RIP's

Jersey-Jim · 07-13-2009, 10:45 PM

Tomorrow I have to go to the funeral for my neighbor, John Barrio. John was 79 years old. He drank more rum and cokes than any other human being I ever met. It's hard to believe he lived as long as he did. I don't think I ever saw him completely sober? He had a small dog, a Chihuahua named Jody, that he bought a few years ago. This dog put a smile on his face every day.

John had a handful of daughters (3) and a 2nd wife that he was married to since around 83'.

I met John through my father. They and a group of retired older guys (over 70) like to play golf together. I can't play golf well unless it's on a computer. In fact, there's a whole lot of things I can't do well unless they're on a computer...

Anyway, they lost a friend. And so did I. I guess I'm writing this because, with all the deaths that seem to headlining through the media lately... don't make the mistake of taking for granted the people you have around you every day.

People like John. And while they may not be well known, famous or particularly skilled in any one area... they always seem to leave you with a smile on your face.

Regardless of whatever fame or wealth any of us may achieve over the years, hopefully the same will be said of us when our time comes.

John's passing was recorded in a little section in the local paper. I'll miss John and am glad I had a chance to make a little post for him on this site.

RIP my friend.

Mark42661 · 07-14-2009, 06:29 PM

Rest in Peace John.

bdennis2 · 07-14-2009, 06:42 PM

I had a uncle that sounded a lot like John he was only 57 when he past even with his love for Jack Daniels he still was a joy to be around he stayed with my mom and dad he past in 1979 and i still miss him.

John rest in peace.

basketcase77 · 07-14-2009, 08:30 PM

Jersey Jim you are so right, RIP John all the way from the UK!.

Bogie · 07-14-2009, 09:39 PM

here, here Jim...Rip John

wildhawke11 · 07-15-2009, 12:46 AM

Jim and Friends
Your a nice man Jim, and its so true what you say, we do take things for granted much to often. I am so sorry to hear about your friend John but i know you will have many happy memories of him. Today as it happens my wife was working in the kitchen. I went in there put my arm around Rita kissed her on the cheek and said " You know something i am glad you married me" She smiled said "What do you want Dan" "Nothing i said i just wanted to tell you"

What i did not tell my wife is i had been thinking back many years ago to when my sixteen year old brother was killed in an road accident while on holiday. I was only twenty seven at the time. The thing that always bothers me is before he left he had been trying to talk to me about the holiday or something connected with it. For some reason or other i was not in a good mood that day and brushed him off with a remark such as Michael i am not really interested or words to that affect. They were the last words i ever said to him. Of course i know my young brother would forgive me but i so wish i had taken the time to listen to him. Sometimes in life you don't get a second chance and live to regret it.
Danny

Mark42661 · 07-15-2009, 02:01 AM

Danny,

Thanks for sharing that pic. You have a lovely wife. But who is that old man next to her?

By the way, I'm glad you know your brother would forgive you. Wherever he is, I bet he wishes he could tell you to forgive yourself. That's not how he wants to live in your memory.

Mark

jofre · 07-15-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark42661

Danny,

Thanks for sharing that pic. You have a lovely wife. But who is that old man next to her?

By the way, I'm glad you know your brother would forgive you. Wherever he is, I bet he wishes he could tell you to forgive yourself. That's not how he wants to live in your memory.

Mark

I agree with Mark. Your brother would forgive you. I've known you for several years and have come to know what a caring and compassionate person you are.

Best!

Dan

Lee · 07-15-2009, 12:55 PM

Great thread and oh so right. I lost my Grandmother 4 1/2 years ago and still miss her dearly. She was the sterotypical proper British Lady, who I never heard say a cross word about anybody.

When I was a teenager, despite my involvement in athletics I had a F*** up side as well and managed to cause the people that cared about me a lot of sleepless nights. But when others wrote my off, my Grandmother was always there, always stuck up for me and always had advice and a kind word. There was no question she loved me and in the end I straighted up because I could not bear to let her down in more. She never said a word when I screwed up, but the pain in her eyes said it all and I finally just couldn't stand to see her that way anymore and finally "got it."

