this morning looking for its cause.

[BobF]

Dear Herb:

We all miss you terribly. You were one of the most vital of FReepers here in Houston. I will miss your Marine demeanor and high-energy commitment to the cause of our Nation. I will also remember sharing your fondness for fine cigars!

My prayers are directed to you, your lovely wife, and family everywhere. Now go with the Lord's comfort to your reward.

Semper Fi, until we meet again,

=bob=

[Steven W.]

What was the "loud pop" referred to in the article?

[CathyRyan]

Rest in Peace. Prayers to your family.

[dirtboy]

RIP, Marine, you will be sorely missed.

[RnMomof7]

My sympathies to the chiefs family....my prayers are with them!

[Eva]

Thanks for posting this horrible news. It seems as though the bad news just keeps coming, like the ever ready rabbit.

Herb was the the poster that first encouraged me to join him on Free Republic, while posting on the Cnn board.

He will be sadly missed.

[Elenya]

RIP

My prayers and condolences to his family.

GandtheD

[carpio]

I am saddened beyond words and am praying for CHIEF negotiator and his family.

[blackbag]

D*MN... A true loss

Please keep us posted as to the conclusion of the Arson Investigation.

[Poohbah]

S**t. Why couldn't it be O'Slimy been Rotten?

[an amused spectator]

I'm sorry to hear this, old FRiend. You were a good comrade all these years.

Sending up prayers for you and your family.

[VOA]

We have lost a FRiend, a true American Patriot and a long time FRee Republic activist.

...and a Texan and a Marine Force Recon sniper to boot.

That sort of C.V. makes me feel unworthy.
But not unworthy enough to say "Happy Trails" and send good thoughts to
friends and family.

[ClancyJ]

I am so sorry. I too enjoyed his thread last night about trying to re-join the marines. God bless him and his loved ones. So sorry to see this news.

[Nita Nupress]

.

[Deb]

Oh, no...my sweet friend.

[maestro]

Condolances with prayers.

Amen,..........More Grace and Mercy,........In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

[LBGA]

I didn't know him, but read through his thread yesterday thinking he was quite a guy. My prayers for his family in this sudden and tragic loss.

[ventana]

Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, From the skies. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, May the soldier or sailor, God keep. On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go, When the day, And the night Need thee so? All is well. Speedeth all To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar Goeth day, And the stars Shineth bright, Fare thee well; Day has gone, Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days, 'Neath the sun, Neath the stars, 'Neath the sky, As we go, This we know, God is nigh.

RIP Chief. V's wife.

[ru4liberty]

I heard this on the news this morning but had NO IDEA it was our dear CHIEF. This is incredibly disturbing news.

In '98 I missed by a few minutes meeting him at a function in Clear Lake. I always hoped I'd get another opportunity.

God of comfort, please encompass his loved ones with Your mighty presence. Envelope them in Your love and sustain them in Your compassion. Thank You for lending Chief to us for a time. In the Name of our Savior, Jesus. Amen

[js1138]

Sad news. Perhaps it's time to consider a memorial page for the departed FReepers.