Autum

I apologize for the lack of posts lately. I’m pretty sure you are all managing fine without them.

I shouldn’t be posting now because I’m in a major funk but I have to share a few things with you all. Thank you for listening.

Steve Buckley called this morning to tell me that a brother-in-arms, Erik Pontoppidan, had passed away. Erik, Steve and I were rookies together in the Ventura Co Fire Department. Both of them were always there for me and I always knew they had my back. Those were some of the best memories of my almost 70 years. Even though we were not in touch after we moved to Alaska, those bonds don’t break.

His passing has hit hard. As with all our heroes, I consider them invincible and expect them to out live me. It appears that Cancer doesn’t give a shit. For those that didn’t know him, he was one who enriched the lives of those he touched and I always wanted to be more like him.

Everyone that knew Erik will never be able to describe him without the word “mischievous”; and we will all smile when we do. Remembering Erik is a joy. Today it is a very painful joy. I’ll always regret not being there for he and Janice during these last days, they deserved better.

There will undoubtedly come a time when I don’t remember Erik. Until then, “Thank you Erik”, for all the great memories, past and future. Because I promise to continue peanut buttering deserving door handles in your honor.

My deepest condolences to Janice and family. He will be missed.