[meteorite-list] MY REGRETS AND APOLOGY

From: Robert Ward <ironfromthesky.com_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 20:39:27 -0700
Message-ID: <AANLkTikOB-YFJBuaG6d_9fHhrtDS4WIxwXXMQTe5FCNS_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hello List, Count Deiro and several others has tried to post this and
it would not go through for some reason, so I am giving it a try.
?Regards, Robert Ward

Dear Listees,

Like many of us, I was taken aback by Bill Kies' outburst concerning
Sonny Clary's alleged bad behavior in the Wisconsin field. While
Bills' attack was admittedly shrill, I couldn't help but wonder what
actually happened in Wisconsin...or what happened with Sonny in
Texas....or in Georgia. Well, after much soul-searching, I have come
to conclude it's my responsibility to share what happened in Nevada.

First, however, I have two admissions to make for which I am embarrassed:

1. After I found my first meteorite, Nevada's largest, Sonny Clary
informed me "It's customary to give the person with whom you are
hunting half of whatever you find." I had no reason not to believe
him. Sonny had the meteorite cut the very next morning. When I was
advised that Sonny's custom of meteorite sharing was not customary, I
asked for it back and he refused. I became angry and I threatened
Sonny, and for that I apologize.

2. I felt stung by the first wave of criticism when the meteorite was
cut, and in an effort to deflect such criticism, I allowed Sonny to
post on his web site and the List an accounting of my find where I
declared that splitting the meteorite had been done in gratitude for
Sonny's mentoring me. This was also inaccurate, and for this
fabrication I apologize as well.

This was not the first time that Sonny and I had hunted, and as I
stood in shock and delight looking down at my first find, Sonny said,
"Guido, I know we don't have a deal and I don't want to piss you off,
but it's customary to give the person with whom you're hunting half of
whatever you find." Sonny was a mile away when I found this meteorite,
at our third location of the day, and one where I had hunted before
with my grandsons and friends. When I later asked Sonny why he had
arranged to have it cut so quickly, Sonny admitted that he had done so
because "I knew there was a chance that you would change your mind."

Folks, I was blessed to find my first meteorite at age 73. From an
experience which should have been a source of only immense joy, I have
also sadly experienced confusion, sorrow, anger and embarrassment.
Sonny still refuses to return the other half of the meteorite, and
while that's deeply upsetting to me, more importantly than any
meteorite or the anguish experienced, I am sorry if I've disappointed
you, my friends on this great List.

Humbly and sincerely,

Count Deiro
IMCA 3536
Received on Sun 16 May 2010 11:39:27 PM PDT