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.

[ScreamingFist]

I posted a second thread because CHIEF negotiator was special to so many Freepers and many cannot get the longer threads to load."

Agree. Thank you.

[Freedom2specul8]

S e m p e r Fi!!

[antidisestablishment]

I am sure the words "Well done my good and faithful servant" are still resounding in your ears. God, bless this family as they morn a great husband, father and patriot. You will be missed Chief.

[painter]

Oh MAN!!! How tragic! I'm gonna sure miss him. He was one of the guys here that kept my spirits up during the election of Bush last year.:(

May the Lord be with you and watch over us as we work to keep this country free.

Mark

[B4Ranch]

One man with courage is a majority. --Thomas Jefferson

Thank you for your service to America and for being a true friend.

[COB1]

Thanks, Tex.
The CHIEF would have liked that.

[PatrioticAmerican]

I'm going to miss those NRST debates. He was a man with a good heart and a true American patriot. I didn't always agree with him, but I sure respected the man.

[BlueHorseShoe]

Oh, no, this is terrible news. My heart goes out to his family and even though I didn't know him personally we all get to know each other in certain ways on this forum and he will be missed by many. May G-d rest his soul.

[InfraRed]

I am very saddened by this tragic news. Just last night I read CHIEF negotiator's "Sorry Marine -- You're Too Old" thread. I lurked that thread, just as I've lurked his tax threads many times before. At the time, I felt guilty for not slowing down long enough to thank him for his service. Now I am remorseful. CHIEF negotiator, you SIR will be greatly missed and not forgotten! Prayers and condolences to family and friends.

[freefly]

A salute to a fallen Marine, a great FReeper,
and to all accounts, a wonderful person.
CHIEF negotiator, you are greatly missed.
From the Airborne:

Salute!

[spooner]

I'm stunned and in shock over this. We shall miss that wonderful guy, greatly. My prayers and condolences to the family.

[Mr_Magoo]

If you FReepmail my your real e-mail address, I will update the Memorial Wall page and send it to you tonight.

[eddie willers]

You, CHIEF and DonMorgan on my first day.
Talk about a baptism of fire! : )

(Though I think I am on record as being the only freeper never flamed by Deb)

[sneakypete]

I never knew the man,but it was with shock and a deep sense of personal loss that I read this thread and finally accepted it wasn't somebody pulling a prank.

Cob,why don't you,Taxman,and a few of his other buddies get together and dedicate a whole thread to this mans's career as a Marine? Maybe a few photos and words from people who served with him in uniform? Let's pay this man the honor he deserves!

BTW,I think it might be a good thing to have a whole thread dedicated to FR posters who have passed that were Marines. I can't think of a better time for this to happen here on FR than on the upcoming USMC birthday. What say you jarheads?

We could also have another thread for each branch of the US military to start on Veterans Day,and it could be a archive thread where we could post obits for various vets in the future. What say you,Jim Rob?

[HAL9000]

This is sad and shocking news. He was a highly respected member of this forum - one of the very best.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"I'd like to think Chief's just shifted positions to better fight this war we're in."

America has lost a true Patriot.
He has gone to serve in a Higher command.
May God Welcome him home and comfort his family.
*SALUTE* CHIEF negotiator my Brother and friend

[lysie]

I'm heartbroken and speechless.

[The Grim Freeper]

I CAN'T believe it! CHIEF negotiator was one of my favorite posters! I am so very sad for his family and the folks here ate FreeRepublic. I believe he is with Jesus in Heaven and full of the joy and glory of the Lord. But, oh, I am so very grieved. We should retire his name.

[Mustang]

It is indeed a very sad day.

Let me stand proud and salute THE CHIEF!

You'll be missed Herb, but not forgotten. Stand the watch our friend and keep the gates open for us who'll follow.

Mustang sends in prayer and praise to a true American Patriot.

[outlawcam]

Prayers, salute, and bump for a true patriot.

Semper Fi, brother.