Clinton Charles (Clint) Wigen 1949-2013

Hey guys,

We knew it was coming and several of you had contacted me, inquiring about Clint (brndirt1). Otto received a note from Clint's son today through the forum email. Our good friend from Billings, Montana died on June 22nd.

Here is his obituary from Billings Gazette,

I know it has to be a relief for him, with the way he was suffering, but I certainly hate to see him not here, keeping us straight on so many topics. He had a lot of friends in the forum as evidenced by the numbers of you who have contacted me over the past few weeks, asking about him. I had last talked to him via text about six weeks ago. He was not doing well then but was optimistic that he would see autumn.

I don't know how to go about approaching the passing of man none of us have ever met in person. We only knew him by the cogent, informative and relevant posts he made here, but for me that does not make his passing any less poignant to many of us. I suspect several you had backchannel discussions with him over the years; I certainly did. His insights on a broad range of subjects will be missed greatly.

We have not decided what else we will do to sustain the memory of Clint, but there will be more to follow.

Goodbye, you old cowboy.

 

It's very rare for someone's bright character shines through on a place like an internet discussion board, but that exactly what Clint did. Over 5 years he was a member here he made a lasting impression on those who knew him or even just read his contributions. Often funny, always sincere, he made this place a better place and we are lucky to have had him as a members of our community.

By all account he had a very rough go of it near the end, and battled doggedly throughout. There is not much to be thankful for in this situation, other than his painful ordeal is abated.

Happy Trails Clint, I am going to miss you.

 

This is truly sad news. Although I never met him, we did communicate, mostly through email. He sent me CDs and books on subjects he thought I'd be interested in. We were mostly in agreement politically, but I never knew him to push his agenda. I suspect he knew more about WW2 than most, and he never hesitated to make us aware when he thought we erred.

He was a true gentleman and he will be missed personally by me and the whole community of WW2 enthusiasts.

Good bye, and good fortune to his friends and family.
(There are many words and thoughts in my mind, but I find it difficult to articulate them)

 

Clint will be sorely missed. I really enjoyed his stories of life in Montana. His tales reminded me of those of a writer named Patrick McManus. Always had a recipe to share too

Goodbye my Friend

 

It is being worked on by yours truly.

 

For those interested, here is Clint's introduction thread to WW2F, way back in July, 2008. In it he gives some brief details on the price his family paid in WW2, which was a heavy one. You get a very good feel of the type of easygoing and engaging person he was from the very start.

I came over to check this place out...