My big regret is that she never got to meet my current wife. I talked to her monthly and knew she was sick, but she never let on how sick. I told her we would be up to visit once Football Season was over. Well, she passed away with 2 games left in our season and it crushed me that I did not make it back to Utah in time to say goodbye. She had my aunt come over for England, but asked her not to tell me she was dying as she did not want me to see her that way because she didn't want to see me upset.......

When we got back for the funeral, my Aunt did share this story with me about my Grandmothers last day. Again, remember she was a prim and proper British Lady, perfect etiquette and manners at all times. Well, the day before she passed a young orderly, who was apparently quite handsome, was attending to her. Out of nowhere my Grandmother reached up and smacked his bottom, smiled weakly and said. "I have always wanted to do something like that." I laughed so hard that the tears of sadness, turned to tears of joy. She had to get just one devilish act in before she left the earth and waited 84 years to do it. I fully believe that was probably the only "inappropriate" thing she did in her life and had to try at least one thing risque before she went....Kind of like her Bucket list.

I could go on for pages with stories about my Grandmother, but I will just end with saying as others have echoed. Never assume you have tomorrow with someone special and let them know it. Prayers to all who have lost special people. thank Jim, Danny and others for this great reminder!

I miss you Nana!

wildhawke11 · 07-16-2009, 06:19 AM

Thanks guys for opening your hearts just a little, and the flattering remarks some of you made about me. No one is perfect we all have faults, and i guess we all have done things we are not proud of. But sadly we cant go back in time and correct them, we must continue on the path of life a little wiser perhaps and hopefully be a little more forgiving ourselves.
Your Old Friend
Danny.

Thunder · 07-16-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildhawke11

Sometimes in life you don't get a second chance and live to regret it.
Danny

Thank you so much for sharing. I think I'll be smiling at people a little more for days . .hopefully longer.
Nice to get these reminders now and again.

Mad Bomber · 07-24-2009, 09:07 PM

Jim, I am very sorry to hear of your loss, and Danny that was a very touching story, and I'm certain that your brother would have never held it against you.

I lost my uncle just before christmas when I was eighteen, and he was more of a father to me than my father or step-father ever were, and I miss him every day. He was only 46, and as I come upon my 50th birthday I often think what would have happened had he lived...even if was for only another 10 years or so.

Jersey-Jim · 07-25-2009, 11:06 AM

Thanks, Greg. It's all a reminder that we're not here a very long time when you really stop and think about it!

IceTea · 07-25-2009, 01:26 PM

Rip

Crimson · 07-25-2009, 03:19 PM

Jim, you have my sincere sympathies. Your friend John sounds like someone I'd have gotten along well with.

This thread is a good reminder of how short life and the time we spend with others can be. It's been one tragic loss after another in boxing this year. I'm still really bummed out about losing Arturo Gatti and Alexis Arguello. And I only know them as fighters from magazines/television, cheering and appreciating what they did while boxing.

Jersey-Jim · 07-25-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson

Jim, you have my sincere sympathies. Your friend John sounds like someone I'd have gotten along well with.

This thread is a good reminder of how short life and the time we spend with others can be. It's been one tragic loss after another in boxing this year. I'm still really bummed out about losing Arturo Gatti and Alexis Arguello. And I only know them as fighters from magazines/television, cheering and appreciating what they did while boxing.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

And thanks again, everyone. It's good to remember people who make a difference, whether they did things on a large scale or not.

.

stevebydac · 07-25-2009, 10:59 PM

Today I went to a funeral for an 80 year old 2nd cousin of mine. She was a sweet lady, part of a funny, happy couple that was always smiling every time you saw them. They were married 61 years. They used to be my grandparents' neighbors.

This woman was uneducated, didn't have a job - she was just a great wife and mother and grandmother. 99.9999999% of the world didn't know she even existed. 100 years from now, no one will even be able to tell a story about her.

But she made her own little world a much better place. That couldn't be proven more than by my own reaction today. My eyes got wet today thinking about how nice she and her husband always were to me as I grew up. Since my grandparents died, I had not seen them in years other than a quick "hello" at a wedding or funeral. Yet I had that reaction - it says a lot about how special she was.

