With sadness-a fitting send off for my friend

Some of you may know that the guy who introduced me to rendezvous, BP and the whole nine yards some 25 years was the Lt on my shift at the firehouse. His name was Dan Gallagher and most everybody at rendezvous knew him as Pakie, which was short for Pakrat. He did some really cool leather work and was also known for his process of antiqueing firearms.

Dan died several months ago after five agonizing months of pain with 3 different kinds of cancers. Just yesterday I received some of his ashes in a handmade medicine bag. His last request to me was to have his ashes loaded on top of BP and for me to fire the load to spread his ashes by my home.

Of course I will be happy to honor his request. He was a good guy, my friend, my boss for about 15 years and I will continue to miss him very much.

In his last letter to me, he closed with something that went like this: "May you live to see a 100 year old oak tree that grew from the acorn you planted today."

I pass that same sentiment along to all of you during this holiday season.

 

[robinghewitt]

Words always seem empty when they come from people who never knew the man, so I'll just wish you luck and hope it goes without a hitch.

 

[Ohio Joe]

Indeed... The loss of a friend, fellow buckskinner and BP enthusiast is always a sad thing. I know that the one's I've helped to send off will be waiting in camp for me, around the campfire, when my time comes.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I didn't know him, but I know he had a friend.

My condolences to his friends and family. His suffering is over, and may yours be tempered with the memories of the better times.

A prayer that he finds a good hunting spot in the hereafter.

 

[bob1961]

yes....My condolences to his friends and family....and like many others who never meet or knew him it's a sad day :cry: when things like happen for sure..............bob

 

[jtmattison]

My condolences. I'm sure you will give him a proper send off. Best wishes to all of his family and friends.

Huntin

 

[Keith]

My condolences. :cry: Your friend is not really gone he just lives in your and his other friends and families hearts.

 

[brushbuster]

My condolences. :cry: Your friend is not really gone he just lives in your and his other friends and families hearts.

ditto :boohoo:

 

Thanks for all the good words guys. I will pass them along to his wife and kids. They will not know you but will know those words came from your hearts.

Just like the comradery of this forum, a fire department shift developes close bonds and spending a 24 hour shift every third day with each other, ya get to be tighter than family.