Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Randy,I would be honored. Just tell me what to do. Rog.

Frank,do you have any more paintings by your cousin? He knows how to do the face. That's the art. The eyes are the window to the soul. You're dad looked like he had plenty. Diego

Randy,

I too would be honored.

By all means do so.

Aurelio Baltazar
November 12, 1913
Mexico

May 11, 2000
Whittier, Ca.

diego, no I don't, I'll see if I can get some, btw thats what he does for a living, and its a good living.

[bennie]

Monster man Nikolai Valuev takes on former opponent John Ruiz of Puerto Rico for the vacant WBA heavyyweight title later this month (August 30) in Berlin, fittingly at the Max Schmeling Hall. The title was made vacant by Hamburg southpaw Ruslan Chagaev, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in training for a defence against Valuev earlier this year and will fight the winner once he recovers (and if he really wants a fight).
Valuev stands an incredible 7ft and weighs an equally incredible 23 stone. He has lost only to Chagaev (majority points) in 50 outings. Based in Britain for a while, the 34-year-old is scary and scary looking. Chagaev, barely 6ft tall, did a good job in outspeeding him last year in Stuttgart but seems none too keen to face him again, crying injury or illness for much of his old reign. Most of Valuev's opponents are beaten before the first bell. Ruiz stood up to the giant in their first encounter in Berlin in December 2005, also at the Max Schmeling Hall and also for the WBA title, and dropped a majority decision after 12 entertaining rounds.
"The Quiet Man" cried "Robbery!", but it wasn't: it was a genuinely close affair.
Since then, however, the 36-year-old Ruiz has gone back while Valuev has improved under new trainer and fellow Russian Alexander Zimin, who came in for Armenian Manuel Gabrielian after the Chagaev setback. He is boxing more these days, and still thumping away earnestly when he gets the chance, wearing down opponents with sheer strength and size, although he lacks real snap in his work.
Given a target, however, and a comfortable pace, Valuev can fight a bit; he is more than a freak. Typically, he stands 10 inches taller than Ruiz and weighs 100 pounds heavier.
The Beast from the East looks likely to repeat his win.

[bennie]

You are important, Rick, and I truly appreciate the offer, although, sadly, I cannot see myself making the trip. The taxman, you know. I have met Calzaghe once or twice and he seems like a nice guy, if a little moody, and I 've never been able to understand a word Enzo (his dad/trainer) says; Lewis, no BS, lived right next door to a relative of mine in Crayford in Kent (near London) when he turned pro. His mum came round in tears when Roger Levitt, who backed Lewis, went bust and the house was repossessed. I don't think Lewis has ever forgiven Levitt for allowing that to happen. In court Lewis is a much better fighter than he is in the ring. Incidentally, when the Lewis 'gay' rumours were flying around, I knew for a fact they were false. My auntie told me they could hear him 'entertaining' women (cough, cough) through the rather thin walls we have over here. I also found it amusing when I heard that Lewis, before his biggest (first biggest) win over Razor Ruddock, was 'pumped up' in the back garden by his team before he set off for the fight. They were all stomping around chanting things, much like Araon Pryor's "Hawk Time!"
It beats a barbeque.

Bennie, you will always be welcome to join us in the future and, without a doubt, we will all toast you that night. That was really interesting info you provided on Lennox Lewis. By the way, my ex-girlfriend, who is a production designer in the UK film community, just moved to Kent last year, from a village in Hertsfordshire, Radlett. By the way, I know the tax man better than I'd like to. Just got the bastard off my back last year!

-Rick[/quote]

Thanks, Rick. I might just turn up in an Ireland T-shirt.

