RIP Elmer

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

I don't know if anyone here ever reads a western novel but I thought I'd let those who do know that Elmer Kelton passed away a week ago.

He wrote many great novels but two have always stuck with me

The Time It Never Rained and The Man Who Rode Midnight

As an example - a description of the main character in The Time It Never Rained

Charlie Flagg lives by a simple credo: “I’m not sayin’ any man is wrong because he doesn’t pattern himself after me; what anybody else wants to do is his business, not mine. I just want to live by my own light and be left the hell alone.”

As the drought stretches from months into years, Charlie’s neighbors beg, lobby, and eagerly accept feed, checks, and hay from Washington. Charlie resists, telling the almsmen, “That ain’t the way I was brought up, or you either…. We was taught to believe in a man rustlin’ for himself as long as he’s able. If you get to dependin’ on the government, the day’ll come when the damn federales will dictate everything you do. Some desk clerk in Washington will decide where you live and where you work and what color toilet paper you wipe yourself with. And you’ll be scared to say anything because they might cut you off the tit.”...

RIP Elmer we (I at least) will miss the wisdom you expressed through your writing.


-Ed-

 

[txnetcop]

This one was as hard to take as Tex Hill's passing Ed. I know the man and went to see him in San Angelo last fall while our son was stationed at the Air Force base there. I have enjoyed his books immensely. He writes a western novel in a style reminiscent of Louis Lamour. He was a very humble man and always willing help upstart writers. He has mentored several writers to include Jerry Lacky. He was a good friend of the Bush family and just real solid guy to know-to put it in cowboy western vernacular he was a straight arrow and a great side-kick.
Ted

Godspeed and good wishes to his family.