[joeychitwood]

Though I have expected this news for several days, it still comes as a shock. One of the nurses walked into my office as I was dabbing at my eyes with a handkerchief. She asked what was wrong, and I told her that a good friend had died.

I never met Gary, but I feel like I knew him, and now like everyone else, I'm feeling a loss and great sadness for you and your loved ones. I'm grateful that you had time to be with him and that his passing was peaceful.

You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.