My wife's attempt to spread the word turned up more than she expected.

[BUDDY]

Recently I was hospitilized with Blood clots to my lungs and my wife tried to solicit prayers through John Ranes ,only to learn even worse news on his end.I don't think he'll mind me spreading the word and Condolences will certainly be in order . This is his reply to my wife's email.

In a message dated 7/18/03 9:15:37 AM Central Daylight Time, BUDDY3453 writes:


<< He may be coming home today, but I thought you could tell everyone to say a prayer for him. Hope all is well for you and Sarah. >>


Hi Marie,

Please pass on my greetings to Buddy......tell him to get out of that hospital QUICK! My prayers are out for him.

Unfortunately, we don't have good news at our end.....

I'm writing to you from New Hampshire. Sarah and I were scheduled to fly here on the 3rd to spend the weekend of the 4th celebrating my Dad's 58th wedding anniversary. The police knocked on my door on the Tuesday, just two days before we were supposed to leave. He passed away that morning.

Sarah and I had just spoken with him the night before. He was in his 5th week of Chemo treatments, but it was taking a toll on him. He died by his back door, dressed on his way out to see his local doctor. He died, on his terms, driving himself to his doctor, living in the house, where he wanted to be, not dependent upon anyone. Jack was 79.

Fortunately, I'd visited him just two weeks earlier for Father's Day. I was in Connecticut on business, and drove up to spend the weekend with him. He'd become my best friend. I miss him.

Sarah flew home to Wisconsin but returns to NH tomorrow. I'd stayed behind to put things in order, arrange the memorial services, and get all the legal stuff started. Dad will have a local memorial service Monday in Meredith, NH and will be interred in Arlington on October 27th.

Fortunately, my job with Fletcher is flexible and my schedule light for August, that they have gratiously given me some time off. I was supposed to be in Australia today, but canceled that trip.

Family begins arriving this weekend, so I'd best get a few more things sorted out.

Regards,

John

John and Sarah ,Marie and I have rememberd your father in our prayers and we extend our deepest sympathies.
Charles BUDDY and Marie Drago

[B. Newman]

To John and Sarah, there are no words that one can say that will take away the pain. No one can say, "I know how you feel" unless they've been through it, and even at that, it's still not the same.

I don't know what your beliefs are, but I will say I will pray for you both, for strength, for comfort, and for wisdom. Sometimes when it seems extra dark, God is hiding us in the cleft of the rock with His hand over us, protecting us. I know it doesn't feel like much protection, but believe me, it is.

Betty

[ 07-19-2003, 10:08 PM: Message edited by: B. Newman ]

[Ron Eggers]

Jack Ranes' obituary was in our paper last Wednesday.

He had a remarkable life.

[Barb Pelton]

My deepest sympathies to both you and Sarah. Losing a parent is never easy, even when it's expected. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Janet L]

John,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It's never easy losing a parent. Lost my dad after an 11 yr. battle w/leukemia. He was only 52 (one yr older than me now). I miss him every day of my life and it's now been 27 years.
Lots of good memories never die though.

Regards,
Janet

[Less]

Kind of puts a different perspective on things doesn't it.

Buddy, get well.

John & family, my condolences.

[AnneL]

My deepest condolences go out to you and Sarah. I'm sure your father had to be a remarkable man to have produced such a remarkable son. My thoughts are with you.

[CharlesL]

John, we don't know each other, except through the G, but you have my prayers, and deepest sympathy.
I lost my dad in '88. He died 2 days after his 67th birthday. Long illnesses can be hard. He had his first massive heart attack in '75, losing 80% of his cardiac output. He was diabetic, and managed to plug along for 13 years with a heart operating at 20%.
I know that's 'cold comfort'. but you are SO fortunate to be able to say that he was your best friend.

And Buddy! You big ol' Teddy Bear! You better hurry up and get well so you can help take care of Marie, who I hope is doing nicely.

[Susan May]

John, I know that losing your father to Cancer had to be very hard on the whole family. Cancer, and it's treatments affect everyone, not just the person with the illness.

My Father died 18 years ago (1985) and I still miss him. He was only 47 when he passed away from Cancer of the Pancreas.

I'm glad that your father was able to go on his terms, still living at home, and with dignity.

You and your family will be in our thoughts, and prayers.

Susan May (Steve and Ashley also)

[PurplePerson]

John, You also have my condolences. Cancer is a terrible way to go. My ex is only 53 and has bone cancer. I feel so awful for him and so helpless. Cancer is a terrible way to go. I am glad that your Dad died on his terms. Not many people have that opportunity.

Buddy, Are you better? Blood clots in the lungs are very serious. Your family has had enough. I will be thinking about you.

[gemsmom]

John, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I have an inkling of what your family must be going through, having lost my dear father-in-law very suddenly last September. I am very close to my dad, and I can't imagine life without him.

Buddy, Get Well! I'm hoping to meet you in Atlanta.

[Rick Bergeron - CPF]

John & Sarah,

Kathleen and I are sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences to you and yours.


Buddy,
Hope things are going as well as can be expected and we both wish you a speedy recovery.

Rick & Kathleen Bergeron - CPFs
Rockebys Custom Framing
Coeur d'Alene, ID

[Emibub]

My sympathy to You John, and your family. Losing a parent is not to be trifled with. I lost my Mom when I was fifteen and my Dad when I was twenty two. The impact of which continues on in my forties. I'm sure your father knew he was loved.

Buddy, you take care of yourself and get well soon. You are in my thoughts.

[clifpa]

My prayers too, John, Sarah, Marie and Buddy,

Life does wake us up sometimes. I lost my wife to cancer. 18 great years and then she was gone, just like that, very little warning...we all need to pay attention to our loved ones and friends.

heart felt to you all.

[Lois Bauby]

John & Sarah,

My prayers are with you and your family. I too have endured the loss. I pray God will give you stength and understanding.

Buddy,

You take care of yourself and we'll see you in Atlanta!

[joe]

John I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless you.

[ERIC]

John,

My deepest condolences on the loss you and your family have suffered.

[RozR]

John, with deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family in your loss.

Buddy, get well.

[Susan May]

I just "talked" with John by IM, and he wishes that I pass on a note of "...thanks to all who have been very kind to share and reach out."

The memorial service was today, and they are all over at his fathers house.

He thinks he might be back to the routine in August.

Susan May

[lyoncat]

Jay and I sending our deepest sympathies.

Buddy, hope you are doing better.