R.I.P. Specialist David Ferrell, U.S. Army

[brutal]

Sad day today as I learned an old Army buddy I was stationed with in Germany in the early 80's has passed away.

He rotated back to the world in 1982.

I flew through Atlanta in 1983 to visit him during leave to show off my new son on our way back to Germany. He came to my parents home in Green Bay one year over the 4th of July after I ETS in 1988, and we all had a blast. He travelled more than I for work and we would meet up in Denver, after we moved here in 1992, often when he was in town working (hotshot telecom engineer). We slowly grew apart a bit and had lost touch for more than a few years, then I reconnected with him 3 years ago.

He'd been through some rough times, lost an (adopted) teen step-daughter in a car wreck, got divorced, couldn't keep a job, and was struggling with keeping his life together in general.

He'd actually been homeless to a degree for a few months, staying with friends and family until he wore out his welcome, then moving on. This was all before I reconnected with him through Facebook.

His other step-daughter "made" him join, but he was never really online much. I was thrilled when, after so many years, I found him again. We spent hours on the phone catching up and reminiscing about old times raising hell in Germany.

We'd only talk twice a year, but for hours, though in reflection, not nearly often enough, and I always thought it helped cheer him up a bit. For me it was always a bit melancholy; perhaps it was for him too. I dunno. Last we spoke, he was getting assistance from the VA with his housing and living expenses, and seemed to be in good spirits.

I don't know the circumstances of his passing yet, but I have my suspicions due to his general mental health state. I was not aware of any physical medical conditions or ailments. Nothing he divulged when we last spoke.

While I wished him a Happy Birthday via e-mail and FB, I'm beating myself up today for not making the call I thought about Nov 18th to catch up. Man, it's getting dusty in here again... part of the process I guess.

Thanks for letting me vent.