Departing Friends

[fordson]

I post this because I need to.
I discovered over this past weekend that two of my Navy friends had passed. One, my Navy reserve CO, had been Marine enlisted on active duty and retired as a Navy Captain (O6) in the reserves. The other I knew from active duty (we both served aboard the Forestall) and then served in the same reserve unit. I knew them well, they were good friends, of which, that circle gets progressively smaller.
Tom and Mike, fair winds and following seas, my friends and Shipmates………I’ll raise a glass to you……….fair winds.

 

[StrawHat]

Fair winds and following seas.

Kevin

 

[cherrypointmarine]

The friends you make in the service are forever friends . Were you on the Forest Fire when it got its nickname ? I remember before we went on the USS Midway we had to go to a firefighting class because of that accident . Don't drink , but I'll raise a glass of something to your buddies .

 

[Rustyt1953]

Like those here I have raised far too many parting glasses to friends and loved ones especially of late.

I am warming up in the bullpen. I will see them shortly.

What a day of rejoicing it will be.

 

[Alk8944]

I am warming up in the bullpen. I will see them shortly.

What a day of rejoicing it will be.

An absolute Amen to that!

I have missed so many "good chances" to die in my lifetime, especially the past nearly 40 years, from both accident and disease, that I can't wait, it has been far too long!

 

[STCM(SW)]

I leave a Dime and a quarter on my wife's head stone when I go to her resting place at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Moses Lake Washington.
I never forget.....

 

[arjay]

Had a 50th reunion last year. Out of 400 they couldn’t find a third.Out of the rest a third were already gone. It was a shock

 

[Old 44 Guy]

arjay. Same here. Went to my 50th, and my 60th. Bunch of old guys there.

 

[fordson]

Thanks, fellas……. I knew you guys would understand……

 

[fordson]

The friends you make in the service are forever friends . Were you on the Forest Fire when it got its nickname ? I remember before we went on the USS Midway we had to go to a firefighting class because of that accident . Don't drink , but I'll raise a glass of something to your buddies .

We were aboard the Forrestal for her ‘74 Med Cruise.

 

[lkabug]

Lately I also seem to getting too many calls reporting the passing of my former military Cohorts. To them I raise my glass and curse agent orange.

 

[chuckie]

Sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Tom and Mike.

 

[DWalt]

Yesterday I got my copy of the annual alumni report from my department at Ohio State. They always have a section of alumni deaths over the previous year. In that section were the names of three good friends I graduated with. I had no contact with any of them since graduation many years ago, but it was a bit of a shock to be reminded of your mortality.

 

[alwslate]

I graduated from HS in 1963. Lately been going to mini reunions for lunch every two months with those that went to the same grade school. About half of my 365 class of 63 left. One of the women in our little luncheon group emails us a newsletter. At least one death in our class of 63 every two months. People always say "yeah I know I'm going to die some day". But the reality doesn't set in until you are starting to get close. Death is real, going to happen to all of us and is forever. Every day above ground is a good day. Appreciate every day that you are still here on this beautiful little planet.