Another tragedy strikes CA

[hotreds]

Just heard that Kelmac07- Mac from Newport News, Va- passed away earlier today of a massive heart attack. He was only 52 years old! Keep Kelli and family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

[The Poet]

WHAT?!!? Mac is gone?? Now I am completely bummed. All good thoughts and sympathy to his family and friends.

I need to dig through my humidor for the best maduro I have to smoke in his memory.

[Chainsaw13]

Oh no! Sad news for sure. Prayers for his family.

[Porch Dweller]

Very sad to hear that.

[jonumberone]

Devastated .... I have no words

[Black Coral]

Unbelievable I am speechless

[Tio Gato]

Shocking. I'll pray for his loved ones and his soul.

[G G]

Man that took the breath out of me. I surely hate to hear it. Prayers for Kelli. I still have some CAO MX2s that he bombed me a whole box of at Epic several years back. I will smoke one in his honor.:(

[longknocker]

WOW!!! A Great Guy Who Left Us Way Too Early. Prayers Sent.

[markem]

Oh no! Mac is gone? My condolences and prayers for his family. Wow, just wow.

[Weelok]

Ahhhhhh, man, this is really sad news. I will say some prayers for him and his family. Sigh .............

[Taki]

Thoughts and prayers to his family...MAC was a great guy, going to miss his ass!

[Mr.Maduro]

Very sad to hear this terrible news. Prayers sent.

[icehog3]

The first word out of my mouth upon reading this was "****".

Tragic, I'm at a loss for more profound words. Prayers for Kelli and all Mac's friends and family.

[Ashcan Bill]

Aw man. That's just heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for his family.

[EricF]

There are no words to express how floored I was when I heard! My heartfelt condolences to Kelly and the entire family.

I too will dig up a maduro to smoke in his honor!

Rest in peace Mac!!! :usa

[Brlesq]

Very sad news. What a great guy! Prayers for him and his family.

[borndead1]

Sad news. I enjoyed reading his posts. RIP bro.

[dijit]

Wow, completely floored by this bad news.

Godspeed my brother.

[Fig_Nasty]

Never a good thing to hear of a fellow member passing, esp at such a young age. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

[RevSmoke]

Wow!

Prayers ascend for Mac's family... And for all those who loved and cared for him, including the CA community floored by this tragedy.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[T.G]

WTF? I'm stunned.

My condolences to Kelli and all of those who knew him.

[Brian D.]

Just now saw this. So sorry to read it.

[jonumberone]

Spent the night with Mac and Kellie on my mind. I definitely cried a little, but I mostly laughed, which is a testament to the type of person Mac was.

He was one of the first people I really connected with here.
There is a B&M, that rolls their own cigars close by, and, surprise, Mac liked the maduros.
After finding out he was a fan, in true CA fashion, I packed up and sent my first bomb.
I included a nice little letter, and below my signature I wrote P.S. David Wright is gay.
He got a huge kick out of that, and it really was the catalyst to our friendship as it seemed to blossom from there.

Like many a newbie, I also received my first bomb from Mac, or as he called it, sMACk sauce. His generosity knew no limits, and he truly enjoyed sharing with other BOTLs.
One time while he was at my house, he found out that a new guy was coming over for his first herf. Mac sent the word out and organized the poor bastids destruction. The newb was gifted full boxes of cigars, a full travel humidor, and just 5er after 5er. So much stuff it left him looking like a deer in the headlights, and Mac had as much delight watching it go down as the guy on the receiving end.

There's so many things I'm going to miss about Mac. Our yearly call to each other right before the baseball season starts when he was full of hope for his Mets, and the follow up call 3 weeks later when they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. :r
The in season texts, his hatred of CCs, the doily, the "Maduro Whore" tag line, his colorblindness, his war stories, and his friendship.

Until we meet again, brother.

[hotreds]

Nicely put, Dom! When I saw the phone number calling me I was concerned because I normally don't get calls from Les. But, I was totally floored when I was told what happened. Mac was a special guy, a larger than life personality with a constant twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed by not only his family, but also by his many BOTL and SOTL everywhere!

[Apoco]

Oof. Mac will be heavily missed.

[mosesbotbol]

So young, so sad. RIP.

