Jan 27 2009
When Friends Die
It is always a shock to hear someone has died. Unfortunately, I experienced this shock last evening. My one time boss and friend Harry, had a heart attack while on vacation in Mexico and passed away. He was too young to die. He left behind a wife, son and daughter, brothers and sister and many friends.
He and his family came here from Iran in order to create a better life. He did just that. He opened retail businesses which had been thriving. He opened the first retail music box store in the country over 30 years ago. He knew how to run a business like no one I’ve ever known. He had the “street smarts” and savvy to be successful in the business world. He was a caring and sweet man who was fiercely loyal and expected the same from those around him. That is one thing I respected most about him.
I learned the retail business from him through hard work. While of course when working for someone through such a long period of time there will be disagreements, I always had the utmost respect for him.
One special memory is of him walking through the door each morning and flashing that devilish smile with a wink and saying “Hi cutie” to me. Every single day he uttered these words and it always put a smile on my face. He loved talking on the phone. He was constantly talking and even sometimes singing on the phone. It was normal to see him with his cell phone to one ear and the land line phone to the other. It was hilarious to see.
He was a charmer. He knew how to talk to people and make them feel as if they were the only one in the room. He could sell anything to anybody. I learned from the master. He taught me many things not only about the life of retail sales but life in general.
He was a good, caring decent man, husband and father. I will truly miss him and hold a special spot in my heart for him. Goodnight my friend, sleep peacefully Harry.
I am sad of your loss but glad you put pen to paper because this is what keeps people’s memory alive and in that way they never really die. They are always with us in spirit. I am sending huggles to you and will say a prayer fro your Dear Friend that he rests in a nice Heaven.
I am sad to hear about the death of your friend, Harry. It is good that
we cherish those we love and treasure every special moment. Life
goes by in the blink of an eye, doesn’t it? I am especially feeling
that as I grow older and, all too often, I hear news of the untimely
death of someone for whom I cared but had so little time with in
recent years. I am trying to take a few moments each day to reconnect with friends, even if it’s just a short phone call or to send a
postcard.
yan- you are so right. Putting memories to paper is also theraputic. Thank you my friend.
Carmen - Yes, life is way too short and you have the right idea to keep in touch as much as you can. Thx, xoxo
Sorry to hear about your friend’s death. It is always quite a jolt for us when we hear about someone dying before, what we felt, their time.
But death in a way makes us appreciate more of the living.
Very good point Lina, thank you.