Another Passing

Opening Day · 02-12-2018, 06:04 PM

Most of you probably never met Paul, he traveled with John Hosford (Hosford wall thickness gauges) around the Midwest shoots and also to the Vintagers and the Southern. Was always one of the first person you would meet at a small SxS shoot and help you anyway he could. Was always willing to share his knowledge on SxSs. He will be missed, Rest in peace my friend. Eric

http://forum.foxcollectors.com/viewt...hp?f=2&t=8211A

http://forum.foxcollectors.com/viewt...1d2a5aa03cc160

Not sure if these links work or not.

Southpaw · 02-12-2018, 06:53 PM

Ya know we honor and respect the craftsmanship of guns that stand the test of time but alas they are just material objects, that will probably outlast all of us. Most of the guns we talk about have been owned by people that have already passed. Its the people and the relationships we form around a common interest of hunting, shooting, collecting and the bonds that we make to connect us that make a difference. I never knew or met him but sounded like he was like many quality people that you wish you got the chance to meet but paths do not cross. Your proud and honored to spend time with them which is our most precious item. For those that knew him, I'm certain he won't be forgotten.

For me I appreciate the worn and well used guns that have been taken care of but show their age and character, it is what I enjoy the most with regard to the old SXS. The ones I have could be spruced up some, maybe checkering cleaned up, that old gun patina cleaned up, but I don't have the heart for it. I feel it would desecrate memories and it just doesn't feel right, but that is just me.

Common saying is if these walls cold talk or if that gun could talk what kind of neat story would it have. Every time I shoot an old gun and hear its report it is talking to me the same way it talked to guy that owned and shot it before me. As a matter of fact every time I pull the trigger on an old gun makes me feel connected to something bigger than the moment.

My condolences to those that knew him and were impacted by him.

Mills · 02-12-2018, 07:09 PM

Sad news

B. Dudley · 02-12-2018, 08:13 PM

I will miss seeing him at the shoots.

Randy Roberts · 02-13-2018, 07:39 AM

I did meet Paul one time at the Southern. He was with John Hosford and Kirby Hoyt.Seemed like a real nice Gent. My condolences to the family. God bless.

C.O.B. · 02-13-2018, 09:02 AM

One sunny afternoon at Hausmanns Daryl and I were cruising around the back portion of the property enjoying a cigar and looking for a place to water the shrubbery. We rounded a corner and there was John Hosford, Paul Belpasso and another gentleman shooting double rifles. They waved us up and after taking care of business (the watering of the bushes) invited us to shoot with them. it was the first time I had ever shot a double rifle and I was hooked big time. It took a year or so but once again at Earnies Paul came up and asked if I had found one. "No not yet" was the reply. "I have something to show you then" was the reply. I ended up with exactly what I was looking for a 500 B.P.E. with hammers and a Jones under lever. Paul also provided 50 loaded cartridges and offered to do the loading in the future which he did.

I have enjoyed the rifle but I've enjoyed Pauls friendship more. He will be missed.

Jim Thynne · 02-20-2018, 12:18 PM

He will be missed by many.

todd allen · 02-24-2018, 05:55 PM

I have some friends who are organizing a GLSSA Memorial shoot for Paul, this June 30, and July 1st.
Let me know if anyone here is interested.

C.O.B. · 02-24-2018, 08:07 PM

Whats GLSSA, where is it and what are you shooting???

todd allen · 02-24-2018, 08:26 PM

Great Lakes Side by Side, and you can shoot anything, as long as it's a side by side.