Although I cannot say that I knew Walt well when compared to many of you, I
had him in my thoughts for days on end as I read quietly in the background
of the many people who have recounted their memories of him on the list
including his wit, guile and charm.
When I read your mail, Bill, I was actually stunned. I hadn't prepared for
this bit of news. Even the information about Walt moving to a hospice - and
what that might stand for - didn't get me thinking seriously and I did not
make any mental notes to prepare for such news. I had in fact a quiet
confidence that we would eventually hear from Walt.
I understand how all of you would be feeling now - the sadness and maybe
some form of emptiness as well. I am sure that he was a very good and close
friend for many of you too. A little over three weeks ago, I too lost a good
friend all too suddenly - he died in his bathroom of an abrupt heart attack
at an early age of 47 years. The fact that I am of the same age made me
think about my own mortality. I spent the next week or so not just attending
his funeral but quietly reflective of who I am, what I'm doing and where I
need to be in my life.
>From the way many of you had written so glowingly of Walt, I wish I'd knew
him.
So long, Walt.
On 16/07/07, NSURIT@xxxxxxx <NSURIT@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
> Walt passed away peacefully this morning. Since leaving the hospital and
> going to hospice, all the tubes and other intrusions had been removed
> from his
> body and he was no longer restrained to prevent their removal. He
> was able
> to eat some real food a day or two ago. I am assuming most
> would consider
> scrabbled eggs and grits to be real food . . . it certainly is to a good
> southern boy. It was in this environment that Walt had some of
> your words read to
> him and had the opportunity to speak fondly of his many friends on the OM
> mailing list. His friends and family asked me to convey to the list what
> an
> important part each of you have been to Walt these past few years and the
> past
> few weeks. We were the people he chose to hang out with . . . we were
> his
> friends.
>
> In keeping with his wishes, no funeral is planned. In the event of a
> memorial service the list will be notified, however I suspect that is also
> something he would just as soon pass on.
>
> Good bye, old friend.
>
>
> Bill Barber
>
>
>
> ************************************** Get a sneak peak of the all-new AOL
> at
> http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
>
>
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--
"To sin by silence when we should protest makes cowards of people" - Emily
Cox
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