TWIT is very sad to report that my dear friend Boots has died. He was 83 years old. His name was Bernard Haysley, but everyone called him Boots. I had the priviledge of knowing Boots only a short time - for about seven years - but he was a dear, sweet gentleman. He was the father of one of my family's best friends (and my co-worker) Beverly. In the three years that he lived next door to us, the 'rents and I came to love him just like a father and grandfather.
Boots was a previous Commander at our VFW post, and was a proud Navy veteran of WWII. During the war, he served on the U.S.S. Alabama for almost three and half years. In 2005, Boots and his family spent Thanksgiving in Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial, where tribute was paid to Boots and his fellow comrads that served on the Alabama and other ships during the war.
Boots contracted a blood disease that eventually developed into leukemia. For the last six weeks, he spent most of the time in bed, but until the last week, he managed to go outside on the deck 4 or 5 times a day. Whenever Dad saw Boots out on the deck, he would drop whatever he was doing and run up there and visit with him for as long as he felt like sitting outside. Boots loved fried green tomatoes, and I bet Mom made a dozen batches of them during the past six weeks, taking him a big plate each time.
Boots also loved to go over to the casino boat. In fact, he was a Platinum player's club member. I had the priviledge of going there with him a few times. But his gaming partner was his girlfriend Virginia. They would play pinochle two or three times a week, and would go to the boat a few times a month. Boots would call Virginia every day faithfully, and they would chat for an hour or so. I talked with Virginia at the funeral home tonight, and she told me that she didn't even want to answer the phone anymore when it rang because she knew it wouldn't be Boots.
Boots loved his country, his family, and his friends. And as one of his fellow comrads from the VFW told me tonight as he and I said our goodbyes to Boots in front of his flag-draped casket, the world would be a better place if there were more Boots' out there. I couldn't agree more. Farewell, Boots. We'll continue to cheer for your Cincinnati Reds.
2 comments:
He sounded like a wonderful man, a hero! I am sorry for the loss of your friend! God Bless.
You did a great job on this earth, Boots. I've met many members of your family and I know you must have been proud of your wonderful children, grandchildren, and a couple of precious great grandchildren. You served your country and were a great friend and neighbor. I'm sure you'll continue to watch over everyone from up there because it sounds like you were a man who's work was never done!
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