RIP Craig Schmidt - aka Frank Ridgeway

For all Frank's chatter about Brooks Brothers and style, he usually tucked that shirt into a pair of Harbaugh khakis, every night for the 10 years or so we worked in the same newsroom. Frank didn't necessarily always dress like a million bucks but he appreciated a well-made shirt and a solid pair of shoes.

 

This saddens me. He was way too young.

 

I saw on Facebook that Craig died but never realized he was Frank. Our only interaction was nine years ago when I was planning the honeymoon for Mrs. Fear and myself to San Diego and he recommended a place on the travel thread. We had a great time and I messaged him thanking for the suggestion. That was just one of the many tips he passed along here thanks to his posts.

I'm think I'm going to listen to the Eddie and the Cruisers soundtrack tonight.

Rest in peace, Frank.

 

Not to get dark in here, but how many regular board posters have died?

Off the top of my head: Frank, spnited, SF Express, Overrated, Tripp McNeely, editorhoo ... seems like there's at least one more I'm missing. And of course there's probably posters who disappeared when they died, but we never knew.

A college sports message board I visit has a "retired jersey" section for regular posters who died. Jerseys Retired - CSNbbs. I wonder if something like that wouldn't be appropriate here.

 

Shockey, too.

 

There are certain people on here where, you see their screenname and you have to read their shit. Regardless of the topic. And if they've posted multiple paragraphs - meaning they've told a story - then it was basically appointment reading. spnited was like that and so was Craig. Sad to hear about this, especially at such a young age.

 

I tried to get him to inverview at my paper a few years ago, and he would have been a helluva asset. I am the anti-Ridgeway, fashion-wise, but I respect his desire to look like a grownup when walking into a newsroom can feel like a Phish mosh pit. R.I.P. to a true professional who always classed up the joint.

 

Wow, I just saw this. Stunned. He was one of my favorite posters and like several others here, I also corresponded with him after his layoff and he sent me a very nice reply, which of course did not surprise me. One of our best. RIP to a friend I unfortunately never had the pleasure of meeting.

 

I never met Craig except through Facebook, where we connected and had some great conversations -- and occasional polite debates -- on sports, the industry, media in general, politics, music. He was a highly intelligent man with diverse knowledge and interests, and just as here, you could tell he loved his craft.

RIP my friend. My week is not as interesting without the irritated editor grievances ...