07-13-2009, 10:45 PM	#1
Jersey-Jim Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toms River, NJ & Sarasota, FL. Posts: 2,702	RIP's Tomorrow I have to go to the funeral for my neighbor, John Barrio. John was 79 years old. He drank more rum and cokes than any other human being I ever met. It's hard to believe he lived as long as he did. I don't think I ever saw him completely sober? He had a small dog, a Chihuahua named Jody, that he bought a few years ago. This dog put a smile on his face every day. John had a handful of daughters (3) and a 2nd wife that he was married to since around 83'. I met John through my father. They and a group of retired older guys (over 70) like to play golf together. I can't play golf well unless it's on a computer. In fact, there's a whole lot of things I can't do well unless they're on a computer... Anyway, they lost a friend. And so did I. I guess I'm writing this because, with all the deaths that seem to headlining through the media lately... don't make the mistake of taking for granted the people you have around you every day. People like John. And while they may not be well known, famous or particularly skilled in any one area... they always seem to leave you with a smile on your face. Regardless of whatever fame or wealth any of us may achieve over the years, hopefully the same will be said of us when our time comes. John's passing was recorded in a little section in the local paper. I'll miss John and am glad I had a chance to make a little post for him on this site. RIP my friend. __________________ *The Boxing Magazine.com: Sep. 2010 Issue* The 2010 All-Time Heavyweight Champions Tournament Notes From A Title Bout Universe Notes from my All-Time Tournaments Heavyweight \| Light Heavyweight Middleweight \|

07-15-2009, 12:46 AM	#6
wildhawke11 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: united kingdom Posts: 1,952	Jim and Friends Your a nice man Jim, and its so true what you say, we do take things for granted much to often. I am so sorry to hear about your friend John but i know you will have many happy memories of him. Today as it happens my wife was working in the kitchen. I went in there put my arm around Rita kissed her on the cheek and said " You know something i am glad you married me" She smiled said "What do you want Dan" "Nothing i said i just wanted to tell you" What i did not tell my wife is i had been thinking back many years ago to when my sixteen year old brother was killed in an road accident while on holiday. I was only twenty seven at the time. The thing that always bothers me is before he left he had been trying to talk to me about the holiday or something connected with it. For some reason or other i was not in a good mood that day and brushed him off with a remark such as Michael i am not really interested or words to that affect. They were the last words i ever said to him. Of course i know my young brother would forgive me but i so wish i had taken the time to listen to him. Sometimes in life you don't get a second chance and live to regret it. Danny Attached Images

07-15-2009, 12:55 PM	#9
Lee Global Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The Scorched Desert Posts: 4,651	Great thread and oh so right. I lost my Grandmother 4 1/2 years ago and still miss her dearly. She was the sterotypical proper British Lady, who I never heard say a cross word about anybody. When I was a teenager, despite my involvement in athletics I had a F*** up side as well and managed to cause the people that cared about me a lot of sleepless nights. But when others wrote my off, my Grandmother was always there, always stuck up for me and always had advice and a kind word. There was no question she loved me and in the end I straighted up because I could not bear to let her down in more. She never said a word when I screwed up, but the pain in her eyes said it all and I finally just couldn't stand to see her that way anymore and finally "got it." My big regret is that she never got to meet my current wife. I talked to her monthly and knew she was sick, but she never let on how sick. I told her we would be up to visit once Football Season was over. Well, she passed away with 2 games left in our season and it crushed me that I did not make it back to Utah in time to say goodbye. She had my aunt come over for England, but asked her not to tell me she was dying as she did not want me to see her that way because she didn't want to see me upset....... When we got back for the funeral, my Aunt did share this story with me about my Grandmothers last day. Again, remember she was a prim and proper British Lady, perfect etiquette and manners at all times. Well, the day before she passed a young orderly, who was apparently quite handsome, was attending to her. Out of nowhere my Grandmother reached up and smacked his bottom, smiled weakly and said. "I have always wanted to do something like that." I laughed so hard that the tears of sadness, turned to tears of joy. She had to get just one devilish act in before she left the earth and waited 84 years to do it. I fully believe that was probably the only "inappropriate" thing she did in her life and had to try at least one thing risque before she went....Kind of like her Bucket list. I could go on for pages with stories about my Grandmother, but I will just end with saying as others have echoed. Never assume you have tomorrow with someone special and let them know it. Prayers to all who have lost special people. thank Jim, Danny and others for this great reminder! I miss you Nana! Attached Images

