Whatcha know, Don?

[Pappy]

Those words keep running through my head today. It was always the first thing my step father said when he heard my voice on the phone.

My sister called me this morning to let me Barney had died this morning. The health care nurse went in to get him up and said he went limp in her arms. His pulse was weak and by the time EMS arrived he had stopped breathing. Evidently there was little to no pain. There have been several indications in the past couple of months that he was ready to go 'home' to join mother in the arms of our Lord.

I was 20 when he and my Mother met and married so I never considered him a father or dad but, over the years, we became good friends. They had been together almost 35 years when she died. He will be laid to rest beside her either Thursday or Friday.

[scmhogg]

Don,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Even when expected, such a loss is still a shock.

Steve

[cabinetman]

You have my condolences.

.

[Richard in Smithville]

I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight Don.

[SHADOWFOX]

Don,

Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you.

Kindest Regards,

[Turaj]

Don,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[gerti]

Never easy to loose a friend. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[bigstick509]

[Shep]

Sorry to hear about your loss Don. Your family is in my prayers.

[Bruce Cohen]

Don,

I share your pain, I will pray for you and yours (in Hebrew, if that's OK).

Stay strong.

Bruce

Signature removed in respect

[billwmeyer]

Don,

Sorry for your loss.

Bill

[Bill in Buena Park]

Condolences Don, and prayers for you and your family.

[jhart]

Don, you will be in my prayers. So sorry to hear about your loss.

[Black wallnut]

Sorry to hear of your loss Don.

[Pappy]

Thanks for the kind words and prayers. It is probably hardest on my wife and sons. He was the only father in law she had and grandfather they ever knew. Her youngest brother is only 6 months older than our eldest, so it was hard for her father to be a grandfather type while raising one the same age. Although we all loved Barney, we were adults when he and Mother married. The rest of the grandkids all knew my Dad when they were still old enough to remember him.

We will drive up in the morning. The viewing is tomorrow night and the funeral is Thursday afternoon. We will come back on Friday after clearing out his room at the home. Sadly, probably the last time I will ever be in my home town. Very few of the old friends left and no reason to make a 12 hour round trip.