Any memorial set up?

[Remo]

Terrible news, RIP brother. Thoughts to Kelli and all his friends and family.

[CigarNut]

I'm stunned… My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[yourchoice]

I am at a loss for words. Just a great guy. I'm stunned.

Prayers for Kelli, friends and family.

[BigAsh]

I'm truly at a loss for words...Just "broke balls" with him a few days ago....good natured "Mets suck" texts after the Phillies signed Harper....many great memories, all of which bring a smile in these sad times....RIP my brother

[longknocker]

Spent the night with Mac and Kellie on my mind. I definitely cried a little, but I mostly laughed, which is a testament to the type of person Mac was.

He was one of the first people I really connected with here.
There is a B&M, that rolls their own cigars close by, and, surprise, Mac liked the maduros.
After finding out he was a fan, in true CA fashion, I packed up and sent my first bomb.
I included a nice little letter, and below my signature I wrote P.S. David Wright is gay.
He got a huge kick out of that, and it really was the catalyst to our friendship as it seemed to blossom from there.

Like many a newbie, I also received my first bomb from Mac, or as he called it, sMACk sauce. His generosity knew no limits, and he truly enjoyed sharing with other BOTLs.
One time while he was at my house, he found out that a new guy was coming over for his first herf. Mac sent the word out and organized the poor bastids destruction. The newb was gifted full boxes of cigars, a full travel humidor, and just 5er after 5er. So much stuff it left him looking like a deer in the headlights, and Mac had as much delight watching it go down as the guy on the receiving end.

There's so many things I'm going to miss about Mac. Our yearly call to each other right before the baseball season starts when he was full of hope for his Mets, and the follow up call 3 weeks later when they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. :r
The in season texts, his hatred of CCs, the doily, the "Maduro Whore" tag line, his colorblindness, his war stories, and his friendship.

Until we meet again, brother.

Thanks For Sharing This, Dom. No One Could Say It Better.

[stearns]

****... used to drive down to newport news on the weekend in college just to herf at his house with the local crew, laughing at his stories of which MLB player was cool and which was an asshole when he would ask for a signature for his wall of signed baseballs

this really ****ing sucks :(

[elderboy02]

****, this took the breath out of me. I never met him in person, but I have chatted with him many times on here.

This is a huge loss. RIP buddy.

[Scottw]

RIP Mac, beyond tragic news

[icehog3]

Thanks For Sharing This, Dom. No One Could Say It Better.

Agreed. Thank you, Dom.

[AdamJoshua]

I can’t even believe it. Well these a suck feeling for you. Rest In Peace, brother.

[GreekGodX]

RIP Mac. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I’m Glad you shared that Dom.

[massphatness]

I am floored. And speechless. And cannot fathom this.

[Coach Deg]

I was at work when I got the text from Dom last night and had to go outside to catch my breathe. Way too soon to lose such a good guy. Thoughts and prayers to Kelli and family.

[Remo]

18546

In honor of Mac, who introduced me to these. I still love them.

[elderboy02]

18546

In honor of Mac, who introduced me to these. I still love them.

Great stick and a great stick in honor of Mac. A true maduro cigar! :tu

[croatan]

Wow. That's just terrible. Mac was a true character and will be missed by many. Our condolences to Kelli and the whole family.

Dom, thanks for that post. I'm pretty sure I have an old maduro laying around somewhere that needs smoking tonight.

[Porch Dweller]

18546

In honor of Mac, who introduced me to these. I still love them.

Me too. I'm going to have one tonight for him.

[RevSmoke]

18546

In honor of Mac, who introduced me to these. I still love them.

Right? If I had one left to smoke, I'd fire one up in his honor! Whenever I think of him, that's the cigar.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[BigAsh]

If nothing else, Mac was a good sport....he was on the recieving end of a lot of jokes....can't forget the (in)famous photoshop contests Dom ran back in the day...
2010: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1014729&postcount=128
2011: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1427412&postcount=165

The "Oscar Gamble" still makes me laugh!!

[maninblack]

Sad to hear this news. Mac got me hooked on those great maduros he raved about. Rest easy brother. You'll be missed.

[Zane]

Thoughts and prayers for Kelli and the family. Really really saddened by this. He was the best of us.

