Harpseal passed on as of March 19, 2004

His friend | Mar 22, 2004 | Laz

[Lazamataz]

Matt Reilly, also known as 'harpseal' on Free Republic, died on March 19, 2004.

His friend Eileen is making arrangements for a Memorial service at the local VA.

Matt was a former Navy SEAL, a keen businessman, a friend to his Walker Hound, and an accomplished sailor.

He was also my friend and my business partner. I can't barely see the keyboard through my tears. He will be missed greatly.

[archy]

RIP Harp, if you see my grandfather up there, tell him hello for me...I never got to meet him...

William Lundy
Badge 2179
Chicago PD
Killed in the line of duty

See #251.

[KneelBeforeZod]

thanks archy,

not to hijack this thread...but I was able to visit CPD's star case a couple years ago. They have a nice computer setup with info about the fallen officers

The story was used for the movie "Call Northside 777"

[JohnHuang2]

Sad morning bump...

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I am so sorry. Obviously I did not know him personally but from his posts I could tell he was a person of wit and kindness as well as strong convictions.

Prayers for his family and for you.

[archy]

thanks archy,

not to hijack this thread...but I was able to visit CPD's star case a couple years ago. They have a nice computer setup with info about the fallen officers

The story was used for the movie "Call Northside 777"

You're not hijacking it a bit, and there's noone more than Harpseal who'd have more wanted the stories of others doing their duty but fell along the way. It's both a reminder to us how they lived, and offers lessons to young rookies- and some old salts and grunts too- of mistakes not to be repeated, sometimes no more controllable than having an unlucky day.

FYI, I'm a former Chicago-area and downstate environs newspaperman, so accordingly I'm not at all unfamiliar with either the Jimmy Stewart-as-newspaperman movie, or of the Majcek frameup story that inspired the movie, nor the 5 other Chicago murders that week and the subsequent murder of Mayor Cermak two months later. Sometime check out Chicago newspaperman Jack McPhaul's book Deadlines & Monkeyshines: The Fabled World of Chicago Journalism for his ccount of the Lundy shooting and that 1944 advertisement that turned into *an interesting little human interest piece*.

[Lazamataz]

It's the morning and nothing changed. I was kinda hoping I'd wake up and it would all be good again.

[Rebelbase]

I know its cliche, but hang in there. There is nothing wrong with feeling like a steamroller hit you given your loss.

You'll never forget him, but your grief will get better with time, I promise.

[searchandrecovery]

He will be missed. Geez he was a good fighter. This is so unexpected, I'm just stunned. Condolences.

[Nataku X]

Laz I'm so sorry. Harpseal was the brilliant mind who came up with those wonderful, non-invasive solutions to some of the problems facing our country today (on his homepage). The very fact that he was a Navy SEAL shows the extent of his self-discipline and his great love for the country. He had only one philosophy: not libertarianism, not socialism... he always believed in America First... he believed that America, her freedoms, her citizens should come before international interests of any kind.

I'm so sorry to hear that not only did you lose a FReeper FRiend, but you also lost a true friend and a business partner. Prayers lifted up for you.

[PGalt]

Condolences :(

[LucyJo]

May God's providence surround you,Lazamataz, giving comfort to face the suffering, strength to face the temptations, and wisdom to face the challenges. Wait upon the Lord, and may He grant you the desires of your heart according to His will, and in His time. He is always right. Be faithful to Him...His faithfulness never fails us.

[SW6906]

Wow, I'm stunned. Rest in peace, Harpseal.

My condolences, Laz. He's in a better place now.

[Sandy]

You were a true gentleman and one of the best freepers ever. RIP harpseal.

[Jeff Head]

Laz, you will do fine...it's who you are and its deep inside.

The pain will remain with those who loved and cared for Matt because of the missed association...but it can and will ease with time. As you contemplate where Matt is...who he is with...the joy he is feeling...the pain he is not suffering from...well, it helps. It also helps to know that we ourselves can be with those we care for eventually in that same place, and it gives us call to so order and live our lives to ensure that. Thus, even in passing, an example and a good turn is done us. I know that all of this has been the case with the passing of my own Dad eight weeks ago.

The good Lord has called Matt on a different mission of sorts...and Matt has dawned his eternal gear, mounted up and is giving it his all. Of that we can rest assured.

Keep the faith my friend...and keep the light of truth held up high.

[Jeff Head]

Sandy, as with the passing of anypne we cared so deeply for, we are grieving Matt's passing and the temporary loss of his association.

But, as with any such occurance, it is also good to see those others we have associated with and perhaps not had the chance to speak to in some time.

It's good to see you, God's best to you and yours.

[Jeff Head]

Harpseal was a good solid American , served his nation and fellow man till the end of his days here on this earth. If the good lord was grading lives and the way they are lived then Matt Reilly surely recieved an A+ based on my knowledge of him that he shared and I observed. The nation is richer for having had Matt fight for it and poorer for it's loss of a fine warrior .

Amen to every bit of that my friend. You are spot on.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

I didn't know harpseal, but the love he inspired on this thread has the power to soften the hard hearts of a few strangers, I think - and I join his friends who mourn, those he left behind, who had the good fortune to know and love him in life.

Prayers going out for you, Lazamataz - for Matt's friends and loved ones.

[Mulder]

Harpseal was a true Patriot and dedicated supporter of the Constitution of the United States.

He will be missed be many here, including myself.

But I do believe that he is in a much better place now, where there is no pain, and reunited with his wife.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Beautiful tribute, archy.

Thank you for sharing your gifts.

[Texas_Dawg]

He and I argued bitterly, but I'm saddened that he passed on and hope very much he went to a better place.

Perfectly put. This news sucks.

Hang in there, Laz.