I just got a phone call telling me the man I taught school with for 33 yrs. just passed away. He retired in June of 2003, had hip surgery in Dec. and was diagnosed with lung cancer in March of this year. He went thru chemo and even tried the big pill. Nothing worked. He was 57. We were team partners for the last eight years and he and I planned our retirements together - I changed my mind and stayed. He didn't get the chance to enjoy any of his retirement, and he really wanted to. Now he is gone. What a shame.

Sorry to hear of your loss Cass. At our age, we spend an increasing amount of time going to viewings and funerals.

Gary

My condolences. A few years ago I lost a good friend the same way, about the same age. What a shame, indeed.

That's terrible. What a shame! Songs written about that very thing. Very sorry.

What's the big pill?

I think it's actually called the 'bullet' pill. It's a newer form of chemotherapy that supposedly is more targeted. I really don't have the details, but I understand it's supposed have less side effects.

Thanks everyone for your condolences. I know his family will miss him much more than I, but he was great guy and one of a group of about twelve of us who hired in together and lived & worked closely for 30 yrs.

Cassp..
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend...

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...L

Cassp: sorry to hear the sad news.- Scott

My deep condolences.

Cassp: It is a true loss when you lose a dear friend. I do understand, it's like part of you has gone.
I'm now 73, and have lost three preciuos friends, all Technics keyboard players, I miss them, there is no way to replace a friendship with a long history. At least not at this stage of life.

All this does leave me with the thought that this is all part of a much deeper meaning, more than I can understand right now.

Live with his memory, it must be precious,

John C.

There is a message here for us all.

Do not leave whatever is important to you for the future. It can all be taken away so quickly.

My brother in law and his wife planned in exacting detail for retirement, and put off much in anticipation.

Illness came, and she is no longer with us. Gone, too, is the realization of those dreams.

If it is at all important, then do it now!

Regards,

Michael
(quadruple bypass early this year)