I first knew him as Helgi, his Viking name, when I hooked up with a group of friends that took part in living history. We shared the same silly sense of humor; he was into the Goons, Python, Spike Milligan, etc.
Helgi had an old soul and I often felt that he had been born out of his time, in that perhaps he would have been happier to have lived long ago.
Helgi was a great story teller. I have many happy memories of stories told around the campfire about past exploits during re-enacted battles, inebriated friends. He would often lead us all in song and kept a book of poems, songs & stories for such occasions.
I can still hear him laugh and giggle. I picture him acting the fool and making us all laugh.
I remember him dressed as a pirate, complete with inflatable parrot at my 21st birthday party.
I remember him leading us through making English civil war uniforms at my Mothers house.
I remember how Helgi & I dragged a drunk Jim Brosnan back from the pub to the camp site, cleaned him up and put him to bed. This was the first time he shared his private thoughts with me.
I remember him cutting an imposing figure, dressed in full chain mail and helm when we took part in re-enacting the battle of Hastings.
I remember Helgi & I driving all over the England to various events and shows, talking, laughing.
I remember that he was always very mobile while sleeping. It wasn't uncommon to be struck by his flailing arm when we shared a tent.
I remember how we drove through the night to meet my Father at a camp site, only to find that the camp site was next to a river and the ferry was closed. We had to drive 50 miles to cross the river and travel 50 yards.
I remember Helgi arriving at a family reunion dressed in the 1st World War Uniform of the black watch, kilt, sporran, the works.
He was a warrior in his heart. I shall remember him in his prime, tall with flame red beard and platted hair, twirling an axe in each hand while breaching the shield wall.
After so many years of staring into the abyss, I know that I cannot begin to comprehend the pain that he must have felt. I miss him.
I pray that Bob has found peace and that Helgi has found a place at the table in Valhalla.
James
Atlanta
May 12th, 2009
