A friend passed away yesterday.

[b.bodemer]

It was a sad day for my kayaking friends. I had hoped to paddle but my truck made some strange noises when I got on the highway so I turned to go home. A quick call to them via cell phone let them know I had car trouble and I would be AWOL for the weekend of camping and kayaking.

On Sunday my friend Keith at the lunch spot complained that his shoulder hurt him bad. He was having some shoulder problems all season, even talking to me about just two Sundays ago about it. It is not uncommon for us older kayakers to have shoulder problems. We were almost laughing about getting older and both having impingements.

With only a mile to go he decided to leave his boat at the lunch spot and walk the hiking path to the end to get his car and catch up to his fellow kayakers at the take out.

Keith suffered a heart attack on the trail and a hiker immediately began CPR. My kayaking friends made their way downstream and were told someone had apparently drowned but they couldn't find his boat or gear. Bill jumped ahead with another boater to paddle the last 1/4 mile to get help. Two other kayaking friends, one a doctor and one a nurse, hurried over only to find it was Keith.

The hiker described Keith as taking his last breath and then she began CPR. Everyone helped, continued CPR, carried him out but after about 45 minutes he was gone.

It was a terrible day for my kayaking friends...............but they did all they could to help him. I am glad to have know Keith for the last 10 years that I've been a kayaker.

Here's some things I'd like to share about him..........53 years young, a former Navy Seal, recently divorced, always there to help, took pictures on all our trips that he posted for us to enjoy, read sappy romance novels, his posts for kayaking trips read " All are welcome".

Keith had had some heart problems and needed a stent a few years ago. His biggest restriction was not to paddle in water colder thatn 40 degrees. The air and water temps were ideal for paddling yesterday.

I paddled with Keith two Sundays ago with my friends Bill, Sherie, and Sue. Sherie and Sue talked in the eddies as Bill, Keith and I tore up every hole and play wave on his favorite river. Afterwards instead of hitting the local Sheetz for a sandwich to then head home we went and spent an extra hour at a local Homested Day in the same park we just paddled in. We all got a dessert and hung out at one of the community picnic tables. It was a great paddling day...sunny, fun, time spent with friends.

Keith passed away on the hiking path along "Miracle Mile". The last mile is aptly named for the fun we have when we paddle there. It's like you don't want this mile to end. This is a tiny bit of heaven on a sweet creek that he loved so much.

Peace,
Barb

[CPASPARKS]

Barb,
I am saddened to hear about Keith.

That is way to young to die.

I also have lost 2 close friends this year. It is part of life.

You and his friends and family will be in my prayers.

[oklahomajewel]

Peace... that's exactly what you all need right now.

So sad, but look at those pictures and celebrate the good life he had, and the joy you had to have him in yours !

Julie

[BobandLaura]

I have tears in my eyes reading your story. I am so sorry for your loss. That your friend spent his last day doing what he loved helps ease the sorrow. I hope you'll spend time with your other kayaking friends celebrating his life and the good times you all shared. Laura

[b.bodemer]

Thank you everyone for your heartfelt replies..........................
Barb

[jagular7]

Sorry for your personal loss. My condolences.

[mikeschn]

Barb,

That's such a sad, touching ending. You all will be in my prayers.

Mike...

[forestfrog]

Barb, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
I hope knowing he spent his final day doing something he loved will offer some measure of comfort to his family and friends during this difficult time.

[ARKPAT]

Barb, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend Keith.

All of you enjoyed the same area and relaxation.

I know you will miss him; but remember the fun all of you share and that will have a warm place in you heart for the memories.

May God bless during your loss.


Pat

[PresTx82]

I'm also sad for your lost, Barb.

How many of us will depart this world doing something we love? I'd rather pass-on fishing, camping, hiking, or boating than siting in front of my television. Your friend died doing what he enjoyed.......... God Bless Him.

Live life to its fullest as no one knows when his/her time will come.

[Mary K]

Barb, I'm so sorry to hear of your friends passing.

I ditto what Mark Parsons wrote, I don't want to go in front of the TV. There are so many people in this world that do, while waiting for something or someone else to make them happy instead of making it for themselves... I hope you understand what I mean.

Always remember what a great and exciting life he lived. Cherish those memories for him, he deserves it.

Mary K.

[b.bodemer]

Last night was a wonderful celebration of my friend Keith's life.

One of the ways he was remembered was both sea kayakers and whitewater kayakers loaded their boats on their roofs in his honor.

A group of us are heading out this weekend to celebrate his kind spirit.

Thank you for all your heartfelt postings.

[dmb90260]

I am sorry for your loss but when the time comes I want to go of old age or doing wha I love ...either works. Then celebrate them the same way. It works for people and animals.
Right now I am in Holbrook AZ, on my way home from a round trip to Crosswicks, NJ in my 46 yr old trailer. I think it will be 5400 miles when I get home. I went to judge a dog thing but really to take the ashes of my dog Duffy and leave some at the site. He loved doing this stuff and that was sort of the holy ground.
Duffy's nephew Deuce made the trip with me. He does not so well in the event but he does not care as long as he is with me. We had a fine time, it has been an adventure. I have never driven this far much less hauled a trailer, a very old trailer too. But The Duff needed the honors and we done it. Hail the Duff; a fine dog he was. I am hoisting a glass of Old Rasputin in his honor as I type. (dogs ain't people but sometimes they are worth more)

So now we move on, but I did not know the drive was this freaking long!!

[Joanne]

Hi Barb,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope it's not insensitive to say thank goodness he didn't die in the hospital with wires and tubes everywhere. When my time comes I hope I'm on a tall peak somewhere overlooking beautiful mountains, or at 130 feet on Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman. He died as he lived, and to me there is no better tribute. You will always have Keith in your heart.

Joanne