Very sad news about one of our own ...

[Mal H]

We just got word from Dave McCracken's wife that he has a form of incurable cancer. He isn't expected to last more than a few weeks.

There aren't words that can express my feelings at this time. For those of you fortunate enough to have met Dave, you know immediately that he is going to be a long time friend.

Please keep Dave and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

[Don H]

Please keep Dave and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Most certainly!

[Al Norris]

Very Sad news, indeed.

Prayers for Dave and especially for his family.

[DFrame]

I never met the man but will keep him and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

[BigJimP]

He's been a very big part of this Shotgun forum - where I hang out a lot ....and we'll hope for the best ....

Take Care Dave ! If I can help you with something / or do something for you - drop me a note !

BigJimP

[cslinger]

Prayers sent. He has been a fantastic resource, a true gentleman and a great asset. I truly hope that The Lord sees fit to bless him with more time.

[2damnold4this]

I'm sorry to hear about his illness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[jmr40]

One of the guys here whose opinions I truly value. I think I would really like the guy if I ever met him. My prayers are with him and his family at this time.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Dave, thanks for devoting many hours of time mentoring shotgun folks at both TFL and THR. It was my dream to someday shoot a round of SC with you.

Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Larry and Sandy Ashcraft

[Technosavant]

Prayers sent. I've never met Dave, but one can hardly overstate his contributions here.

[scottd913]

losing a old friend can never be un-hurtful.
god speed Dave and blesses go out to you and your family.

vios con dios

[jmortimer]

He is a valuable resource for shotguns and will be missed.

[Slugo]

this is heart wrenching news. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave and his family. I just can't imagine what they are going through. It seems that this hideous disease is on the rise. God bless you Dave, and how about a miracle from above...

[Indi]

Will keep him and his family in our prayers.

[rebs]

Dave
You and your family are in our prayers, may the Lord be with you and your family and comfort you.

[johnbt]

The internet won't be the same without Dave around to maintain order. I read some of my favorite old threads after I heard the news yesterday afternoon. This is the one I started with.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102525

"How it was....
it was October-November of 1960, and Mr Bob had called from his farm over on the Eastern Shore to tell us conditions were right and the geese in. So,Pop took a day off from work and I'd permission to miss school to go goosin'."

[SauerGrapes]

This is very sad to hear. Much of my time spent here was reading Dave's posts. I'm speechless.
God's speed my friend.

[shortwave]

We're praying for Gods compassion, mercy and strength in this desperate time of need.

[Ben Towe]

"How it was.... it was October-November of 1960, and Mr Bob had called from his farm over on the Eastern Shore to tell us conditions were right and the geese in. So,Pop took a day off from work and I'd permission to miss school to go goosin'."

Johnbt, that very much reminds me of a piece by Gene Hill called Times Past on the Eastern Shore. Both are excellent writings on the way it once was. Unfortunately I haven't had the fortune to talk to Mr. McCracken, but judging from that story he is one of the old breed of which too few remain...

[SHR970]

Dave,

God's speed. May your remaining time time be painless and peaceful.

Your knowledge and wisdom will live on these forums.

A man well remembered will not be forgotten and will live on in the hearts and souls of others.

[Sarge]

I am so very sorry to hear this. Our continued prayers go up for Dave and his family.

[Rebel9793]

I do not know this man, but I do send my regards to the family. Cancer is not something I would wish upon my worst enemy.

[zippy13]

Very sad, indeed.
Dave, our prayers are with you.

[Pfletch83]

Throughout the conversations with Dave through different firearms forums,I can say that I have never had a cross word with the man,instead I found a professional that sticks to the facts,and because of such,he has my due respect as a fellow shotgunner.

I wish he and his family the best.

[TheKlawMan]

I never met the man and don't doubt that I would be better if I had. There is little I can say but I will miss him.

[Shane Tuttle]

I'm in the same boat as Mal. I'm at a loss for words.

Dave is, and will always be, a fellow Staff member to me. I sadly regret not ever having the honor of meeting him in person.

[9ballbilly]

although I've never met him, He and his family will be in our prayers.

[Spectre]

Dave says he's in no pain. Dave says he's enjoyed the time with you, and maybe he'll see you again on a trail or beside a stream.

