Props to "Monte"

[Uncle Cracker]

Just thought this would be a fitting offering for my 5242nd post…

Back in the days before I joined this BT community, I lurked here as a guest for quite some time. There was a guy here who most of you old-timers will remember. His handle was “Monte”. He was a prolific poster, but without all the wisecracks and stuff that I, for instance, am known for. His posts were informative, upbeat and supportive, with good info for those that wanted it, and often just a “well done” for those that needed it. He was always ready with a compliment.

I remember feeling sad when news was posted that he had died in his beloved shop one day. But I also remember an embarrassing feeling of envy that he had gone out in so perfect a way. It’s probably the way I would want for myself (but not yet… ). When my grandkids are of that age (and it’s not long before they will be), I hope I can be like him, and take them into my shop to stimulate their interest, teach them what I know, and spend quality time.

So, as I tread across hallowed ground, I raise my glass out of respect for a man I never met, but many of us will remember, and felt we knew. This one’s for you, Monte…

[cgallery]

Clink!

I'm right there with you, UC.

TO MONTE!

[radhak]

That was nice, UC!

And since I had some trouble searching out the relevant thread(s), you can find them here, here and here.

And I admit being puzzled by the 5242, till I looked up one of his posts !

To Monte!

[Stytooner]

Good on you, Uncle C.
I was just thinking about Monte yesterday.
He is missed and remembered.

[billwmeyer]

Very appropriate U. C. Monte is missed.

Bill

[cabinetman]

Nice words, and very thoughtful UC. I'm dreading your words when I go to the cabinet shop in the sky...be gentle.
.

[LarryG]

Monte and I split a big order of K-Body clamps when Bessey was having their 25th anniversary (or whatever it was) sale, in late 2005. The clamps were being sold in lots of four that included two 12" and two 24". He needed one size, I needed the other, so we made the necessary arrangements and did the deal. A scant four months later I logged on here one day and learned that he had passed. I was stunned. It seemed impossible then, and still does today.

On the first two anniversaries of his death, I started a thread to mark the occasion. Sometime around mid-May of this year I realized I'd not done that in 2009. I am always reluctant to blame technology for my own failings, but upon investigating the matter I determined that changing from one smartphone to another had apparently hosed the pop-up reminder I had in place. I'll make sure that won't ever happen again.

I once asked Monte how he got his "Forum Windbag" handle. He said it just popped up automatically one day, after his 5000th post, more than anyone else then had. He thought it was funny. IINM Sam fixed the forum software following Monte's death so that no one else would ever "earn" that title.

He was a great guy. I still miss him.

[crokett]

Sam did fix it so we shouldn't see any other Windbags. As I recall a while back we all discussed what would happen at 5k posts. I didn't think at the time that anybody would actually reach that many.

[Hellrazor]

RIP Monte...


It will take too long to get to 5000 posts

[ironhat]

Yes, well done UC for helping to remind us of a great brother who has gone on. Has his grandson posted in a while? I don't recall his name or handle.

[Bruce Cohen]

Unc,

Thanks for the post re: Monte, He's a guy I'll always miss.

Anyone hear anything about Kyle, collecting money for him was one of the nicest things we have done.

And Monty, one of these days I guess we'll meet up.

Bruce

[thestinker]

I remember Monte....he was always on the board when I first joined up. RIP Monte.

Riley

[os1kne]

I also remember him and miss his posts. RIP.

[Turaj]

UC, Well said. Thank you. Here is to Monte, the one and only Bt3 "Windbag" - CLINK