The Face behind the Words!!

Since the death of Richard (Ol’ Possum) I have been amazed at the various opinions expressed with relation to Richard’s looks and age. Many posts I have read state Richard was old, grumpy and other adjectives which I will not mention. I am of the firm belief Richard was young and young at heart. He had not reached retirement age, which is 65 years of age in this country. I believe he turned 56 or 57 in January, 2008. I received this message from Carol (his Landlady) which is rather disturbing to say the least:

I have no idea what will happen with cremation or burial arrangements because I am not a relative so have been pretty much left out of the loop. But his daughter told me she and her husband spent every dime they could get their hands on to move to Orlando and haven't even been able to afford to get phone lines or computer hooked up in their home yet.

We will have a little memorial service in Great Falls and film it for her. We will collect a little money to put toward the expenses of her obtaining the ashes. I believe it will be $1700 unless it has gone up in the past four (4) years. I hope the mortuary will keep the ashes until we can collect enough money to get them released to his family.

Since receiving this message I telephoned Carol. During the conversation she informed me that Richard had made many friends in Great Falls and she was sure those people would assist in helping raise a portion of the funds to have Richard’s ashes released to the Family.

If readers would like to assist Carol achieve the desired result please contact me at admin@fairpatton.com and outline your assistance.

Another reader has sent this tribute:

My father died on the 2nd of June in tragic circumstances and OP was the one to get me through it. Here is what he said to me and I would like to share this with you all. It has helped me and will help me again as I think of this great man and friend whom has earned his wings.

Brenda Labelle

(((((((BRENDA)))))))

Dear friend,

This too shall pass, and leave us all the richer for it....he is not gone far - only the thinnest of veils separate us from our loved ones passed over - and they are always all around us in the memories of the love they gave while they were here.

I am often comforted by the following words, reminding me that we are, after all, only a part of ALL That Is, partners in Creation....allowing me to see the Love in everything and knowing my departed are everywhere with God.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

Love you special lady. Hugs!

OP
Do not believe that he who seeks to comfort you lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life has much difficulty. Were it otherwise, he would never have been able to find those words.

Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile

Here are some pictures taken by Carol in the backyard of he Montana property. We now have a face to match the words.


		Hope the above pictures will end the speculation as to Richard's age and looks.

Kind Regards,
Administrator,
Fairpatton.com