Sunday's column about John Steele, a neighborhood vagrant in South Baltimore who recently died, continues to provoke memories. It was my goal to add a new dimension to a character many frequently saw stumbling around Riverside Park and Fort Avenue. Yes, John Steele had many problems, and caused many more. But most people who have written me seem to appreciate learning about his difficult life.

Charlies Collins told me I could post his thoughts:

I am writing you in reference to the article you did on Sunday 11/30 on John Steele. I would like to thank you for doing the piece on someone that I feel was a friend. I have been a lifetime resident of South Baltimore and knew John for many years, But not as well as my wife who was born and raised in the same block as the Steele’s. He was a nice guy even after his problem started and was ever so polite to me and my family. Yes, he had a drinking problem but was always respectful to us. John would always ask me “How’s the Family” and “How’s your mother in-law”. Never did I here him say anything disrespectful about anyone. Yes we had our words about his habits, public urination, Sleeping on our steps, But even thought those words were said John would still say every time I saw him, First thing out of his mouth was “ How’s the Family”.

There were many a time he would disappear and I would wonder if he had died and next thing I know here is was on the avenue looking to get change. Not a problem John I would say “I know that you’re good for it”. A good man I saw in Mr. Steele and I will miss seeing him.

I would only hope that your article will help other families and fiends of the John Steele’s still on the street do everything they can to get them help, If the help is not wanted at least try to give them hope.