March 2013 ISSUE - Lake Fairways Estates A 55+ Adult Community ...

WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE
From Pat Strong
On February 5 th Richard (Dick) Strong passed
away at Gulf Coast Medical Center after suffering a
massive heart attack at the age of 67. The amazing
staff at Gulf Coast tried everything known to medical
science to save him; however, the damage was too
great. God called him home and made a new angel
that day.
During the 4½ days that Dick struggled to live I
was never alone. Our wonderful extended Lime
Lake, NY, family of friends and our other dear
friends that came to visit never left me alone. To
them, I say, "I Love You.” To my daughter, Tami
and our nieces, Kathy, Krissy, and Steffie who flew
in to take care of me, I say, "I Love You.” To our
friends since our military years in Germany 44 years
ago, who also kept me company in the hospital, I
say, "I Love You and will really miss our double deck
Pinochle battles.” To our Lions Club community of
friends that came to celebrate Dick's life and perform
the Empty Table Ceremony, I say, "I am so
fortunate to have you in my life.” To Barb Grant, I
say, "Your prayer touched all of our hearts.” To the
amazing staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center who are,
by far, the most loving, compassionate and amazing
clinical staff I have ever met, I say, "Thank You
from the bottom of my heart.” To Bob and Marie
Sickles, your daughter, Sharon, helped me in more
10
ways that I can say with her frank honesty when all
others tried to skirt around the inevitable. She eased
my breaking heart. To our dear friends at Pine Lakes
that filled my refrigerator with ham and turkey, I
say, "I Love You." To Jim Hayes, who took care of
all the final arrangements, I say, "I could never have
gotten through all of that without you, your gentleness
made things so much easier.”
To the bowlers on Friday afternoon, I say, "Dick
is bowling a 300 game everyday.”
To the golfers, I say, "Dick is hitting and putting
like never before and scoring 10 under par each
game'.
To the Texas Hold'em players, I say, "Dick has
pocket aces, one showing on the table and the river
is the Ace of Hearts and he has gone 'all in'. Read
them and weep.”
To all the night owls that come through the front
gate late at night, I hope that you always got a
smile and cheerful greeting.
We were so fortunate to have found such kind
and fun loving new friends at Lake Fairways. Your
phone calls and cards have helped to ease the pain
a little.
Dick will be laid to rest at the Bay Pines National
Veterans Cemetery in St. Petersburg on the grounds
of the Veterans Administration Hospital and Regional
Office (Dick worked for the VA for 37 years) with the
American Legion performing the Missing Soldier Ceremony
sometime in April.
CHASE THANKS
Many thanks to all my well-wishers for their cards,
phone calls and visits during and after my hospital stay.
I feel very blessed to live in Lake Fairways where
the fellowship and friendship are outstanding.
Kay Chase 55F