'Lost a very dear friend Sunday - - John

Don Becker · 10-05-2010, 11:49 AM

My partner at work has known John for probably some 30+ years and I have known him for 13+. 'Super decent man. We had careers in common and we got together for lunch several times a year.

John's wife died of cancer less than a year ago. Sometime in there, he was diagnosed with prostrate cancer.

We began getting worried at the time. He was going to take the lead in setting-up our next lunch and it had been too long. Wewere so afraid we might have already lost him. His phone was disconnected and his e-mails didn't go through. I contacted another mutual friend who let us know John was in bad shape and put us into contact with his daughter. They had not gotten to the cancer soon-enough (it's a long story but, he HAD been getting all of the appropriate periodic exams - - as we got the story from John, the doctor "missed it" - - whatever that means - - -) (Please, please do not turn this into a sue-the-doctor-thread. Any decision of that nature is the family's and theirs alone.)

John had been given one to three months - - we do not know how long ago that diagnosis had been rendered. Anyway, we made contact and Friday afternoon we made the trip to see him at his sister's home in Eugene. Our friend - - - did I mention John was the NICEST GUY? - - - was so looking forward to our visit! He sat right up on the bed, hung his legs over the side of the bed and sat there the entire hour visiting with us about old times and so on. He had lost a lot of weight but still was the same fine man, had a very strong handshake and only at the very end of our visit did he appear a little tired. We asked about that and he acknowledged that he was getting tired. We all three joined hands and prayed together. John was ready to join his beloved wife and what frustrated him the most was the not-knowing when.

Monday morning, we received the news by e-mail that he had passed-away Sunday. We're really happy for John that he's now pain free and with his wife and his Maker. 'Likely, his family here feel much the same but, they have to also be hurting at the loss of such a fine man. Please just say a little prayer or have a good thought for them.

Thanks. Don

CGRFish · 10-05-2010, 11:51 AM

Praying for the family for its loss. I lost an uncle to cancer on saturday, so there are plenty of familys to pray for.

gonfishenagin · 10-05-2010, 06:47 PM

Sorry about losing your friend,

for comfort for you and his family.

salmonfisher77 · 10-05-2010, 06:56 PM

I am truly sad to hear about your friend! RIP

letsfish · 10-06-2010, 07:28 AM

A genuine friend ...and you have been one to him also. I will pray for your comfort and the family's.

feisty's wife · 10-09-2010, 05:35 AM

I am glad he had you as a friend...God bless/keep you and your's.

Jennie@ifish · 10-17-2010, 02:29 PM

Thank GOD that you had that time, together. I just praise God for his goodness in things like this!

What a wonderful thing He did to put him in your mind when He did.

I'm sorry you lost your friend, Don.
Thanks for being there for him.

Jen

siletzsal · 10-17-2010, 07:33 PM

So sorry for your loss Don. John sounds like a wonderful man. We can have solice that he is in a far better place. As for the Dr. missing the prostate cancer diagnosis, that tells me that John was not given an annual PSA test. This simple blood test would have raised the red flag!! Many Dr's don't have this simple blood test included in their annual physicals, I know having had mine removed May 25. I would urge all to be proactive & to start having their PSA test done annually. Very treatable if caught in the early stages & this simple test will do that. Do yourselves & your loved ones a BIG favor and have your PSA test done. Our prayers are with John,his family and friends.

Don

Don Becker · 10-17-2010, 08:46 PM

Good advice. However, no, John did all of the right things. I think you missed this part: " . . . They had not gotten to the cancer soon-enough (it's a long story but, he HAD been getting all of the appropriate periodic exams - - as we got the story from John, the doctor "missed it" - - whatever that means - - -) . . . " Don

Don Becker · 10-28-2010, 06:50 PM

'Memorial service in Eugene Saturday afternoon. Don

Don Becker · 10-30-2010, 06:34 PM

All I can say is WOW! We should all be so loved and honored by our families and friends when our time comes. John's memorial service was most memorable. Don