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.

[ppaul]

We share in the sorrow over the loss of your good friend,
and the man we have known through his words.

Words fail me at this time. Let's honor his memory by taking up
the cause for which he tirelessly endeavored - the U.S. Constititution
and repeal of the income tax and the IRS.

[Mr_Magoo]

There is a Memorial page that is found at the bottom (scroll down) of the FreeRepublc Home page, but it was set up by FReeper and Citizen X.

FReeper has not posted anything for quite a while and Citizen X is no longer registered here, so there is no updated version. I don't have the skills to do this or I would consider updating it myself.....

Correction:
The Wall was created by a FReeper called CitizenX. BTW, CitizenX did not leave FR, he changed his screen name to Mr_Magoo.

When I closed down my server I transferred the Wall to FR. I no longer have control of the files so I cannot update them any longer. Plaques need to be added for laissezfirearm, Caseyjay, and Chief negotiator.

FreeRepublic Memorial Wall
http://www.freerepublic.com/memorial/memorial.htm

[Thinkin' Gal]

Even acquired a Freeper Creeper.

What a sad day. I remember him telling me how much he loved it. It IS great Joe... the desk has changed, the computer has changed, and a whole bunch of other stuff too, but the FReeper Creeper is still here. CHIEF was right!

[COB1]

Sorry for the double post.
Thanks, Snow Bunny, for the graphic.
I can't think of a better place to use it.

[Bikers4Bush]

I'm heartsick to hear this.

Gone but not forgotten, rest in peace CHIEF negotiator.

[Snow Bunny]

I thought you would want to know. This is so terrible. I will miss our CHIEF so much.

[looscannon]

Oh my God. I'm traveling and just noticed this. I am sad beyond sad. CHIEF has been SUCH A GREAT freeper and the very best of Marines. Oh my. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

[Carolinamom]

I can NOT believe that CHIEF is gone. We loved you, CHIEF......STILL DO.

[Jean S]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll pray for him and his family.

[PeterBarringer]

Condolenses... very sad loss. Rest in peace, good sir.

[NilesJo]

The CHIEF will be in my family's prayers. I just hope they have a good internet connection in heaven!

[Saundra Duffy]

If anything like this happens to Diver Dave or me, suspect Gary Condit. For victory & freedom!!!

[umbagi]

Sad, sad, sad, to hear that the CHIEF_negotiator has joined the staff of the real Commander-in-Chief.

He left us a great patriotic thread to remember him by! Semper Fi, Marine, from this 53-year-old ex-PBR driver...

u

[Mudboy Slim]

Horribly tragic news...I always loved the CHIEF!! What a loss for all who know/knew him.

My sincere prayers go out to his family, friends and FRiends.

MUD

[stand watie]

i too am saddened by this.

for dixie,sw

[carenot]

I am so glad you are back. I was going to e-mail you about this.

I am terribly sad and crying.

[untenured]

Always opinionated, always knowledgeable and never discourteous, often an unexpected comic beacon even in the darkest of times. I too am so saddened to hear of this. His peace pipe was one of the first things I think I noticed on FR.

[Darth Sidious]

God took home a very special angel. And a Marine.

This weary earth is at a double loss. And I enjoin my voice along with many, many others in grieving for the loss of a dear friend.

CHIEF negotiator, God bless you sir. Dear Lord, please take care of his family and keep him okay 'til we see him again.

[Billie]

This makes me so sad - it is SUCH a shock to read about Chief. He was a good friend to many of us for such a long time. FR lost a good man. Prayers for his family.

[FairWitness]

Very sad news. So sorry for the loss to you, and to all of us.