Farewell to a Co-worker

14 months ago, my co-worker Frank was diagnosed with acute myelgenous leukemia. Saturday he lost his long hard fought battle. We are a close group of workers, all 16 of us. I have worked there 19 years and these guys are like my family. Losing Frank was not only hard for me but for rest of the guys who worked with him. They worked in the good and bad of all weather being linemen.

The family was very kind in making sure we were included in all aspects of the funeral. As a group we the co-workers brought Frank into church. After the mass we lead to the cemetery.

This group shot includes all but 3 of us. The others were helping with arrangements.

At the cemetery as the casket was taken off the truck the song Wichita Lineman was played.

I am a lineman for the county.
And I drive the mainroad.
Lookin' in the sun for another overload.

I hear you singing in the wire.

I can hear you thru the whine.
And the Wichita Lineman,
is still on the line.

I know I need a small vacation.
But it don't look like rain.
And if it snows that stretch down south,
won't ever stand the strain.

And I need you more than want you.

And I want you for all time.
And the Wichita Lineman,
is still on the line.

Truck #34 was Frank's truck. If you look close his shirt is draped over the seat. A coke and a whatchamacallit candy bar was on the seat, two of his favorites.

Rest in peace Frank, May 20, 1964 to November 7, 2009