[irratebass]

DAMMIT!!!! Never got to meet Mac in person, but we spoke briefly on the phone a couple of times. He was my man when I 1st came here looking for the best Maduros to try. Very sad to hear this. R.I.P. brother.

I still have some sticks he sent me when I was new. Thoughts are with Kelli and his family.

[Willem2]

The news floored me. My condoleances to Kelly and the family.

Rest in peace Mac

[The Poet]

I am still trying to get my head around this, and cannot process it. Seems I am not alone in that.

[big_jaygee]

This is a punch to the guts, Rest easy brother. thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.

[galaga]

God's speed....

[elderboy02]

Smoking a Camacho Triple Maduro tonight in honor of Mac

http://imgur.com/gallery/sVghw0p

[SmokeyJoe]

So sorry to hear this news. May the Lord bless and comfort his family. He will be missed. Thanks for letting us know!

[Don Fernando]

I woke up to a message of Kellie. First I thought "oh, good to hear from Kellie again" but then I read the news. Shocked, sad, heartbroken. I loved that grumpy guy like a brother and we chatted on instagram just a few days ago about the El Cobre cigars.

So sad, numb and in denial that I will never see my brother again.

[Tio Gato]

I woke up to a message of Kellie. First I thought "oh, good to hear from Kellie again" but then I read the news. Shocked, sad, heartbroken. I loved that grumpy guy like a brother and we chatted on instagram just a few days ago about the El Cobre cigars.

So sad, numb and in denial that I will never see my brother again.

Ferdie, you'll always see him when you light a maduro. :tu

[gbum]

My deepest condolence to the family.

[LockOut]

Got the news yesterday. Caught me really off guard. Really sucks. He was a great guy

[s0leful0ne]

This is terrible news, my condolences and thoughts and prayers. I really feel honored to have been able to herf with Mac.

[Skywalker]

This news floored me. Truly saddened and shocked. Mac was a huge contributor to the board and will be greatly missed.

I can't smoke a maduro without thinking about him. Smoking one tonight in his honor.-(P

Love you Mac!

[issues]

I have no words...

[hotreds]

OKay, gang. Willy's Cigars, 12090 Jefferson Ave Suite 1030, Newport News VA 23606 is taking donations to help Kellie and family with expenses during this difficult time.

[bobarian]

So sad to hear this news.😢 May he Rest In Peace. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.🙏

[guado]

Kills me to have gotten the news. I only met mac a few times in person but he was always a shining soul with a smile. RIP brother.

[yourchoice]

I'm still in shock. While Mac and I interacted (busted balls!) a lot here, I only ever met Mac in person once, several years ago at a herf hosted by Dave (68TriShield). Coincidentally, that day was the only time I ever had the opportunity to meet Peter as well. Thinking back on that day today brings back many great memories, but on this day, brings me sadness as well. I'd like to think Peter and Mac are herfing today, together. Link to thread with pics from that day (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=48683&page=6)

[EricF]

OKay, gang. Willy's Cigars, 12090 Jefferson Ave Suite 1030, Newport News VA 23606 is taking donations to help Kellie and family with expenses during this difficult time.

I spoke to them tonight as was asked to call back tomorrow to talk to Caleb about this.

I'll post more tomorrow after I talk to him.

[hotreds]

Very good. I know Caleb, he'll take good care of the situation.

[Don Fernando]

Lighting a Padilla Reserva Maduro now, in remembrance of Mac. Had to be a maduro. If I had a Mets hat, I'd be wearing that too.

[tedrodgerscpa]

That’s so sucky.

[drjammer]

R.I.P. Brother

[BigAsh]

I'm still in shock. While Mac and I interacted (busted balls!) a lot here, I only ever met Mac in person once, several years ago at a herf hosted by Dave (68TriShield). Coincidentally, that day was the only time I ever had the opportunity to meet Peter as well. Thinking back on that day today brings back many great memories, but on this day, brings me sadness as well. I'd like to think Peter and Mac are herfing today, together. Link to thread with pics from that day (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=48683&page=6)

Joel....Thanks for the link....great pictures and brings back many memories and laughs from that day, especially of Peter and Mac...and Mac's greatest contribution...."Macs Apple Pie Shine"!!