[Rick Farris]

Randy . . . My grandfather was also an alcoholic, as were many who worked in the film business back then. When I broke into the business, I would hear guys tell me, "your grandfather lit more film sets drunk than most have done sober, and did twice as good a job.". I didn't like hearing that, because I never saw my grandfather drunk. A couple years before I was born, my grandmother, a very strong woman whom he loved more than anything, gave him an ultimatum, "stop drinking, or I'm gone and will never come back." Somehow, thankfully, this did the trick and he just stopped drinking. As a kid, I was kinda restless. I was also small and this made me a bully target. I never backed down and found myself fighting all the time. I discovered that a bully turned into a bitch when they felt a little pain and this taught me something about life. As it turned out, I was fighting all the time, and I wanted to learn how to do it right, because when you fight a lot, you are going to get your ass kicked now and then. I started to watch boxing on TV and immediatly wanted to make that my life's career. I was about ten at the time and nobody had any intention of allowing me to realize that dream. My father was a workaholic and was never around, but when my grandfather retired, he could see that I was heading for trouble. We had been watching boxing together for a couple of years and knew I wanted to be a boxer. One day, after pulling me out of the principal's office for fighting, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse: "You want to box, so I'll take you to where you can learn to box, but you have to do something for me also, and if you don't I won't support your dream to be a boxer." He told me that I'd have to promise to avoid street fighting and to get my grades up to an acceptable level. I jumped at the chance, and within a month, I was not only boxing, but also studying. I had looked up the phone number of a promising young heavyweight named Jerry Quarry, whom I asked where I could learn to be a fighter like he was. Jerry referred me to Johnny Flores and that's where it all began for me. My first bout took place early in 1965 at the Teamsters gym. My grandfather was present at every fight and gym workout I would have for the next four years. In 1968, when I was 16, my grandfather was striken with a ruptured aorta while sitting next to the ring at the Johnny Flores Gym. Johnny rushed him to the hospital, where he died a couple of weeks later. I was 16 at the time, and suddenly alone. We buried my grandfather on a monday, and four days later on a friday, I stepped into the ring at the Eastside Boys club for the first time without my grandfather watching from ringside. Johnny Flores was not there that night, off to N.Y. with Jerry Quarry who was fighting Buster Mathis, so my dad worked my corner. Frank Baltazar matched me with a kid from Stanton AC named Billy Enriquez. The only instructions my dad gave me in the corner before the fight was "Go out and win this for your grandad." And that is exactly what I did, the fight was stopped in the final round. To this day I miss my grandfather, and I wish he could have seen me fight as a pro, and could see me today doing what he used to do, lighting film sets, and even picking up a couple of Emmy citations along the way. By the way, my grandfather used to talk about lighting Betty Davis back in the fifties. In 1983, I became the last person to light Betty Davis before her death, on the pilot for an Aaron Spelling TV series, "HOTEL". Miss Davis made the pilot, then her health prevented her from doing the series. Ironic, huh? Sorry for this trip down the lane of my memory, but . . . whatever.

-Rick

Rick, I don't know what it is when you tell a story, but I somehow end up in the story. Like the one of you LA Golden Glovers on your way to Kansas City...the way you were telling it, I was on the bus too. You really envision them in great detail. The next time you detail one of your old fights, I'll probably have a Q-tip sticking out of my mouth and a towel over my shoulder, working your corner.

Scartissue[/quote]

Thanks, Scar. However, just getting those classic interviews on film, as you and I do together every year at the WBHOF banquet, is more than enough. In that arena, you and I are in each other's corner, and to date, we have always come out a winner. Wait until this year! I've already set it up to have our cameraman Greg Patterson at our table to record and film the best of the "Classic West Coast Boxing" thread. I was thinking of running this idea by you and, of course, our amigos here who will be joining us. I don't want to make anybody uncomfortable, but if you guys don't mind saying a few words for our cameras, Scar and I will archive the interviews and make them a part of Classic West Coast Boxing history. How about it Frank, Dagos & Randy. Do you guys mind being interviwed by Scar and myself? If not, it certainly isn't expected, however, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand posts, or something like that. By the way, there will be lots of still pics of the event to post right here in our thread.

-Rick

[Randyman]

Randy,I would be honored. Just tell me what to do. Rog.

