Very Sad Halloween Morning

Well I got up this morning early and walked 2 miles before work. I was thinking about how good I felt and today's company Halloween Party.  I was trying to get in to finish setting up for our department decorating contest.  So I was driving to work about to pull in the parking lot when I saw an ambulance in front of the door to my dept.. My first thought was a lady I worked with just had heart surgery  was having problems.  Well that wasn't in.......it was much, much worst.  It turned out that my dear friend and co-worker Dennis has died in the restroom.  This may sound weird, but we have a break area next too the restrooms.  So he was in there filling up the Coffee pot and set down on the toilet (fully clothed) with the door opened and died.  The ladies that were in the office called 911 and they pronounced him died at the hospital.  We all knew Dennis had some health problem and he was obese, but he was doing so well the last couple of months.  This morning they said he came in joking and laughing. Heck he was joking with one of the ladies about a minute before it happened.  This man was such a good man he was a true friend to everyone he met.  We went to lunch together at least once a week and we traveled together many times over the last couple of years. We shared and office together with 3 other people.  We talked everyday and we were all cutting up and laugh yesterday about the party today. I've worked at my company for many years and the people there have become part of my extended family. Dennis had been at this company for almost 30 years and he was so looking forward to retiring in a few years to spend more time with his wife. His death will leaves a huge hole in our department for many,many years to come.

I have to admit a small part of my new lifestyle I started was influenced by him really unintentually.  A lot of his health issue were because of him being so over weight. I was talking to him a couple of weeks ago and was listen to some of his health problems. That's when I thought to myself I don't want to be that unhealthy at his age.  He was 62, but if you knew him he was a young 62 in spirit.   

I can't say enough about how great this man was,  He was a devoted husband, loving father, loving grandfather, a very active member of his church, a talented engineer , wonderful friend and an unbelievable good person.  I'm glad if he had to go he went in peace and I will miss you my friend, but I know if there is a heaven this man will be welcomed with open arms.


Thank you I just want to say something about my good friend.

I'm so sorry!  I lost a coworker a few years ago in a very similar cir****tance and it's soooo hard.

Hugs to all of you.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Sinclair.

Sinclair, I wanted to offer you my condolences on the passing of your good friend.  The best way for us to honor him is to live a healthy life and try to do the best that we can do for these bodies that we have been given for our dwelling. 

I pray for inner peace for you and his family.  

Mary

Wow, what a shock. I can't imagine how it would feel for such an unexpected thing to happen at work. Mary's right, of course, and you'll do well to honor him by continuing what he inspired.

How awesome it is that he has created such a legacy, even at work! Must have been a great man.

Ruth

Oh how awful, I'm so sorry.  It's so hard losing someone.  This sort of reminded me of my own father.  He passed away a year before he retired, and as your friend, was really looking forward to it.  With my father though, he got cancer so he knew what was coming.  It was sort of bitter sweet, because we take life for granted in all kinds of ways.  And his last days he got a taste of what he would have had if he lived a healthier lifestyle.  It just killed me seeing the sadness in his eyes.   Just makes you realize we might not ever get to see those "golden years" we plan for if we are not careful  in taking care of our self.  And better yet, make the best of every day we have now...not tomorrow.  Sort of sad  we tend to forget this until something tragic happens. 

My prayers are with you and his family.