I Knew The Last Sniper Victim (Vanity)

mafree | 10/12/02 | mafree

[mafree]

Fellow FReepers please pray for me for I am stunned and very hurt right now. I'm not a crying person but it's hard to keep the tears away right now.

The reason is because I just looked on a FR thread and saw that the last person killed is someone I know. His name was Ken Bridges and he lived in Philadelphia. He leaves behind a wife and children, and many business associates who got a lot from his vision and leadership.

Ken was a Wharton grad, worked in corporate America, and became a successful Amway distributor. He left that and started a Black network marketing company called the MATAH network with a fellow Wharton grad named Al Wellington. It was a growing company with distributors all over the country.

I must say this right now- many FReepers would have disagreed with Ken ideologically and politically. He was a strong Black Nationalist type who supported reparations and celebrated Kwanzaa. Yet, many who disagreed with him liked and respected him. He was an intelligent, jovial, energetic, fun guy who kept smiling and was really devoted to his family. He was just an extremely likable person.

I first met Ken two years ago and would see him at various meetings and conventions around the country. I last saw him in August. I can't believe he is gone and my heart is very sad for his family. I will miss him and pray that he rests in peace. May God comfort and care for his loved ones.

[mafree]

Thanks to all of you. I'm doing fine today.

[mafree]

Thanks guys- you're all so thoughtful.

[mafree]

Thanks a lot. Just talked to a friend in town who knew Ken and he says he can't believe it either.

[ladyinred]

So sorry for you and his family. This is such a horror, and I pray for all of the victims and their families, and that the authorities can stop this murdering monster(s) soon.

[mombonn]

Have been praying for his family, will add you to the list as well.

[mafree]

Many thanks for your comforting thoughts.

[mafree]

I usually try to stay off the computer on Sundays but I knew I could find comfort in your replies today. Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

[mafree]

Thanks for your prayers.

[Caipirabob]

I am so sorry Mafree. My prayers for all the families and that this monster is stopped soon.

[John Lenin]

Prayers out mafree

[mafree]

Thanks guys.

[Pegita]

Your FReeper family shares your sorrow, mafree ... may you and all those who have been touched by Ken, find a measure of comfort in the days ahead ...

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

His political ideologies don't matter. He was a human being. Sounds like he was a great guy.

I'm sorry for the senseless cowardly murder of him, for the pain his family, friends and acquantances must be enduring.

Extremely sad.

May God Bless all who knew him and will miss him. Deepest sympathies.

Vets

[PhilDragoo]

Your friend sounds like he was special, mafree, which makes his killing the more outrageous.

Our prayers for his family and good friends such as you who have to carry on.

Now Americans are the targets of terrorism in a way Israel has known for decades, and my reaction to all the terrorism is more rage than grief.

We will win against this evil, for we stand for freedom first--before any politics are involved--and freedom from fear is foremost.

Terrible swift justice for the perp.

Boundless solace for the victims' families.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Oh, "mafree", I'm so sorry. Please know that your Freeper Family is here for you. And your friend's family. We're praying for you and them.

[Free State Four]

I was devastated when I saw the picture of Ken on the news. His resume was an American dream...and when I heard he had 6 children...well, it was obvious that he cared so deeply for them and provided for them and loved them....my heart almost broke in half. I have followed your comments on FR now for many months and find you a very bright and logical fellow. That being said....

LET'S GO NAIL THE BASTARD WHO DID THIS TO KEN!!!!!!!!! fsf

[homeschool mama]

Prayers heavenward for this man's family and friends. My heart goes out to them...and to you mafree.

Sending a virtual hug (((mafree)))

[fatima]

Sorry mafree,,we live 10 minutes from Phila. and cry with his wife and children.

[Alamo-Girl]

I join in praying for your friend and his loved ones - and for the victims and people living under the threat of more cruel violence.

[windchime]

The sorrow in the loss of our fellow Americans is doubled by finding that one of them, Ken Bridges, was a friend of part of the 'family' at Free Republic.

My daughter's comment upon seeing his picture on TV yesterday was, "It looks like they got another 'good guy'." From your description, mafree, he was just that. It sounds like he would have had more in common with us at Free Republic than not. Reports of his being a man of achievement in his education, business and family life put him in a category I would admire.

My prayers are with his family and friends in this time of sadness and loss.