Frank,do you have any more paintings by your cousin? He knows how to do the face. That's the art. The eyes are the window to the soul. You're dad looked like he had plenty. Diego

Rog, Great! Email me any photos you want me to display, along with the names of each painting, and a bit of info on yourself including your full name (unless you prefer not to). They should all be seen by the public!

Randy
[email protected]

[Rick Farris]

Here is a painting of my dad done after his death by my cousin Marty Arriola.

What a great painting!

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Randy . . . My grandfather was also an alcoholic, as were many who worked in the film business back then. When I broke into the business, I would hear guys tell me, "your grandfather lit more film sets drunk than most have done sober, and did twice as good a job.". I didn't like hearing that, because I never saw my grandfather drunk. A couple years before I was born, my grandmother, a very strong woman whom he loved more than anything, gave him an ultimatum, "stop drinking, or I'm gone and will never come back." Somehow, thankfully, this did the trick and he just stopped drinking. As a kid, I was kinda restless. I was also small and this made me a bully target. I never backed down and found myself fighting all the time. I discovered that a bully turned into a bitch when they felt a little pain and this taught me something about life. As it turned out, I was fighting all the time, and I wanted to learn how to do it right, because when you fight a lot, you are going to get your ass kicked now and then. I started to watch boxing on TV and immediatly wanted to make that my life's career. I was about ten at the time and nobody had any intention of allowing me to realize that dream. My father was a workaholic and was never around, but when my grandfather retired, he could see that I was heading for trouble. We had been watching boxing together for a couple of years and knew I wanted to be a boxer. One day, after pulling me out of the principal's office for fighting, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse: "You want to box, so I'll take you to where you can learn to box, but you have to do something for me also, and if you don't I won't support your dream to be a boxer." He told me that I'd have to promise to avoid street fighting and to get my grades up to an acceptable level. I jumped at the chance, and within a month, I was not only boxing, but also studying. I had looked up the phone number of a promising young heavyweight named Jerry Quarry, whom I asked where I could learn to be a fighter like he was. Jerry referred me to Johnny Flores and that's where it all began for me. My first bout took place early in 1965 at the Teamsters gym. My grandfather was present at every fight and gym workout I would have for the next four years. In 1968, when I was 16, my grandfather was striken with a ruptured aorta while sitting next to the ring at the Johnny Flores Gym. Johnny rushed him to the hospital, where he died a couple of weeks later. I was 16 at the time, and suddenly alone. We buried my grandfather on a monday, and four days later on a friday, I stepped into the ring at the Eastside Boys club for the first time without my grandfather watching from ringside. Johnny Flores was not there that night, off to N.Y. with Jerry Quarry who was fighting Buster Mathis, so my dad worked my corner. Frank Baltazar matched me with a kid from Stanton AC named Billy Enriquez. The only instructions my dad gave me in the corner before the fight was "Go out and win this for your grandad." And that is exactly what I did, the fight was stopped in the final round. To this day I miss my grandfather, and I wish he could have seen me fight as a pro, and could see me today doing what he used to do, lighting film sets, and even picking up a couple of Emmy citations along the way. By the way, my grandfather used to talk about lighting Betty Davis back in the fifties. In 1983, I became the last person to light Betty Davis before her death, on the pilot for an Aaron Spelling TV series, "HOTEL". Miss Davis made the pilot, then her health prevented her from doing the series. Ironic, huh? Sorry for this trip down the lane of my memory, but . . . whatever.

-Rick

Rick, I don't know what it is when you tell a story, but I somehow end up in the story. Like the one of you LA Golden Glovers on your way to Kansas City...the way you were telling it, I was on the bus too. You really envision them in great detail. The next time you detail one of your old fights, I'll probably have a Q-tip sticking out of my mouth and a towel over my shoulder, working your corner.

