What is it that makes us call someone friend?
Does it have anything to do with the length of time we have known them or how often we are around them? Or is more of a kindred spirit kind of thing?
Terry Brown was a friend. He ordered a saddle from me several years ago and we have stayed in touch ever since. I invited him to join a board where a bunch of cowboys, buckaroo’s and those who like them, choose to visit via the internet. He joined and always added much to any discussion, whether serious or just poking fun at each other and at our selves.
From what Terry wrote on there, I got to know him well. And we talked on the phone at least every couple months. He was a very patriotic American and strong in his views and beliefs. We tried to make a deal for him to bring some cattle up here and sell them as the prices weren’t as good in Texas where he lived as they were up north in South Dakota. It never happened as prices for his cattle rose down south and fuel kept going up. We both regretted not getting the chance to shake hands and get to visit face to fazce. But we were still friends.
His sister in law called me this morning to tell me he had been killed in an auto accident on Saturday. You could have knocked me over with a feather.
I am amazed at the feelings of sadness over this loss of a person who I knew, yet had never met face to face. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but I do know this is a sharp reminder to see and visit with my other friends and loved ones.
Life is short. Say what needs to be said and see those who will one day be gone and you will curse because they left a hole in your life.
So long Terry. Hope your ridin’ a good horse in tall grass with your beloved Longhorn cattle around you. Hopefully I will see you down the trail someday. You were truly a man!
Dennisranch 
Terry was someone I regret never having met face to face too but it was an honor to have at least met him online.
I’m sorry for the loss of your friend! I agree, people should never hold off saying things that really count to those they care about, especially the kindred spirits. Those types can come into your life in a variety of ways and always leave a permanent mark.
I am so sorry for your loss…our internet friends are often very real friends even if we never meet….
Yeah he was a good ole boy. Made for a real bad day yesterday just wasnt sinking in i guess. Its amazing how someone you never met face to face can make such an impact on you and when they pas it feels like you just lost a family memeber. I know i will sure miss his quik wit and the way we would feed of each other in the threads and his know how about live and pretty much everything else. There will never be another like him thats for sure.
I just read his obit on the cowboy forum. I had no idea he was such an acoomplished man. I just knew him as he was on the forum–one witty, funny, no-nonsense, patriotic cattleman. I think one of the reasons I feel so sad is because I know I won’t get to meet him in person on earth. I hope to get to meet him, nonetheless. He will be sorely missed by everyone who’s lives he touched.
Losing a friend is never easy~~ I’m sorry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendship
I looked this up with people saying “internet” friend as if they are not “real” friends.
I did not find anything about meeting face to face or touching or anything about being in the same town.
Terry was a friend of yours ~no ands if or buts about it.
I am so sorry for his passing.
I do have to laugh after reading about how educated he was and him being a fellow teacher, how talked down he was by a bunch of uneducated self appointed self-righteous hypocrites.
May you find peace and solice in his passing dear friend.