We buried a good man yesterday

[LVGaryD]

My uncle Lou Schmidt passed away Friday night after a very courageous battle with cancer. Lou was simply one of the kindest, most genuine human beings I ever knew- a clone of my father.

I visited him in the hospital on September 7th on my way to Ohio. That was the first time a tear had fallen from my eyes in a long time. He called me "a blessing", saying I offered him something none of the doctors did: hope. Being a blessing to a dying man is a sobering responsibility.

Lou lingered on for three weeks before his final downhill slide. I had figured to stop and visit him again before heading to Las Vegas, but two days before I was to head back home, he died. We spent two days awaiting funeral arrangements, and my boss was kind enough to give me the rest of this week off work so I could stay and be with the family during the calling hours, funeral, etc.

Ironically, the day after he died, Sweet Lou paced his biggest race of the year on Saturday at The Red Mile. I pointed this out to the pastor and my aunt Shirlie yesterday after the funeral. It brought Shirlie a smile on a day smiles were few and far between. She asked if I bet Sweet Lou, and I replied "Of course not."

Lou, you lived a great life. You deserve the peace you are now enjoying. 

Anyway, I will be heading west in the next day or two to return to the somewhat normalcy of Las Vegas. Ryan made it home in time for most of the funeral, so he and I are going off running today. Hold down the fort and play nice. I don't feel like deleting anyone's account today.

[beans and weenies]

Sorry for your loss Gary.    my sympathy goes out to you , Ryan and your families. 

[The Giss]

So sorry for your loss, Gary.

[Headpole Dave]

All the best in this rough time. You have my condolences.

[chicagojazz]

RIP uncle Lou 

[badolpuddytat]

RIP my namesake Lou!!!

[Mags]

RIP 

[Elgin]

RIP Uncle Lou 

[AmyHollar]

Lovely eulogy for your uncle. 

[pope of vegas]

  Very nice Gary,,,,    lou

[careless hal]

Sorry for your loss Gary.    my sympathy goes out to you , Ryan and your families. 

I lost one of my brother-laws Monday morning.  He was the same age as me.  Not a fan of attending wakes and funerals, but it has to be done.  Of the last 3 I went to, none of the people who died were older than I am.  Makes you glad to wake up each day. 

[CyberChamp]

Sorry for your loss, buddy.   

[LVGaryD]

Thank you all. Today I visited some relatives I have not seen in a very long while and cherished every minute of it!

Hal, my deepest sympathy for your loss. 

[Just Saying]

It's hard to say goodbye, but if you believe in Heaven, they are the lucky ones. My condolences for your losses, and sympathies to all the family. 

[beans and weenies]

I lost one of my brother-laws Monday morning.  He was the same age as me.  Not a fan of attending wakes and funerals, but it has to be done.  Of the last 3 I went to, none of the people who died were older than I am.  Makes you glad to wake up each day.

Sorry Hal.    You have my sympathy.