Dear Stan,
As you know, I worked for a company that was mainly a sales organization. As an executive I had to write many many letters of tribute or congratulations to our field salespeople or employees. Letters such as those were always difficult as it is not one of my strengths. This one will come easy for me.
I miss you man.
I know it's been only one day, but I miss you. I'll never forget how we met. First on the AOL board, then you attending our preseason tailgate party in 1999. It was at that party that we decided to open it up, to include all of our AOL friends. You did the leg work, Don and I did the cooking. Thanks to you, I've met so many wonderful lifelong friends at these parties. I'm not going to mention them as the names are far too many. But, if they're reading this, they will know who they are.
The parties grew and were a blast. We entertained groups as small as 12 and as large as over 100. You were the General and we were your lieutenants. Thanks to you I've met terrific people from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico, and overseas. We met new friends together, we got drunk together, and we even had our cars broken into while we were at the game together.
I was honored when you asked Don, Carl and I to cook at your wedding party. We had a blast and that was the first time that I met your beautiful bride, Kathy. The two of you were, and have always been a wonderful couple. I've never met a couple like you that had so much fun laughing at each other and with each other. Our families have shared so many good times from Berea to Panama City Beach.
Stan, I know from talking to Kathy, Alexis, Shannon, Trevor, others and my own experiences over the years what a great and caring father you have been. Your family's hearts have never been heavier than they are today.
As I walked back from the Stadium today, I thought back to the all the same walks we made together. Today was a tough walk for me because, even though we won, I walked back without one of my fondest friends.
I miss you man.
Ed