Today is Carl "Flatgate'" Laco's birthday. He was instrumental in creating the site as we know it today. Fond memories of his contributions to our favorite website. 
"Flatgate's" birthday
- Thread starter Ale-8(1)
- Start date
A gun guy with a Idea. and the Courage to build it. FNC
contender
Ruger Guru
I was actually thinking about this earlier today,, as I sat in my deer stand. I too miss him and I'm totally grateful for what he created here.
OP
A bump for those who missed it the first time around. 
REB
Single-Sixer
When I first came to this site years ago he was the first to help and really make me feel welcome. I never knew him personally but I do miss his post.
He was a beer drinking, CJ-5 driving, ski bum, who Collected Ruger's & formed this fine forum for us.
I remember him as a humble man, willing to share his knowledge and help anyone.
Always enjoyed his PM;s & emails on Ruger collecting, he is missed by all !
R.I.P.
Terry
I remember him as a humble man, willing to share his knowledge and help anyone.
Always enjoyed his PM;s & emails on Ruger collecting, he is missed by all !
R.I.P.
Terry
thank you for reminding us, I was away at a show for the weekend and in fact sold a nice,mint in the box "flatgate" just as a reminder,,,yes we really do miss him....
OP
So long as even one of us remembers him, he isn't really "gone". 
I miss Carl, but I seem to recall his birthday was in January 
This forum was started by a guy who went by the username "parabellum" and he owned several forums that were taking up too much of his time. So he tried to find someone to run RugerForum by putting the ownership rights on eBay for $50 but got no bids. That's when Carl stepped in to take over the responsibilities.
This forum was started by a guy who went by the username "parabellum" and he owned several forums that were taking up too much of his time. So he tried to find someone to run RugerForum by putting the ownership rights on eBay for $50 but got no bids. That's when Carl stepped in to take over the responsibilities.
gunman42782
Hunter
Carl was a real good guy.
contender
Ruger Guru
I remember parabellum,, and I think you are right about all that.
But I have Carl's B-day in my stuff as Dec.
But I have Carl's B-day in my stuff as Dec.
It doesn’t matter when. Thank you flatgate for all you did starting this form and helping us neophytes blundering in the darkness.
HFB
I am proud to call Carl my Friend........We learned a lot......we shared a lot.........he tried to improve each of our "Lot"..............I miss him...............a lot.............
yes, MIke P. had a lot on his table back then and as noted when Carl "took over" and the Smith forum also went to another friend of ours,,,Mike continued with the Sig forum,,,back then I think it was all under "United Forums" ,old school set, took lots to keep things running smoothly by 'admin'......way over and out of MY paygrade, and like 22 years ago??? ...and 'flatgate' will always be remembered...one "cool" Dude loved his dogs like we do.........May he rest in Peace and enjoy the heavenly snows.....
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I never met flatgate, but I remember trying to sign up here and it wouldn't let me. Somehow, I was able to contact Carl. He said it was my generic "yahoo" email (that was the reason the site rejected me). He talked to me for a while- I guess he was trying to determine if I was a scammer?- and then he approved my membership.
I also remember when we did the (on the down low so he wouldn't know about it) donation/fundraising in order to buy Carl the collection of same-serial number Ruger firearms and gave them to him. I owe him my forever gratitude for allowing me on his site.
I also remember when we did the (on the down low so he wouldn't know about it) donation/fundraising in order to buy Carl the collection of same-serial number Ruger firearms and gave them to him. I owe him my forever gratitude for allowing me on his site.
