We have lost one of the finest men I know. Tensleep has passed away -Updated

[Missouri Marshal]

I don't know if this is the proper way to do this but I know Tensleep had allot of friends here on CAS City and through out SASS and I thought you would like to know.  This is probably the hardest thing I have had to write and there is no easy way to say it so I will just come out with it.  Last night Bill Cole, know to most of you as Tensleep, died.  It is believed that he had a massive heart attack.  The only consolation is that he probably did not suffer.  I talked to Laura, Miz Annie a few minutes ago and she is in shock.  She doesn't know what to do yet and no arrangements have been made.   I don't know what else to say,  Bill was more than a friend to me and Trina.  He and Laura took us in as part of their family and we love them dearly and will miss Bill more than you can know.  I'm sorry, I am too upset to write anymore right now.  I will keep you informed as I get more information.  Please keep Laura and Bill's family in your prayers.


Services have been anounced for Tensleep.  Go to http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2w4h3/id34.html for more information

[Hedley Lamarr]

He was a fine man to know.
I lost my brother at an early age to the same thing.
My thoughts to Miz Annie & the family.

[McMate]

My the Lord be with Laura (Mz. Annie), Nannie and PawPaw.  Amen

[GunClick Rick]

NO!! One of the first fellers i got tips from or read stuff he wrote.Blessings on the family..

[Silent Joe]

It is sad, too hear about Tensleep's passing. He was a remarkeble member of Cas City. I wish Miz Annie and all the Family and friends a lot of strenght and my prayers are with them. S.J.

[Marshal Halloway]

Just received the news and I can hardly see the screen through my tears. I lost someone I considered a brother today and we have all lost one of the best ambassadors for our sport.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Still in shock and disbelief here as well.........Buck

[Deja vous]

My prayers for his family.. and hugs for his family... I am so sorry...Deja

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I'm at a loss for words at this news.

Prayers up for him, his family and friends.

[Howdy Doody]

I too, really feel the pain. I never met either Tensleep or Mz Annie in person, but I know them from right here and on CAS-L. I was so glad to finally at least hear his voice when Marshal Halloway had him on the radio show. It was great and I emailed him to tell him that just as soon as possible, I wanted to finally meet up with him and we would have a million things to talk about.

My deepest prayers go with Mz Annie for strength and until we can all posse up again on the other side my thoughts of Tensleep will be of one fine friend and true cowboy.

[Major E A Sterner]

I'm in shock and don't have the words to express the sadness I'm feelling right now.Prayers up for Miz Annie and all the extended "Fambly".

[Forty Rod]

I never met him, but we bantered around on the wire.  I liked his hints and tips and suggestions. 

Prayers have been sent.

[Delmonico]

We lost one of the good ones, never met him in person, but you could tell he was a good man. 

[Ozark Tracker]

we are gonna miss him,  prayers up for all the family,

Jackie and I have been lucky through the years to have had Tensleep and miss Annie stop by and spend a few days and nights with us  on several occasions,  share a meal and some good visiting, 

[Querida Kate]

It's hard to type when your heart is breaking.  To say that Tensleep was a remarkable man is an understatement.  I've never known anyone with a bigger heart or a more generous spirit.  No one was a stranger to him for long and never did a kind word go unspoken or a helping hand go un-offered.  His joy in life and the world around him was contagious and laughter was his trade in stock.  He was a lover.  He loved kids and teaching, family and dogs, his friends and cowboying and Texas and, of a certainty, he loved Miz Annie most of all.  It always lifted my spirits to see the two of them together and to spend time with them.  Tensleep delighted in celebrating the good times with you and always had a shoulder and a hug when things weren't so great.  You knew that, no matter what you were facing, he'd be right there by your side to see you through.  He had a way of looking at the world that tended to put things in perspective.  I always envied him that ability.

I've been blessed to have Tensleep in my life, to call him friend and confidant and family.  Words will never convey how much I treasure the time we had together and how much I will miss him.  From the road trips and early morning coffee to solving this world's problems and contemplating the hereafter, we made some glorious memories.  Those I will always carry with me and they help to fill the emptiness in my heart.

Please keep Miz Annie in your thoughts and prayers.  She'll need all the comfort and strength we can send her.  I'm sure we'll be there for her like Tensleep was here for us.

There's one hell of a roundup in Heaven today and the angels are in for a treat.  Peace and laughter my friend.  Keep the coffee warm till I see you again.


Querida (Q.T.) Kate

[litl rooster]

I never met anyone who didn't like Bill Cole

[Trinity]

My condolences go out to the earthbound people that he leaves behind, but am solaced in the thought that his happily plinking away right now as we read this.

[Delmonico]

My condolences go out to the earthbound people that he leaves behind, but am solaced in the thought that his happily plinking away right now as we read this.

No Trinity, he is sitting with that wonderful yellow Lab, I just regret I can not remember her name.  After I got the call, Rowdy knew something was upsetting me and tried to make me feel better, all I could think of was this:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[Ozark_Captain]

Tensleep was single handedly responsible for getting us involved in CAS.  Ozark Annie and I will miss him more than words can say.  We will think of him (and Ms. Annie) every time we shoot.  Ms. Annie, you and the family are in our prayers.

Keep the campfire burning old friend, until we meet again.

[Wymore Wrangler]

He was a great friend to all, I will cherish my invitation to shoot with him at Lost River even more now...