[stearns]

Joel....Thanks for the link....great pictures and brings back many memories and laughs from that day, especially of Peter and Mac...and Mac's greatest contribution...."Macs Apple Pie Shine"!!

That was really a special day, thanks Joel for bringing it up again, love looking back through the pictures

[dave]

No words....tragic...Rest in Peace, Mac. I didn't know him real well, but my memories of him are exceedingly positive.

[Brian D.]

Took some time to look at those herf photos. Good on ya, those who took time to capture the day!

Usually don't make maduro my first cigar of the day, but it seemed appropriate. Big old Churchill Flor de Oliva, and it's smoking perfectly.

[EricF]

Ok, I spoke to Caleb this morning. He informed me that they are directing people who want to help out to mail a check directly to the house.

For those who do not have the address, you can pm me or anyone who knew Mac for the address or if you have FB or Messenger you can contact Willy''s Cigar and they will give you the address that way.

I'm sure you could also contact Cigarnut (Michael) for the address as he now is the keeper of the CA Rolodex.

Thanks everyone!

[bonjing]

Sad to hear. Condolences to his family.

[IBQTEE1]

Such sad news. RIP Mac.

[Old Sailor]

My condolences and prayers for his family.

[Gabe215]

Damn this is sad, first trade I ever did was this Mac!!

[bvilchez]

This literally pained me to read. I still recall all the harsh words about being in different branches we would trade...all in good fun.

R.I.P. 1SG
You stand relieved of your watch.
Relieved by those you cared for, looked out for, and and will cherish the memory of you.
We have the watch.

[WhiteMamba]

I have been busy lately dealing with a death in my congregation and missed this post. His family and loved ones are in my prayers. I am sorry that he is gone so soon.

[shark]

RIP. That's too young to go

[Adriftpanda]

**** man... that’s just heartbreaking in many ways.

Mac was one of the first people I interacted with online. Gone too soon. Mac and his family, friends are in my thoughts. Condolences.

Wow, just lost for words to be honest.

[dave]

Hadn't noticed the flag in the banner pic before. I'm assuming it is a recent add, related to this thread. If so, very nice touch. If not, then just apropos that I noticed now. R.I.P.
I've been touched by way too many deaths of 'young' people in the past year. Changes your perspective on things.

[stearns]

Hadn't noticed the flag in the banner pic before. I'm assuming it is a recent add, related to this thread. If so, very nice touch.

The ToE adds it to the banner when major events impact our community, in this case it's related to this thread. very nice touch indeed :tu

[BigAsh]

Mac's obit posted in here
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2171196&postcount=2

[HK3-]

Oh man this is sad stuff. Rest easy Mac and prayers for your family.

[Sauer Grapes]

This sucks. RIP Mac. Condolences to his family.

[Dave128]

I'm just seeing this today.
This news really ****ing sucks and has me bummed.
RIP Mac. A truly great man gone way too soon.

[Don Fernando]

I've been talking to Kellie a lot since the tragic news came. Mac was too big to fit in the urn. So part of him is in an urn, waiting for a spot at Arlington. The rest of his ash is ...... in a cigar box. She said that Mac would have loved that macabre joke.

[The Poet]

Damn skippy, Ferdi. Let's hope it is a maduro box.

[Theo Cincy]

Just read this.... been off the boards for a while. Mac was a pillar of this group and I am heartbroken to see his light go out far to soon!

[Subvet642]

Yeah, me too. I'm without words. I'd never met him but I always liked reading his posts. My next stick is gonna be a maduro in his honor.

[jonumberone]

Kellie asked me to share this with the board.

https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=6df46bfe-4995-4cb9-9299-d74ba43b61cd&sbid=3466

[BigAsh]

Miss that cantankerous old fart!....Lots of great memories in there!

[stearns]

Thanks for posting Dom

[elderboy02]

Gonna have to smoke a maduro later on to honor him again.

[massphatness]

That was smile inducing

[The Poet]

If you are looking for him, head to Port St. Lucie with pitchers and catchers.

[icehog3]

Thanks for posting, Dom. I'm sad I never got to meet Mac in person.

[hotreds]

Very nice!

