What a guy. I probably met Dusty a dozen times or so, most of those when EQ was rigging my 22 - but I swapped many an email and PM with him throughout the years. In his younger days, he lived in my adopted home town of Port Angeles - a place he clearly loved and enjoyed reminiscing about.
The words shared here give an approximation of the man, and it's probably safe to say no C-Brat who met him was left unimpressed. However, for me - the glowing descriptions, while pleasing, fall well short of the reality. Some folks just need to be experienced in the flesh.
In person, Dusty impacted me like few other men. He was gracious and kind, a twinkle in his eye, a man with a great sense of humor. And yet, he combined that friendly and perhaps softer side with an undeniable and obvious strength. You could tell at once he was a strong leader, and a leader of the best kind; one you WANTED to please. I'm sure he was capable of instilling great fear in those who served under him, but I also doubt that was routinely necessary.
I'm so glad to have known him. And, so glad many of you did as well.
The words shared here give an approximation of the man, and it's probably safe to say no C-Brat who met him was left unimpressed. However, for me - the glowing descriptions, while pleasing, fall well short of the reality. Some folks just need to be experienced in the flesh.
In person, Dusty impacted me like few other men. He was gracious and kind, a twinkle in his eye, a man with a great sense of humor. And yet, he combined that friendly and perhaps softer side with an undeniable and obvious strength. You could tell at once he was a strong leader, and a leader of the best kind; one you WANTED to please. I'm sure he was capable of instilling great fear in those who served under him, but I also doubt that was routinely necessary.
I'm so glad to have known him. And, so glad many of you did as well.