Scartissue

Thanks, Scar. However, just getting those classic interviews on film, as you and I do together every year at the WBHOF banquet, is more than enough. In that arena, you and I are in each other's corner, and to date, we have always come out a winner. Wait until this year! I've already set it up to have our cameraman Greg Patterson at our table to record and film the best of the "Classic West Coast Boxing" thread. I was thinking of running this idea by you and, of course, our amigos here who will be joining us. I don't want to make anybody uncomfortable, but if you guys don't mind saying a few words for our cameras, Scar and I will archive the interviews and make them a part of Classic West Coast Boxing history. How about it Frank, Dagos & Randy. Do you guys mind being interviwed by Scar and myself? If not, it certainly isn't expected, however, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand posts, or something like that. By the way, there will be lots of still pics of the event to post right here in our thread.

-Rick[/quote]

Ok by me, even though I don't have much to say.

[Rick Farris]

With me it wasn't my grandad, it was my dad who was an alcohlic, he was a drop dead drunk, I used to fine him passed out in alleys, streets, etc,etc, I remember my mom sending me out to look for my dad in the local bars, when I would fine him I would have to help him home as he was to drunk to make it on his own, he was what we uesd to call back then a "Wino".
In 1950 I was the only boy of 5 siblings, and in 1950 my mom gave birth to my one and only brother, Mando, I remember my dad been drunk as usual telling my mom that, that was his last drunk, that he had taken his last drink, as it turned out it was, my dad passed in 2000 without having a drink for 50 years, I alway used to tell my dad that he was my hero for doing that.

Love you dad....

Amazing. Great man.

Ditto! He must have been quite a guy, he produced you, Frank. And you have produced some special kids yourself! By the way, my old man and Scar's pop will be with us at our tables in November, as they were last year. They are both in their mid-80's and a lot of fun to be with.

-Rick

[kikibalt]

You are important, Rick, and I truly appreciate the offer, although, sadly, I cannot see myself making the trip. The taxman, you know. I have met Calzaghe once or twice and he seems like a nice guy, if a little moody, and I 've never been able to understand a word Enzo (his dad/trainer) says; Lewis, no BS, lived right next door to a relative of mine in Crayford in Kent (near London) when he turned pro. His mum came round in tears when Roger Levitt, who backed Lewis, went bust and the house was repossessed. I don't think Lewis has ever forgiven Levitt for allowing that to happen. In court Lewis is a much better fighter than he is in the ring. Incidentally, when the Lewis 'gay' rumours were flying around, I knew for a fact they were false. My auntie told me they could hear him 'entertaining' women (cough, cough) through the rather thin walls we have over here. I also found it amusing when I heard that Lewis, before his biggest (first biggest) win over Razor Ruddock, was 'pumped up' in the back garden by his team before he set off for the fight. They were all stomping around chanting things, much like Araon Pryor's "Hawk Time!"
It beats a barbeque.

Bennie, you will always be welcome to join us in the future and, without a doubt, we will all toast you that night. That was really interesting info you provided on Lennox Lewis. By the way, my ex-girlfriend, who is a production designer in the UK film community, just moved to Kent last year, from a village in Hertsfordshire, Radlett. By the way, I know the tax man better than I'd like to. Just got the bastard off my back last year!

-Rick

Thanks, Rick. I might just turn up in an Ireland T-shirt. [/quote]

An I'll shoot a photo of you in your T-shirt

[Bobbin & Weavin]

With me it wasn't my grandad, it was my dad who was an alcohlic, he was a drop dead drunk, I used to fine him passed out in alleys, streets, etc,etc, I remember my mom sending me out to look for my dad in the local bars, when I would fine him I would have to help him home as he was to drunk to make it on his own, he was what we uesd to call back then a "Wino".
In 1950 I was the only boy of 5 siblings, and in 1950 my mom gave birth to my one and only brother, Mando, I remember my dad been drunk as usual telling my mom that, that was his last drunk, that he had taken his last drink, as it turned out it was, my dad passed in 2000 without having a drink for 50 years, I alway used to tell my dad that he was my hero for doing that.

Love you dad....

