WIN Farewell

Today the unusually solemn WINs held a memorial service for some beloved members who recently passed away. I confess that for the first several years I was with the group, when notified of a member's passing, it didn't mean a lot to me since I didn't know them well (or even, at all.) As I read what I've just written, it sounds a bit cold, but honest - although I am saddened to hear of anyone's passing, it wasn't personal. However, in the past two months, I was staggered by the deaths of three wonderful, special people and, by the turnout for the memorial, I was not alone. Many people shared personal memories they had of each individual at the memorial. I knew I would end up a blubbering mess if I attempted that, so here are my memories.

First, in late November, our precious Weezie was taken from us. She had already been traveling with the WINs for ten years when I joined in 2001 and I only knew her for a short time before she went off the road. However she made a huge impression on me. She was one of the most upbeat, friendly people I have ever met and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. I understand she had been a mail carrier and loved to hike and dance. She was a big believer in the phrase, "Life is short, eat dessert first." In her honor, Ron and I had ice cream for lunch today.


Next we lost our wonderful Don. I thought of Don as a philosopher. As I was traveling through Utah one day, I happened upon Don at a rest area. We had a longer conversation than usually happens during morning hugs (although he was a great hugger,) and he imparted two bits of wisdom I have never forgotten. First he said he is always looking forward - that's why he has a big windshield and small rear view mirrors. Secondly he said when he was a boy he had everything he needed - a bicycle and a nickel. The first is self-explanatory, and, although I probably should have asked him exactly what he meant by the second, I interpreted it to mean we can be happy without all the extraneous stuff that fills our adult life. What a wise man.


And just the other day, Billy, who never even got a cold and we thought would live forever, lost a very quick battle to cancer. Billy loved people, talking, hiking, talking, dancing, talking, kayaking, and, did I mention talking? He was a generous, good-hearted soul who was first to offer help if anybody needed it. He once offered to drive a friend's rig across the country when he was in a bind. After Hurricane Katrina, he went to Mississippi to help transport supplies. Many of the WINs have stories about how Billy helped them in so many ways. It's impossible to grasp that this vibrant force is gone.

Farewell, dear friends. We will never forget you.