I was checking in on one of my collecting buddies and sadly found out that he passed away last week. Chester was a combat vet from Vietnam, a former MP and volunteer fireman during his time in West Germany, among other things. Any of you that met Chester would find him to be an old school gent who was no doubt a bad ass but always saw the bright side of life and always had a good thing to say. Chester collected lots of stuff but primarily Feuerwehr items and East German stuff.

Chester appeared in a few of Tom Wittmann's show videos from the OVMS shows. Tom mentioned that Chester had like 600 fire bayonets, we spoke recently and the number was closer to 450 but you get the point. Indeed many gem pieces from my own fire collection found their way to Chester.

I'll definitely miss our talks and acquisition stories, Godspeed my friend.

Hi Billy I am truly sorry for your loss and my thoughts go out to Chester's family, friends and loved ones. Unfortunately many collectors are aging. My sympathy, Ryan

Thanks Ryan. You’re right about a lot of collectors aging. Chester was in his mid-70’s, which I don’t think is so old these days.

Billy

Sorry for your loss!

Its hard when we lose a friend!

I remember him in video's and he had many bayo's for sure!

PVON

So true Pvon, thanks man. It happened yesterday, I came across an interesting I knew he’s want to see and went to email him only to remember he’s not still here. Sucks.