Second SEKI bud in a year on his last trail

[oldranger]

Boy what a couple of years. Guess that is what happens when you get old--your friends start to die off and your mortality becomes more and more a reality that cannot be denied.

Duncan Hollar (58) the Roaring River Ranger before me.

Larry Conn (early 50s)--someone we all know but few of us had the opportunity to meet.

Mark Urban (40) smokejumper killed while testing chute deployment device. A good friend and my son in law's best friend and the husband of my daughter's best friend.

Jack Farmer (85) backcountry horseman, good friend, loaned me his stock so I could pack my family into Roaring River when I was the ranger. A least Jack got a full measure but a loss none the less. When i tried to visit him this summer he was in SF getting checked out at a hospital there. I missed my last opportunity to share memories.

Flying down for a last campfire with old friends to reminisce.

Don't pass up an opportunity to make contact with people that matter in your life.

Mike

[Rockchucker]

Sorry about your loss. I totally agree , contact those who matter because you never know what tomorrow brings.

[Timberline]

Losing close friends, mentors, any special relationship with another who passes, is always hard. My sympathies, Mike. Maybe we can get together & raise a toast to those memories when you get back home.
Safe travels.