Tribute to Colt45

[El Presidente]

We received the tragic news over the weekend that Ross Bodnar (Colt45) had passed away some time ago from a heart attack aged 57. 

Ross joined the forum on May 4 2005 and was one of the FOH pioneers. His sharp wit and pure decency endeared him to all of us  and I asked him to be a mod. He was a sensational moderator and great mentor to myself in those early days. 

Ross was a Boston lad and I caught up with him there for a great couple of days many moons ago.  He had a love of guitars, Italian wines, poetry, his motor bike,  fitness.  He use to ride me to get fitter and while we touched base regularly, It was when  I had some health issues that Ross would jump on the blower and give me an earful in his diplomatic and calm way. 

Ross was a graphic designer and he used that to full effect in getting under the skin of Ken and Smithy. He was one cheeky bastard 

How can we forget some Colt45 classics such as:

 

 

 

 

Smithy never recovered 

 

 

Post up  your own favourites. There are a treasure trove in over 12000 posts  

Colt/Ross would enter in every weekend photo competition and never once took an actual photo. 

 

Your most photogenic cigar comp?

Colts entry 

Show us a pick of your cigar and ride comp?

 

 

This weekend you and your favourite cigar picture comp!    

 

 

Colt was the forum poet and his contributions cross many years.   He posted this one when I was in hospital. 

 

a rusty knife

a doctor's whim

if only I'd gone to the gym

instead of smoking

cigars and drinking wine

perhaps my heart would now be fine

alas it now is all too late

resigned myself unto my fate

when I look back upon this life

I'll smile at all my hard earned strife

'twould have been wise to've lived life less

a constant rhythm in my chest

mundane existence

cannot abide

shooting star and full moon tide

this day the reaper on the run

hoist the sails lads, pass the rum!

 

Ross was in many ways a custodian of FOH history.  His passing leaves a mammoth hole. His contribution was immense.  

I am sure he would certainly have liked us to celebrate that contribution as opposed to dropping our heads in sadness.  Post up your favourites. 

You will be missed mate. Way too bloody young. Have a cigar with Chuck and see you soon enough. 

[Ken Gargett]

one of the real gems on the forum. wonderful guy. such sad news. will sit down and enjoy a good cigar and an italian red in his honour. RIP. 

[MoeFOH]

Oh, that's very sad news... had many a chat & a laugh with Ross here. We were meant to catch-up last time I was in Boston but our plans were foiled at the 11th hour. 

A great character. 

RIP. ❤️🙏

[...]

May you rest in peace Colt!

[JohnS]

I will miss you Colt, and I know a great many of us here will too. Thank you for the time you spent making each one of our collective lives here that much better as a result of your goodwill and humour. Yes, you will be missed! 😢

[westg]

Always very sad to hear the passing of a FOH member . Thoughts and love to his family. 

Thanks Rob 

[riderpride]

Sad news indeed.  I imagine Colt and Tampa are lightning one up right now.

RIP brother.

[Trevor2118]

A great loss to the forum.  Colt was a mentor to me when I became a moderator and, as said above, he was funny, a little cheeky, but a great friend with a wealth of knowledge, both of cigars and life. Rest in peace mate.

[Puros Y Vino]

Oh man. Such a loss.  I didn't know him personally, but we exchanged several messages back and forth over the years.  IIRC, shortly after I became a mod here, he stepped back from it himself.  I guess he didn't want to leave the mod crew a body short?  Very classy guy.  Very sad news indeed. 

RIP Ross. 

[99call]

As someone who often gets it wrong, I'm always in full admiration for someone who manage to get right.   Colt always seemed to perfectly walk the balance of being fun, entertaining without being a dick...where so many of us fall down from time to time. 

Thoughts and condolences to his family. 

I've just looked through his play list on "what are you listening to?" and his last post was "Carpe diem - Seize the Day".         Put it on 11 guys,   Heres to Ross, terribly sad to hear this. 

 

[mbrody]

So sorry to hear. Light one up for Colt…

[anacostiakat]

Rest easy brother.  God Bless.

[MPhillips]

Condolences to his family. RIP Brother. 

[Bijan]

Sorry to hear. RIP @Colt45.

[Bri Fi]

Sorry for your loss to those that knew him. Hope his family finds peace. I will light one up tonight in his respects. 

[LLC]

Sad news. RIP Ross. I will be one of many who will enjoy a cigar in his honor. 

[ChanceSchmerr]

Sad news to hear, Ross was an all-time classic. Rest in Peace, brother!

[Pharmacovigilant]

Condolences to his family and all who loved him.  May he rest in peace.

[Edicion]

So sorry for your loss, everyone who knew him and his family.

[JC67]

sad news!

[Fuzz]

I was shocked when I heard the news. The last 2 times I was in the States, our times never lined up, and I intended to make the time on my next trip to visit Ross.... then Covid hit and threw my plans in disarray. You always say, "No worries, we'll catch up next time!", but sometimes that next time never happens. Will be kicking myself for a while over the missed opportunity to sit down and have a chat and smoke with Ross.

I remember that it was Ross that nominated me to be a Moderator. Hard to believe that was 10 years ago. Ross always had a little bit of advice to give when I asked about Modding back in those days. I will miss his wit and sense of humour.

Rest in peace, Ross. We'll catch up for the smoke eventually.

[CaptainQuintero]

  Sad sad news, I loved his stories of taking hours long walks with a Monte A/Especials sauntering along the Boston streets and parks

[LordAnubis]

Rest in Peace mate. I didnt know him too well personally but i got some advice from him on cigars way back when. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

[boopdeep]

🙏🙏

[Nino]

Very sad news - Ross will be missed. RIP