A close to home hit

[Bill]

Many of you may or may not know a tackle store in Cranston called "Continental Arms" It has been there for many, years ,at least 26 that I am aware of.

I grew up about 200yds from the place and basically spent my every waking moment there as a kid and then as an adult.They were very close friends and almost like family while I was growing up.There is a lake right where I grew up and this is where I first learned to fish,Anthoney(TONY) Mancini showed me how to bait my first hook!

Tonys oldest son Craig and I became hunting partners for a few years and it was a great time.

I have not had the oppertunity to see those guys in a couple years due to life changes but, always respected them as friends.

Unfortunatly Tonys younger son Keith and craigs Brother Lost his life in the fire Thursday night.This hit me hard when I found out,and I imediatly raced out and brought a somall token to tony at the baitshop of a fruitbasket and some flowers,It was very emotional for all of us and tears were shed.I feel for this family as they have had there share of bad luck.

Keith was a great kid and loved life! He played bass in a local cover band and was in the opening act for thursday nights show.

He always hated getting me eels and never liked reaching in tank to get them for anyone! But he did it! And we had many laughs in that tackle shop over it.I also shot skeet and trap with keith and his family for many years at the foster rod and gun club,he was a good marksman and a fun person to spend time with.I am very upset over this and cant get it out of my mind!

Im very afraid of how many more I will undoubtably Know once the names are all released,It scares me.We all grew up in the genaral area and surrounding towns and were all into that music in our youth.Im sure john knows that latley I go with leslie to many rock concerts of bands from the 80s,its a way for me to put off my impending middle age and I really enjoy myself.Thursday night I mentioned to her that I wanted to go,its by the grace of some unkown force that I did not go.My daughter was with my mom and I was free to go and came very close to taking leslie and going.

Just keep tony and all the family in your prayers,And keep shoping at continental arms, a mom and pop shop that has survieved many years to stay in buissness.

This has hit me hard and im sure its not the end.Rhode island is small,many will be touched.

[JohnR]

Bill - I'm very sorry to hear that. I'm afraid of seeing that list too. Just too many people too early in life...

[Slipknot]

Sorry about your friend and his familys' loss.

Talking about him may help, I'm sure it's a hard thing to deal with right now.
I found out today that a friend I graduated High school with was the one taking the video that night, apparently he was one of the lucky few that got out alive, thank God.
Just a terrible,terrible thing that this happened.

I will keep your friend and his family in my prayers.

[bud8fan]

Bill,

I also knew Keith. It had been alot of years since I had seen him. He played bass in my two brothers band for a while back in the early 90's.
I found out tonight that he was there.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as everyone else who has lost a loved one in this tragedy!

[chris L]

Hey Bill
Im really sorry to hear about Keith and all the others that were there . I know its hard to loose someone you know so well . I will say a prayer for Keith and his family . I drove near there last night and said a prayer for all those that lost there lives and their families .

[JHABS]

Sorry to hear of the Loss of a Friend. It is unbelievable what happend there.

[Saltheart]

Just a shame it happened. People in their prime lost to such a strange occurance. I find it hard to believe how fast it all went up but the video being right there showed it was just seconds before major parts of the building were burning. What a horror for those there. You never know when things in life will suddenly change. I think eventually when everyone is ID'ed , almost everyone in the area will know someone who died there. There's a lady here at work who lost her brother. Too sad.