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.

[ET(end tyranny)]

Very sorry to hear this! Read a lot of Chief's posts during the election season, pertaining to taxes. Best wishes and prayers to his family and friends.

He will be missed, but remembered fondly.

[Nam Vet]

We will all miss ya Buddy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear family.

Nam Vet

[Cooter]

Godspeed, CHIEF. My condolences to your family.

[meyer]

I am truly sorry to hear about the Chief. Just last night, I read the thread on re-enlisting. I've always enjoyed his posts. He will be missed by many.

Please pass on this freeper's condolances to his family.

[BADJOE]

When I first came to FR he nursed me along. Even acquired a Freeper Creeper.

God Speed my friend.

I miss you already.

[oldngray]

One never knows what a day will bring forth.

Saddened by this news of his passing. We've enjoyed his posts so much just in these last few days from the thread... "Sorry, Marine, you're too old!"

[RMDupree]

The deepest part of my FReeper heart says " Goodbye for now, my dear FRiend. I'll see you in the Promised Land."

My insides ache with pain over the loss of such a wonderful and well-loved patriot. May his loved ones find peace and comfort knowing that Herb is in the loving arms of God.

[Darnright]

Oh, NO! Chief Negotiator always had substantive things to say on Free Republic. He will be greatly missed.

[eloy]

Godspeed to your new home, Sir.

[dead]

Horrible horrible news. I will greatly miss his insight. May he rest in peace.

[COB1]

That's beautiful, Snow Bunny.
I'm so saddened by this I can't keep my eyes wiped.
He tracked me down when I was in the hospital with my stroke to let me know he was there if I needed him.
We were going to have a bar-b-que and golf game next month.

The Lord now has the best from the USMC 2nd Force Recon (Scout Sniper ’67 – ’73)

[Carlucci]

The local news report about the tragedy this morning:

Channel 13's news story

[Rebelbase]

My prayers go out to the family. I will never forget the Chief's humor and ferver the night all of us pushed the "McThread" over the 1000+ mark. What a guy.

[Travis McGee]

Former Marines never die, they just move up to the big rally point in heaven!

God must need some heavy hitters up there right now, there can be no other reason for this.

God Bless You CHIEF negotiator!

And God Bless your family and FRiends.

[dixie sass]

My heart and prayers are with his family and many friends. GOD bless his soul and take him into his loving arms. May he watch over his wife and children and lead them through this trying time.

I am so sorry to hear this.

[wasp69]

Fair winds and following seas, Marine. You shall be missed.

[American Preservative]

Ohhhhhh.....: (

[Zack Nguyen]

God bless his family. Prayers for him. He has been here a very long time.

[fleebag]

Oh, Dear God in Heaven,bless this family,I pray.

[RightOnline]

Chief, I know the Marines wouldn't take you back, saying you were "too old".

Well, the Good Lord didn't think you were too old, and He wanted that warrior's and patriot's heart in HIS Corps. You've bypassed the Marines, my friend, and have just joined the most powerful force in the Universe.

A well-deserved promotion. Semper Fi.