I was one of the first ST people to find out about this, I guess. I read Karen's post in EE before she had the chance to re-post in W&C. I was slightly inebriated at the time, so I figured that's why I was almost brought to tears. Nope. Its the morning, and this still really hits hard. I never knew Jeff beyond seeing his posts on ST. I had never gone to his website, never met him at a convention or in the field. Now I regret that.
For all the bickering, mockery, and ill-will that goes on among chasers, both on and off the board, its refreshing to see that for a moment at least, we can set aside our pettiness and express our hearfelt condolences for a fallen homie. The storm chasing "community" is more like a slightly dysfunctional family. We never get along with each other, but we all band together in time of need. Our family has lost a brother today, one who brought a lot of heart to our hobby.
I think most of us, when we die, hope that the people who survive us remember us fondly. That we have made an impact on those around us. Jeff Wear was fortunate enough to have done that. His family doesn't need to wonder "did his life make a difference?" So far this morning, 40 people have already replied expressing the loss they feel. Most of these people have never met Jeff, such as myself, but the fact that the loss is no easier to take is a profound indication on the effect he had on all of us.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Jeff Wear...
Ben
