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Today marks exactly one year since since we lost our dear friend Tom Drake, better known to us all as "Monte." I know I'm not the only one who still misses his gentle presence around this place.
For those who did not know him, Monte was, at the time of his passing, BT3Central's most prolific poster. Following the switch to the currrent vBulletin software, he was the first member to earn the "Forum Windbag" moniker under his user name, upon reaching 5000 posts (and the only one to do so: that title was subsequently retired, in his honor). Monte's posts may have been many but they were almost always short and to the point. If Monte thought you had a good idea, he'd say so. If he thought you had a bad idea, he'd tell you that, too. And if he spoke favorably of your workmanship on something you posted in the Finished Projects section, you could be sure that you'd done a truly fine job.
On March 19, 2006, we all wished Monte a Happy Birthday, never suspecting that he had barely one week left on this earth. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly just eight days later, on March 27. Fittingly, he was in his shop at the time. His grandson Kyle broke the sad news to us all; three days later, Sam temporarily shut down BT3Central during the hour of Monte's funeral.
You can see pictures of his shop, his work, and the man himself, here.
Rest in peace, Thomas L. "Monte" Drake, and know that you have not been, and will never be, forgotten.
For those who did not know him, Monte was, at the time of his passing, BT3Central's most prolific poster. Following the switch to the currrent vBulletin software, he was the first member to earn the "Forum Windbag" moniker under his user name, upon reaching 5000 posts (and the only one to do so: that title was subsequently retired, in his honor). Monte's posts may have been many but they were almost always short and to the point. If Monte thought you had a good idea, he'd say so. If he thought you had a bad idea, he'd tell you that, too. And if he spoke favorably of your workmanship on something you posted in the Finished Projects section, you could be sure that you'd done a truly fine job.
On March 19, 2006, we all wished Monte a Happy Birthday, never suspecting that he had barely one week left on this earth. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly just eight days later, on March 27. Fittingly, he was in his shop at the time. His grandson Kyle broke the sad news to us all; three days later, Sam temporarily shut down BT3Central during the hour of Monte's funeral.
You can see pictures of his shop, his work, and the man himself, here.
Rest in peace, Thomas L. "Monte" Drake, and know that you have not been, and will never be, forgotten.
Turaj (in Toronto) 
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