Gift of celebrating life with the living
From Main Street 12/6/17: “When Amy Bartoo throws a retirement party, she does it up right. Her husband, Gary, was feted at a celebration of his 40-year career in physical therapy on Sunday afternoon at the Lake City Center. I’m not sure the occupancy limit of the center but I’m sure that the standing room only crowd was maxing out the space.
Gary was good naturedly roasted and toasted with his one-time boss and longtime friend, Joe Morris serving as master of ceremonies. We heard funny and touching stories of how Gary’s passion for the work transformed lives but we also heard stories from high school friends, colleagues and community members. It was a joyful gathering for one of the really good guys.
As we all listened to Gary’s humble and grateful closing remarks, I couldn’t help but think the the only thing missing was “It’s a Wonderful Life’s” Harry Bailey showing up in uniform and offering a toast to the richest man in town.”
Although at the time of the retirement party a year ago every person in the room knew that Gary had been dealing with cancer for some time and that barring a miracle his time on earth would be measured in months, it was truly joyful. Everyone had been given a most generous gift by Amy ... the opportunity for a hug and a laugh and just to be present for a tangible testament to a life well-lived while the man of the hour was also present.
Gary bid his final farewell this weekend surrounded by loved ones and dear friends. In this season of Thanksgiving I’m grateful that people like Gary have graced our community. He really was the richest man in town and we were made all the richer for knowing him. Peace and love to Amy and the Bartoo family.
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Don Pischner turned 80 years old this past February and I’m quite sure on most any given day I couldn’t keep up with him. He’s a longtime pilot, former state legislator, lover of history and just a really interesting fellow. Recently he’s been sporting a ball cap emblazoned with UFO. No, Don hasn’t developed an interest in space aliens, he is now a member of United Flying Octogenarians.
The organization boasts a membership of over 1,500 men and women aviators, with several members over the age of 100. Most members are still active flyers. I think Don has found the fountain of youth ... and it has wings.
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Things to Do Highlights: Tomorrow is the 9th annual Souport the End of Homelessness luncheon event to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul warming centers in our communities. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Silver Lake Mall. Just $12 buys a sampling of over 50 homemade soups.
Also on Thursday, NIC’s Gathering of the Bands, 7 p.m. at Schuler Performing Arts Center. Free admission. A second concert is on Friday at 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, Library Holiday Craft Fair at Coeur d’Alene Public Library.
10th Annual Wild Turkey Dodgeball Tournament, Friday, 6 p.m. at Mullan Trail Elementary and Seltice Elementary, official National Amateur Dodgeball Association rules. Info 773-3511 or www.postfallsidaho.org. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 28th annual Coeur d’Alene High School Holiday Gift and Food Faire at Canfield Middle School. Note the location change due to construction at CHS.
John Brown Elementary School’s Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Craft vendors, bake sale, raffle and photos with Santa. Free admission.
Avondale Arts and Gift Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Avondale Golf Course on Saturday.
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Happy birthday today to Mamie Johnson, Jane Hansen, Jill Satterly, Tim Curry, Ann Jaworski and Robert Chatters. Tomorrow Matt Backs, Christopher Banks, Cheryl Siroshton, Mark Fisher, Teresa Eatherton, Jan Marie (60!), Joan Antonich, Charlie Miller, Mark Gustofson, Christina Ethridge and Mary Scalise blow out the birthday candles. On Friday Wayne Manis, Peter Smith, Colleen Allison, Greg Kosareff, Jim Morris, Sue Spinazza-Halliday, Chris Fillios, Karen Pichotta, Kilie Ellison, Dan Ripley and Stan Purcell take another trip around the sun. November 17 birthdays belong to my daughter Melani Oleson Gonzalez, Susan Weathers, Al Hassell, Sally Richards, Kareen Link, Maddie Kate Hansen, Neil Oliver and Laura Simon. On Sunday my very first nephew Leighton Scharf, Gina Mote and Michelle Rielly will celebrate. Aaron Baldwin, Nate Ziegler and Debbie Irby blow out the candles on Monday. Sandi Bloem, Dave Oliveria, Bob West, Michael King, Brian Smith, Kristin Hoppe, Linda Alby, Kim Jacklin (60!), Pat Thyssen, Chase Blakley, Rob Clark and Kayla Pleger will have their cake and eat it, too on Tuesday.
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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.