I appreciate the thoughts from everyone, but this was posted on the anniversary of his passing... he's been gone 3 years, but it still affects me a lot, particularly on November 5. He was only 66 and had just recently retired.
So anyhow, in his honor I walked to the cemetary for a visit, and then headed down to the neighborhood tavern and had his usual pre-dinner fare: a dry gin martini and an Antonio y Cleopatra Grenadier (cigar)... nasty stuff, the both of 'em.
Thanks for the thoughts, guys.