[Bushmaster1313]

Dave was always helpful and encouraging.

Can't remember a bad word out of him.

If the going got tough, I would want Dave or someone like him watching my back.

[dalecooper51]

That is really unfortunate.

Best wishes to Dave and his family.

[sm]

I have been really bummed since my last phone conversation with Dave,which informed me of this situation.

I will always cherish my phone conversations with Dave, along with our private communications. Dave was a friend I had not yet met in person.

Sending best to Dave, his wife and family.

Steve

[jfruser]

Sad news indeed. I will remember him for all his knowledge and wit here and elsewhere.

[Rob96]

Very sad. I loved reading his posts as the information he passed down is priceless.

[Mal H]

I am very sorry to report that Dave passed away last night.

[Edward429451]

I'm very sorry to hear of this. He was one of the few pros of the forum and his insight and knowledge will be missed. TFL is diminished a little on this day. Prayers sent. :(

[BigJimP]

Wow, I don't know what to say - other than its a sad day .....and my best to his family and friends !

[pgdion]

That's terrible news. My prayers to will go out to Dave and his family. So sorry to hear this.

- phil

[Striker]

I'm a better man for having met and shot with Dave at Greenbelt.

Go with God my friend.

Jack

[thump_rrr]

Rest In Peace Dave.

[cslinger]

Rest in peace. Prayers for him and his family. He will be missed.

BA/UU/R

[Tamara]

BA/UU/R, Dave. :(

[sm]

:(

Yes, my friend, we WILL bust them birds someday we spoke of ...

Sending best to Rachel and family.

Steve

[Mike Irwin]

On behalf of my fellow members of staff, we would like to announce that we are renaming this forum The Dave McCracken Memorial Shotgun Forum.

[Technosavant]

RIP, Dave. Thanks for all your wisdom.

Prayers offered for his family.


IMO, naming the Shotgun forum the Dave McCracken Memorial Shotgun Forum is a great idea.

[gunut]

and thanks for your time here mentoring on the forum...

[SPEMack618]

Terribly saddened to hear of the lost of Mr. McCracken, but I truly love the renaming of the forum in His honor. I can think of no better way to remember him by.

[COK]

So sorry to hear the news , Glad the forum has been renamed.

[Sphawley]

My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Thank you for the knowledge shared Dave RIP

[Jorg]

On behalf of my fellow members of staff, we would like to announce that we are renaming this forum The Dave McCracken Memorial Shotgun Forum.
A fitting tribute to a valued contributor.

Between his constant mantra of BA/UU/R and ubiquitous suggestion that the best addition to a shotgun is a set of wear marks, he's helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people improve their shotgunning and realize there's more to it than buying the latest and greatest.

[PJR]

Godspeed Dave. Condolences to his family and friends.

[swinokur]

RIP Dave.

[Rocco]

May all of you and esp. Mr. McCracken's soul find peace and solace. My prayers go out to you all.

Respectfully yours,

Rocco

[Steelers252006]

Did not know Dave, but I surely empathize with his family during this tough time. I lost my mom a little over two years ago to small cell lung cancer at just 59, and my stepdad is battling esophageal cancer as we speak. It's a cruel, wicked disease. I truly hope the day comes when none of us ever have to worry about dealing with or watching any of our loved ones go through it. My prayers go out to his family and all those in the world affected with such an unforgiving disease.

[absolute0]

God Speed Dave, God bless your family and all those who loved you.

You will be missed.

[OkieCruffler]

Jeez, I'm actually tearing up some over a man I never met in person. Dave was a true gentleman and you can't say that about many these days. Even when I stopped my daily visits to the board I still recieved messages of good wishes from him. And when he found that I had bought my first 870 but needed a better stock he was quick to send me out one, once worn by frankenstein itself. Free of charge, just one shooter to another. I'll never shoulder that shotgun without thinking of what a great and wonderful friend he was to shooting and myself. Rest well my friend. BA/UU/R

[hogdogs]

Spend a few days away and return to see the new name of the shotgun forum...

SHOCKED!!! To say the least...

Thanks to Dave McC for all his time spent sharing USEFUL information to any one who would listen... And in a tactful and diplomatic way!!!

BA/UU/R... WEAR MARKS.... Pile of hulls ankle deep... Know your gun like your tongue knows your teeth...

