via Traction Control: Connie du Toit, beloved wife of Kim du Toit, passed away this afternoon.
Readers may recall Kim’s blog introduced me to the concept and importance of the American Rifleman, and inspired me to travel more than a thousand miles to Boomershoot when I’d never shot a rifle before. He changed the course of my life. Precision shooting, the Nation of Riflemen, RKBA blogging — the whole thing goes back to those days in 2005. Phil and I met shooting next to Kim and his son, which led to Phil inviting me to join the RNS blogging crew. Without Kim I’d never have met Phil, Dave from Michigan, Scott, Rolf, Bob and Kenda, Joe Huffman, Barron and Janelle, and so many other friends in this wonderful hobby — and also Kim’s wife Connie.
I never met Connie in person, but even the few conversations we had showcased her wit, warmth, and deeply-held concern for the Republic, our society, and its values; clear above all from the first moment to the last was the world-class mind on the other end of the phone. Truly a diamond of the first water, and now she is gone. The thoughts and prayers of all of us at RNS go out to Kim and family.
Sorry to hear that.
I only met Kim once at the only Boomershoot I was able to attend…
I used to read Kim’s blog most every day. With his background he brought a level of conviction to the conscious choice of being an American that was often insightful. I remember his writing of family trips to India and Vienna and the joy he and Connie took at experiencing some of the sights and sounds and how they were happy to be home when the trip was finished. The world is diminished by her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and the family.
My sincere condolences. I miss Kim’s blog.