Wow I am sure glad I read this thread in the privacy of the back room because Frank really got me on this one. My mother was an alcoholic and though she tried to quit it just never happened and it got her about 14 years ago at the young age of 60. Last week my father told me that he has throat cancer and so a lot of stuff is going through my head. Even my father who had been divorced from my mother for years before her death told me last week he felt responsible for her drinking problem. Although I'm here in Nor-Cal & my boxing experience was with a different group of people in S.F. I feel a major connection with you guys & I'm gald that I have been able to get to know you from the outside in this thread, heck I even go back and reread pages when I catch up with the new ones. You guys are the most real people I have had the pleasure to meet in a long time.
Thanks for this thread

Bobbin & Weavin

[Rick Farris]

You are important, Rick, and I truly appreciate the offer, although, sadly, I cannot see myself making the trip. The taxman, you know. I have met Calzaghe once or twice and he seems like a nice guy, if a little moody, and I 've never been able to understand a word Enzo (his dad/trainer) says; Lewis, no BS, lived right next door to a relative of mine in Crayford in Kent (near London) when he turned pro. His mum came round in tears when Roger Levitt, who backed Lewis, went bust and the house was repossessed. I don't think Lewis has ever forgiven Levitt for allowing that to happen. In court Lewis is a much better fighter than he is in the ring. Incidentally, when the Lewis 'gay' rumours were flying around, I knew for a fact they were false. My auntie told me they could hear him 'entertaining' women (cough, cough) through the rather thin walls we have over here. I also found it amusing when I heard that Lewis, before his biggest (first biggest) win over Razor Ruddock, was 'pumped up' in the back garden by his team before he set off for the fight. They were all stomping around chanting things, much like Araon Pryor's "Hawk Time!"
It beats a barbeque.

Bennie, you will always be welcome to join us in the future and, without a doubt, we will all toast you that night. That was really interesting info you provided on Lennox Lewis. By the way, my ex-girlfriend, who is a production designer in the UK film community, just moved to Kent last year, from a village in Hertsfordshire, Radlett. By the way, I know the tax man better than I'd like to. Just got the bastard off my back last year!

-Rick

Thanks, Rick. I might just turn up in an Ireland T-shirt. [/quote]

LOL!!!!! They might not let you back in England.

-Rick

[Randyman]

Randy,I would be honored. Just tell me what to do. Rog.

Frank,do you have any more paintings by your cousin? He knows how to do the face. That's the art. The eyes are the window to the soul. You're dad looked like he had plenty. Diego

Randy,

I too would be honored.

By all means do so.

Aurelio Baltazar
November 12, 1913
Mexico

May 11, 2000
Whittier, Ca.

diego, no I don't, I'll see if I can get some, btw thats what he does for a living, and its a good living.

Okay Frank, it's on the website http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com/
What a great painting!

[kikibalt]

With me it wasn't my grandad, it was my dad who was an alcohlic, he was a drop dead drunk, I used to fine him passed out in alleys, streets, etc,etc, I remember my mom sending me out to look for my dad in the local bars, when I would fine him I would have to help him home as he was to drunk to make it on his own, he was what we uesd to call back then a "Wino".
In 1950 I was the only boy of 5 siblings, and in 1950 my mom gave birth to my one and only brother, Mando, I remember my dad been drunk as usual telling my mom that, that was his last drunk, that he had taken his last drink, as it turned out it was, my dad passed in 2000 without having a drink for 50 years, I alway used to tell my dad that he was my hero for doing that.

Love you dad....

Wow I am sure glad I read this thread in the privacy of the back room because Frank really got me on this one. My mother was an alcoholic and though she tried to quit it just never happened and it got her about 14 years ago at the young age of 60. Last week my father told me that he has throat cancer and so a lot of stuff is going through my head. Even my father who had been divorced from my mother for years before her death told me last week he felt responsible for her drinking problem. Although I'm here in Nor-Cal & my boxing experience was with a different group of people in S.F. I feel a major connection with you guys & I'm gald that I have been able to get to know you from the outside in this thread, heck I even go back and reread pages when I catch up with the new ones. You guys are the most real people I have had the pleasure to meet in a long time.
Thanks for this thread

Bobbin & Weavin

B & W, you and anybody else is welcome in this thread, all we ask is that we all respect each other.

