Goodbye Dear Friend

Goodbye Dear Friend

My former detective partner, and friend of nearly 45 years, passed away Sunday afternoon. He and I solved a lot of tough cases together, and side-by-side we fought the good fight, sometimes not knowing if we’d ever make it home again. And, believe me, we’d been in many tough spots in our day.

Not only were we police officers who shared a love of our job, we also enjoyed a friendship away from the bad guys, guns, and our gold badges. He was a singer and I a guitar player, and throughout the years we played in a couple of bands together.

I eventually gave up the days of hauling heavy equipment and playing cover tunes to people gyrating on sticky dance floors. He, however, was still performing until the last week of his life. He loved it. In fact, the last time I saw my friend, he gave me a copy of his band’s latest CD.

During his time as a police officer and investigator, my former partner had been shot twice and managed to survive both incidents. He’d also been stabbed once while making an arrest. He pulled through that time too. But his recent illness was far too much for his tired body to bear. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughters, and brothers and sister. In just a few short months he would have been a grandfather, but he didn’t make it to see the new addition to his beloved family.

You’ll be missed by many, my friend, especially by me.

I know heaven’s door has opened wide for you.

 

/by
32 replies
  5. Janet Reid
    Janet Reid says:

    I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. A friendship of 45 years is a rare and lovely thing.

    My sincere condolences to you, and his wife and family.

  8. Nancy Kattenfeld
    Nancy Kattenfeld says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Lee. But what a wonderful friendship you two shared. I’m sure he treasured it as much as you.

  13. Kathleen Suddith
    Kathleen Suddith says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. My condolences also to his family.

  14. Mary Brookman
    Mary Brookman says:

    Lee, I hope your memories serve to give you some peace at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.

  19. John Tobin
    John Tobin says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Lee. Good friends like that are irreplaceable and a great blessing in our lives. This is a very touching tribute. I hope you are o.k.

  22. Debra H. Goldstein
    Debra H. Goldstein says:

    Lee,
    I always follow your posts on Sisters in Crime as they are always spot on point…but I had to comment here at your loss and the beautiful way you expressed it. My condolences, but I’m glad you found a way to share the memory of your partner with all of us.

  26. Dave Swords
    Dave Swords says:

    I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Lee. The intense emotional and physical dangers shared by partners can create a very special bond. The breaking of that bond is very hard, but I also know you cherish every moment together with your partner.

    It’s a life like few others.

Comments are closed.