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.

[Goldi-Lox]

It would be nice to have a photo of Chief negotiator; It would also be nice to have a photo gallary of Passed Freepers that he could be added to.

[COB1]

The tears are streaming for you, old friend.
My dear God in Heaven, please take my friend in your loving arms.
Oh, sweet Lord, I can't believe this!
You will never die in my heart, dear Gyrene buddy.

[Nancie]

How very tragic. I always read and enjoyed his posts. Condolences to his wife and family.

[AuntB]

Oh, Taxman, I'm so sorry. I didn't know him well, but I'm sure he'll be missed. So many losses lately. Too many.

[WIMom]

This is the saddest news. May God Bless him and his family.

[duckbutt]

I can't believe this! I always read any thread he posted to. Looks like he got his wish....he's been called to "active duty" to serve the King......

[basil]

This seems so unreal! His posts were always so informative, and sometimes, he had some really funny ones.

He will be sorely missed.

Prayers for his family and friends are on the way.

[Always Right]

Very sad news. Prayers to his family. Looks like his last post was only about 1/2 hour before his house burnt down. It was quite an impressive last post wanting to serve his country again. Speaks volume of his character.

[Romulus]

'Bye, CHIEF. Thanks.

[Sir Gawain]

FreeRepublic Memorial Wall

[Lanman]

One of our own was called home.

[RooRoobird14]

This is terrible. Does anyone know what caused the fire? My prayers are with him and his family.

[CounterCounterCulture]

Oh my gosh! What a loss.

Take care CHIEF.

[ST.LOUIE1]

He was a *brother*.

Very distressing news.

God bless you Chief.

Prayers going up.

[nicollo]

Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Chief (with whom I often disagreed) was a vital voice in our Free Republic.

[The KG9 Kid]

Lord, will the bad news stop coming? I'm just sick.

[In veno, veritas]

Let us never forget the principles that he fought for, home and away.

[Demidog]

Oh my god. I can post. Perhaps only on this thread. I will pray for the family. Terrible loss. Demidog.

[Helen]

Cheif Negotiator has left a void on FR that will not be easily filled. What sad news!

[ClancyJ]

Bump - we've lost one of our own.