[kikibalt]

Randy,I would be honored. Just tell me what to do. Rog.

Frank,do you have any more paintings by your cousin? He knows how to do the face. That's the art. The eyes are the window to the soul. You're dad looked like he had plenty. Diego

Randy,

I too would be honored.

By all means do so.

Aurelio Baltazar
November 12, 1913
Mexico

May 11, 2000
Whittier, Ca.

diego, no I don't, I'll see if I can get some, btw thats what he does for a living, and its a good living.

Okay Frank, it's on the website http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com/
What a great painting!

Thanks Randy, you're a good friend.

[kikibalt]

Some pics. that diego shot in Old Mexico


Children dancing the Calaveras in the plaza.


Downtown Jiquilpan.


Kiko

[kikibalt]

With me it wasn't my grandad, it was my dad who was an alcohlic, he was a drop dead drunk, I used to fine him passed out in alleys, streets, etc,etc, I remember my mom sending me out to look for my dad in the local bars, when I would fine him I would have to help him home as he was to drunk to make it on his own, he was what we uesd to call back then a "Wino".
In 1950 I was the only boy of 5 siblings, and in 1950 my mom gave birth to my one and only brother, Mando, I remember my dad been drunk as usual telling my mom that, that was his last drunk, that he had taken his last drink, as it turned out it was, my dad passed in 2000 without having a drink for 50 years, I alway used to tell my dad that he was my hero for doing that.

Love you dad....

Amazing. Great man.

Ditto! He must have been quite a guy, he produced you, Frank. And you have produced some special kids yourself! By the way, my old man and Scar's pop will be with us at our tables in November, as they were last year. They are both in their mid-80's and a lot of fun to be with.

-Rick

Thanks Rick, for your every kind words, looking forward to the WBHOF.

[kikibalt]

More photo from diego "Old Mexico"


My wife was born on a rancho on the other side of this corn field. The ranch is gone but the beauty remains. Paderones,Michoacan


Fabiola singing with her son Javier

[kikibalt]

"The Niece"


My sister in law's niece on thhe left,Soccorro, next to her father and mother. Her mother is telling her that Rogelio is a dirty old man. Her father is saying,please she's only a baby. I'm thinking that I love babies.

[kikibalt]

Remember the good old days?

[Expug]

With me it wasn't my grandad, it was my dad who was an alcohlic, he was a drop dead drunk, I used to fine him passed out in alleys, streets, etc,etc, I remember my mom sending me out to look for my dad in the local bars, when I would fine him I would have to help him home as he was to drunk to make it on his own, he was what we uesd to call back then a "Wino".
In 1950 I was the only boy of 5 siblings, and in 1950 my mom gave birth to my one and only brother, Mando, I remember my dad been drunk as usual telling my mom that, that was his last drunk, that he had taken his last drink, as it turned out it was, my dad passed in 2000 without having a drink for 50 years, I alway used to tell my dad that he was my hero for doing that.

Love you dad....

Wow I am sure glad I read this thread in the privacy of the back room because Frank really got me on this one. My mother was an alcoholic and though she tried to quit it just never happened and it got her about 14 years ago at the young age of 60. Last week my father told me that he has throat cancer and so a lot of stuff is going through my head. Even my father who had been divorced from my mother for years before her death told me last week he felt responsible for her drinking problem. Although I'm here in Nor-Cal & my boxing experience was with a different group of people in S.F. I feel a major connection with you guys & I'm gald that I have been able to get to know you from the outside in this thread, heck I even go back and reread pages when I catch up with the new ones. You guys are the most real people I have had the pleasure to meet in a long time.
Thanks for this thread

Bobbin & Weavin

I know what you guys are talking about beleive me.
Growing up for me it was My Father and Mother both who were alcoholic.
My Dad finally kicked the booze when I was about 18 but Mom just couldnt do it .
Shes dead now. Emphesyma took her in 2001.
It was for me an important lesson, as when my kids were born, I swore off the hooch.
There was no way it was gonna be a gift that keeps on giving.
Its rough on a kid growing up in chaos, it really is.But ,it gave me an edge.Maybe not a good one but an edge nonetheless.