And my favorite... "Yeah... But how does it shoot...?"

Gonna miss knowing that Dave would be "right along" to help share TRUE EXPERIENCE with the newer shotgunner!!!

Brent

[shortwave]

You're right about the 'comment's' hogdogs.

A couple threads in which the OP bought a new SD shotgun and dangled a bunch of 'do-dads' on it, posted pics. here asking what else would look neat on the gun.

" Wear marks" (from practice) was one of Dave's fav. answers.

There was five elements Dave was always guilty of exhibiting here as a moderator:

Wisdom, Respect, Courtesy, Common Sense and Professionalism.

I'm sure he expressed the same in his day-to-day life.

Thank You, Dave

[jfruser]

On behalf of my fellow members of staff, we would like to announce that we are renaming this forum The Dave McCracken Memorial Shotgun Forum.

A capital idea.

[sm]

Dave,
I shot league today as we spoke of recently...
I again did not do very well...Still I had fun.

I just don't shoot shotguns as I you KNOW I used to. It shows, it hurts, it...

It was not so much for league, but instead of for you my dear friend. And yeah, today I borrowed a Beretta O/U with the 20 bore Kolar tubes.

I hope others got out and shot today in Memory, and in Respect for Dave, I sure did.

I promised.
I kept my promise.

Steve

[Powderman]

My prayers and best thoughts for the family at this moment in time...but I will say this: It is good that Dave has so many people that think well of him. I believe that it is the measure of a man; that when he is gone others remember him with a warm heart, friendship and good stories.

[Poodleshooter]

I was saddened when I saw this new forum title. Dave was always the guy to answer a shotgun question when no one else knew how to tackle it.

[123kiwi]

A true gentleman and the best source of practical shotgun info I have ever come across....The shooting world has truly lost one of it's best...RIP DMcC

[ocharry]

I too have not been here for a few weeks,,,my God how things change

I lost my dad in august last year,,I know what is going on with this family,,,my prayers to them

The wisdom this man had will surely be missed

Safe journey old friend

ocharry

[TheBear]

RIP Dave!
Your in a better place now.

[Hunter Customs]

My condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Dave.
Dave may you RIP.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

[Daggitt]

I was very sorry to hear of this Internet Friend's passing. For all the junk that is on the internet you do occassionally meet a real nice person , who you of course would never have known but for the web. This guy was a heck of a nice guy. Sorry I did not know him better. May he rest in peace. My compliments to all of you for the kindness you have displayed in acknowledging his passing. I'll hope to meet Dave in person on the other side someday. Goodbye to a great Gun lover for now at least.

[M4BGRINGO]

I haven't been on this site for awhile and while scrolling-down to my favorite shotgun forum I saw the name change. I knew then it wouldn't be good. Dave will be missed by many, including his internet family that for the most part he never met. Prayers to his friends and family.

I've been on here for awhile, still don't know how to quote people, but this fellow summed it up:

I was saddened when I saw this new forum title. Dave was always the guy to answer a shotgun question when no one else knew how to tackle it.

[boxcab]

Just finding out about this...

He will be missed.

[Bosshoff]

R.I.P. Dave.

[govmule84]

That's sad. I always liked how straight-ahead he was with guys who liked farkles for their guns. He was a wealth of knowledge.

I can't count the number of times I've written or said "BA/UU/R".

And I never even met him. Thank you, Dave.

[TCW]

Rest in Peace, Dave.

[WJR]

RIP, Dave.

WJR

[erik meade]

I am just hearing the news, years ago Dave and I (and 1 or 2 others) formed a camaraderie as 870 fans in a different corner of the gun world where high end side by sides were the norm. We both drifted away from that group, but exchanged emails over the years. Mostly me asking his opinion on some 870 related question. I hadn't heard from him in a while, and now I see this and my heart droops.

[rantingredneck]

I'm just learning of this as I have not been a frequent visitor/contributor of late. I never had the honor of meeting Dave, but appreciated his wisdom, wit, and willingness to share both. The world is much less for his passing. RIP Dave.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[Nnobby45]

One of the "brighter" moments of the forum's day.

[FlyerXD]

R.I.P Dave you taught so many of us so much you will be truely missed.