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Eddie Rhodes
March 15th, 2010


It is with great sadness that I must report that Eddie Rhodes passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010. He was an outstanding professional level shooter with many titles to credit. He was a highly respected career law enforcement officer. He was a friend to many and a mentor to those who had the sense to pay attention. He was my mentor. Over all the years and countless matches, I watched. I listened. I learned, and I�m better for it.

He always told the truth as he saw it, whether we wanted to hear it or not. I found his candor and perspective refreshing and comical in an otherwise dull, politically correct world. His sarcasm was priceless. I�ll never forget the moment after dinner at a match a couple years back when we were sitting around discussing pistols. It came to his attention that more than a few of us were shooting 9mm handguns at the match. For those not familiar with this particular aspect of Eddie Rhodes, let�s just say that he was an avid proponent of the large-hole theory. With a look of disgust on his face, he turned to Vicki and said, �Vicki, let�s leave before they make us weak!� We nearly fell out of our chairs laughing. But the truth is, we are weak, compared to Eddie.

Despite shooting a 9mm, I was lucky enough to be counted among his friends and have his respect. The respect of someone like Eddie Rhodes is not to be taken lightly. It has to be earned. He gave no quarter to fools. I valued that respect immensely as I did his opinions on shooting, tactics and equipment which I used to influence my direction and work. I judged my performance by his level of excellence. He was my yardstick as a fellow shooter and I felt pretty good anytime I could keep up with him.

As men, we often size each other up consciously or subconsciously with another peculiar yardstick. We just can�t help it. It�s ingrained in our genes as a product of evolution; a vestige of natural selection. Many think it is some irrelevant result of a male hormone imbalance as we live in a �civilized� world governed by some perceived set of rules. But we know it is relevant, now as much as ever.

Somewhere, down in our primitive core we are asking ourselves, �Would I want to find myself in a bar-fight or in the proverbial foxhole or in harm�s way with this person backing me up?� I can tell you that in the case of Eddie Rhodes, my answer was yes, without a doubt! We all knew he was that kind of man. I hoped I could measure up.

Words are not adequate to express how much I will miss him, his humor and sarcasm, his enthusiasm, his dedication, his professionalism as a brother in arms, and all the idiosyncrasies that made up the unique character of Eddie Rhodes.

As Eddie began each stage, he had a phrase that he liked to yell out. Over the years, many of you have heard it. We should begin every day of our lives with the same cry:

PREPARE FOR GLORIE!

This year, we will dedicate the JP Rocky Mountain 3 Gun Championship to Eddie Rhodes. We will also introduce an award in his name, to be given every year to a person that exemplifies the qualities that he brought to bear.

Life is precious, the ultimate gift. Live every day as if it was your last. Give your best at whatever you do. Remember to say all the things that need saying to the people in your life. When you must leave, try to leave with no regrets. Know that you gave life all you had, just Like Eddie Rhodes.