[Bobbin & Weavin]

B & W, you and anybody else is welcome in this thread, all we ask is that we all respect each other.[/quote]

Frank,
Thanks, I do feel welcome, for the most part I just assume stay back, read & learn. The few posts I have had I tried to make sure that my input was worthy of this thread like when you posted the picture of my old friend Henry Clark or Rick mentioned that he knew Ray Lunny III whom I also know. I finally found my negitives for the pictures of Geo. Foreman training in S.F. that I promised Rick I would post, I will hopefully post them soon but I have to get the negitives developed & figure how to post them. In the mean time I'm all ears and eyes, taking it all in.
Bobbin & Weavin

[kikibalt]

B & W, you and anybody else is welcome in this thread, all we ask is that we all respect each other.

Frank,
Thanks, I do feel welcome, for the most part I just assume stay back, read & learn. The few posts I have had I tried to make sure that my input was worthy of this thread like when you posted the picture of my old friend Henry Clark or Rick mentioned that he knew Ray Lunny III whom I also know. I finally found my negitives for the pictures of Geo. Foreman training in S.F. that I promised Rick I would post, I will hopefully post them soon but I have to get the negitives developed & figure how to post them. In the mean time I'm all ears and eyes, taking it all in.
Bobbin & Weavin[/quote]


B & W,

great to have you here.

[kikibalt]

With me it wasn't my grandad, it was my dad who was an alcohlic, he was a drop dead drunk, I used to fine him passed out in alleys, streets, etc,etc, I remember my mom sending me out to look for my dad in the local bars, when I would fine him I would have to help him home as he was to drunk to make it on his own, he was what we uesd to call back then a "Wino".
In 1950 I was the only boy of 5 siblings, and in 1950 my mom gave birth to my one and only brother, Mando, I remember my dad been drunk as usual telling my mom that, that was his last drunk, that he had taken his last drink, as it turned out it was, my dad passed in 2000 without having a drink for 50 years, I alway used to tell my dad that he was my hero for doing that.

Love you dad....

Wow I am sure glad I read this thread in the privacy of the back room because Frank really got me on this one. My mother was an alcoholic and though she tried to quit it just never happened and it got her about 14 years ago at the young age of 60. Last week my father told me that he has throat cancer and so a lot of stuff is going through my head. Even my father who had been divorced from my mother for years before her death told me last week he felt responsible for her drinking problem. Although I'm here in Nor-Cal & my boxing experience was with a different group of people in S.F. I feel a major connection with you guys & I'm gald that I have been able to get to know you from the outside in this thread, heck I even go back and reread pages when I catch up with the new ones. You guys are the most real people I have had the pleasure to meet in a long time.
Thanks for this thread

Bobbin & Weavin

I know what you guys are talking about beleive me.
Growing up for me it was My Father and Mother both who were alcoholic.
My Dad finally kicked the booze when I was about 18 but Mom just couldnt do it .
Shes dead now. Emphesyma took her in 2001.
It was for me an important lesson, as when my kids were born, I swore off the hooch.
There was no way it was gonna be a gift that keeps on giving.
Its rough on a kid growing up in chaos, it really is.But ,it gave me an edge.Maybe not a good one but an edge nonetheless.

Pug,

I too lost my mom in 2001, 9 months after losing pops, it was on my son Tony's birthday Feb.5th, when she died, they're buried together at Resurretion Cemetery, Montebello, Ca.

Pops was 86 when he pass, mom was 82.

[Expug]

Its hard losing Mom , needless to say. Mine was 63. Too young.
2001 was a rough year for us both I guess Frank.

[kikibalt]

Its hard losing Mom , needless to say. Mine was 63. Too young.
2001 was a rough year for us both I guess Frank.

Yes it was Pug, yes it was!!