This is the first time I have been able to sit down at the computer since we found Pat. I’m feeling angry, sad and very alone. Bobby, Pat, Kenny and Josh, came to my house on Sunday to help me with my race boat. We weren’t successful that day but, the last thing Pat said to me as he was leaving my house that Sunday afternoon was, “bring the boat over on Monday, I’ll fix it”. Pat was the most selfless person I knew. Always willing to help out. Never say no attitude. Pat was my friend, my buddy, my mechanic. The squirrel. We have all lost too many of our family members, friends and comrades. We all take chances every time we Race, Test, or just GO FAST, in our boats. I think though, we have all learned a lesson, a very costly lessen that was taught to us by our fallen brothers. I believe that some of these tragedies could have been avoided if maybe they were wearing their life jackets. Maybe our fallen brothers are trying to teach us something? We all have had the time to start the grieving process, and it hurts, it hurts real bad. I don’t want to have my family and friends go through what we have all went through again. Therefore, I have made a commitment to my family and friends. That commitment is a promise for all on board to wear our PFD’s when my boat is on plane. We all live life on the edge, but at what cost? I don’t mean to sound pompous, but I do believe that some of our fallen brothers could have possibly been saved, had they been wearing some form life jacket. I have enough decals on my boat. I salute Smitty, Augie, Allen and the rest of the safety committee within the OPA for keeping us safe while racing. God Bless our fallen brothers.
I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your good friend.
Your words are something we all need to take to heart.
I'm sorry for your loss, and the loss of all the friends and family.
I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him. Feel lucky you knew him and called him a friend.
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