Thread: Goodbye to a fellow member - donjcschilde

Guys,

It's with a heavy, heavy heart that I have to report the loss of one of our members.

Don Bellanger, donjcschilde, has passed on from our ranks.

Don was a hell of a man, a retired Army Sniper, a devote christian and a great Straight Shaving promoter.

Don made a few sets of scales for me last year, we collaborated on a few restores, making matching razors for 3 of our members. Don had been battling cancer for the last few years, making good progress then relapsing, over and over.

His last go around discovered that it was in his hip, his liver and his brain. He was diagnosed as terminal last November.

Being a typical Army man he refused to succumb when the Dr.'s said he would and managed to fight his way through several more months before giving in and joining his God whom he placed so much faith in. I don't know the exact date of his passing, but I know from the last email exchange we had that it was within the last 2 months.

Don is in a good place now, in heaven with those he so wished to be with.

I will miss his emails and telephone calls, as well as someone to share razor stories with.

Before the end, I had gifted Don with the only thing I thought had any meaning between us, my Army Special razor.

I know most of you won't remember him, as his posts stopped here about that time he was re-diagnosed, but some may.

Another good man has left us here to muse on the cruelty and beauty of this life.

God bless you Don, you will be missed!

HammeR

Always sad to hear of a members passing. He is in a better place now, Rest in Peace Don.

I also moved this to the Hall of Remembrance.

Sadly, my signature tag has a whole lot more meaning for me today. :(

May he rest in peace.
May we meet again beyond the pearly gates and talk about razors.
My prayers for him and condolences for his family.

Rest in eternal peace Don. Your Family and friends will be in my prayers. Thank you for your military Service.

Very Sad,sorry to hear of his passing:(

Such sad news.
May he rest in peace.
My condolences to his family

As our membership grows, sadly does the list of passing members.

I hope they all find themselves in a better place.

Don was a very kind and giving man. He gave me my first straight razor when I was just starting to scrap together enough money to buy one. Don took the time to make sure I could call him and ask any questions I had. I remember him talking me through honing said razor when I managed to hit it on the faucet. He was a pleasure to talk to and and an amazing teacher.

I will never forget the gift that Don gave me by taking time to share his knowledge with me. Don and his family will be in my prayers.

Rest in peace, Don, from a fellow vet.

This hymn from the movie "We Were Soldiers" always brings me to tears. Here's to you, brother.

"Mansions of the Lord" performed by the Cadet Glee Club of West Point - YouTube