My own little tribute, in black and white

Painful as it is to me, I have realized that I must wait to put the tribute together until after the funeral. I have gathered some good material and I will gather more, but my hands are just too full and will remain so until it is over. So, while I will continue to post something daily, the tribute itself will come after the burial.

Yet, the picture above represents a bit of personal tribute from me to Vincent all in itself. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not wear white shirts, black slacks, and black ties. In fact, I pretty much don't wear ties at all, unless they are bolo and carved by Iñupiat artisans from walrus ivory, ugruk teeth and bowhead baleen.

Before he died, Vincent requested that the males in his family and among his close friends wear black slacks, white shirts, black ties, black socks, black shoes - this to reflect and pay respect to the Mormon part of his heritage.

So today I bought these clothes at J.C. Penney's in the off-reservation border town of Lakeside. I love the man. I respect the man. In his honor, I will wear my new white shirt, my new black tie, my new black slacks, my new black socks and my new black shoes.

And if you could see me, you would notice that my hair is cut short, my beard cut to the trimmest that it has been in years. This, too, I have done out of respect for Vincent Craig.

Comments

[mocha]

You are a fine man Bill Hess for fulfilling your friend's wishes. ( And it certainly never hurts to have a nice crisp white Van Heusen shirt and a black tie in the closet.) Prayers and best wishes to all of you.

[Michelle]

Thinking of you, hoping you and Vincent's family will be fine during the next days. Awaiting your tribute.

[Kathryn Campbell]

You are a good man, to honor a friend. Peace be with you.

[debby]

Honoring the final request of your friend says a great deal about your own character.