(2008-5-26) Eulogy for a best Friend
Best of the best friends you are a kindred spirit, a soul mate rare. For more than three decades I shared your life. Your laughter, your intellect, beyond compare.
We had some wonderful times, didn’t we, mate? At school and at work. Through talk, we solved the world’s problems. And often it was late when we were through.
Your Scottish lass Muriel, a loving mate waiting up, keeping the roast hot one night while we drank and talked. The roast dried out. But we weren’t dried out when we came home. Neither roast nor we were a pretty sight!
You loved simple things, and your complex mind loved music, and words, and technology new. An inspiration you were to those far and wide your subordinates, co-workers, and your supervisors too.
In the Navy, you were known for excellence and skill, you inspired sailors young and old; You thought big thoughts, beyond the horizon you viewed. And developed plans that were courageous and bold.
In personal contacts, you were gentle and kind. And with deference treated all that you met. With acceptance, non-judgment and civility plus. And a sense of humor that we will never forget.
I’ll cherish our memories, O friend of mine! Though I know that your earth time is through, I also know that your spirit lives on. And I know that someday I’ll see you.
You may come to me in the words of a song or in an idea bold and new. You may speak to me in the wee late hours. But mate, I’ll know that it’s you!