[yourchoice]

Thanks for posting, Dom.

[markem]

Thank you, Dom, for sharing that link.

Damn allergies. Eyes are watering something fierce.

[longknocker]

Kellie asked me to share this with the board.

https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=6df46bfe-4995-4cb9-9299-d74ba43b61cd&sbid=3466

Awesome Memories Of A Great Guy! So Glad I Got To Share A Few With Him! Thanks For The Link, Dom & Kellie.

[Havanaaddict]

That was beautiful

[8lug]

Very nice, thanks for posting.

[NCRadioMan]

Thanks Dom. He was a really good guy. :(

[G G]

Awesome tribute and thanks for sharing Dom.

[hotreds]

For those in the area who can make it, interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on March 13th at 11am.

[AdamJoshua]

That was great, man sad all over again.

[hammondc]

Man.........he was a good one.

[hotreds]

Kellie asked me to remind all who can make it about the interment on March 13 at 1100 at Arlington. Meet at the ANC Admin Building 30 minutes before. Reception to follow at Sine Irish Pub 1301 South Joyce Street, Arlington.

[BigAsh]

Just heard that Kelmac07- Mac from Newport News, Va- passed away earlier today of a massive heart attack. He was only 52 years old! Keep Kelli and family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

One year ago today....still think of my old friend often, and laugh, because that's what we did....laugh...

[Willem2]

One year ago today....still think of my old friend often, and laugh, because that's what we did....laugh...

We only met a few times, but same here . Smoked the 601 we got at Epic with my dad.

[EricF]

Damn! I still miss that bald bastage! :sad

[RevSmoke]

Never met him, but enjoyed time here with him.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[BigAsh]

Mac was bestowed the honor of being interred at Arlington National Cemetary last Friday, the 13th. Kelli sent me some videos, but I can't figure out how to post them (nor can my equally incompetent guy!)....so here are some stills I captured...I understand it was a fitting and beautiful ceremony for our boy

https://i.postimg.cc/c4gzXJr0/07-F7-F6-AA-6-D5-B-4231-B130-B311-A1-CA3-EC7.jpg (https://postimg.cc/rKTgpM1P)

https://i.postimg.cc/SKpHXpQq/CFD54705-E012-4-F2-A-80-A8-9-D629-B3-B4446.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Honor Guard carrying URN to gravesite:
https://i.postimg.cc/661SrZ6M/C7-BB6606-4-D43-495-C-A768-0-AB237-EAA736.jpg (https://postimg.cc/0rDcxbwS)

21 gun Salute!
https://i.postimg.cc/fyFrDGqG/3-C5051-A4-750-A-40-AA-B0-A8-B6-B43-FCF2-E6-E.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Flag presentation to Kellie
https://i.postimg.cc/90zk3mbP/697-C6-BD7-D3-C9-4-F2-B-99-B0-D95097-BFAEE3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/RJ5dKzjq)
https://i.postimg.cc/15fk2HYx/36-B835-B7-B324-4036-9-C4-E-14-B6484-C69-F2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/Fs8M4L2Y/93-A9-EE3-D-354-D-4204-8782-8051-ABE033-E9.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Images aren't the greatest quality, sorry!

R.I.P. my friend....Section 75, Area 310 Arlington Nat'l

[Havanaaddict]

RIP

[icehog3]

Thank you for the stills, Keith.

I watched the videos you sent, such a moving tribute to Mac. I only wish I had the know-how to post them here.

[Old Sailor]

RIP Mac!
the pics are very touching to this old vet.

[jonumberone]

Today is Mac's birthday.
I still think about him and laugh at the good times often.
Tearing up now thinking about him, and wishing I could reach out and call him to wish him a happy birthday.
And to tell him that the Mets are pretending to have COVID so they don't have to face the Yankees this weekend! :r:r

Happy birthday buddy! :ss

[icehog3]

Happy Heavenly Birthday Mac.

[Havanaaddict]

Thats what I love about you guys, it's way more then just cigars! The love and caring I have seen over the years for each other is amazing!!!
He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

[longknocker]

Happy Birthday, Brother!

[Ogre]

You are missed brother. Happy birthday

[RevSmoke]

God's peace and strength to Mac's family.