07-24-2009, 09:07 PM	#12
Mad Bomber All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,566	Jim, I am very sorry to hear of your loss, and Danny that was a very touching story, and I'm certain that your brother would have never held it against you. I lost my uncle just before christmas when I was eighteen, and he was more of a father to me than my father or step-father ever were, and I miss him every day. He was only 46, and as I come upon my 50th birthday I often think what would have happened had he lived...even if was for only another 10 years or so. __________________ Keep on Punchin' There are three things that go on a fighter, first your reflexes go, then your chin goes, and then your friends go. Willie Pep

07-25-2009, 11:06 AM	#13
Jersey-Jim Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toms River, NJ & Sarasota, FL. Posts: 2,702	Thanks, Greg. It's all a reminder that we're not here a very long time when you really stop and think about it! __________________ *The Boxing Magazine.com: Sep. 2010 Issue* The 2010 All-Time Heavyweight Champions Tournament Notes From A Title Bout Universe Notes from my All-Time Tournaments Heavyweight \| Light Heavyweight Middleweight \|

07-14-2009, 06:29 PM	#2
Mark42661 All Star Starter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Home of the Kansas City Chiefs! Posts: 1,080	Rest in Peace John.

07-14-2009, 06:42 PM	#3
bdennis2 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 241	I had a uncle that sounded a lot like John he was only 57 when he past even with his love for Jack Daniels he still was a joy to be around he stayed with my mom and dad he past in 1979 and i still miss him. John rest in peace.

07-14-2009, 08:30 PM	#4
basketcase77 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 130	Jersey Jim you are so right, RIP John all the way from the UK!.

07-14-2009, 09:39 PM	#5
Bogie All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 561	here, here Jim...Rip John

07-15-2009, 02:01 AM	#7
Mark42661 All Star Starter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Home of the Kansas City Chiefs! Posts: 1,080	Danny, Thanks for sharing that pic. You have a lovely wife. But who is that old man next to her? By the way, I'm glad you know your brother would forgive you. Wherever he is, I bet he wishes he could tell you to forgive yourself. That's not how he wants to live in your memory. Mark

07-16-2009, 06:19 AM	#10
wildhawke11 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: united kingdom Posts: 1,952	Thanks guys for opening your hearts just a little, and the flattering remarks some of you made about me. No one is perfect we all have faults, and i guess we all have done things we are not proud of. But sadly we cant go back in time and correct them, we must continue on the path of life a little wiser perhaps and hopefully be a little more forgiving ourselves. Your Old Friend Danny.

07-25-2009, 01:26 PM	#14
IceTea Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sherrill, NY Posts: 9,819	Rip __________________ Don't worry, be happy! Women's Boxing Cyber Boxing Zone Philadelphia Boxing Boxrec Ross Boxing https://boxingjones.com/

07-25-2009, 03:19 PM	#15
Crimson All Star Reserve Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 996	Jim, you have my sincere sympathies. Your friend John sounds like someone I'd have gotten along well with. This thread is a good reminder of how short life and the time we spend with others can be. It's been one tragic loss after another in boxing this year. I'm still really bummed out about losing Arturo Gatti and Alexis Arguello. And I only know them as fighters from magazines/television, cheering and appreciating what they did while boxing.

07-25-2009, 10:59 PM	#17
stevebydac All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: In a fictional baseball world Posts: 840	Today I went to a funeral for an 80 year old 2nd cousin of mine. She was a sweet lady, part of a funny, happy couple that was always smiling every time you saw them. They were married 61 years. They used to be my grandparents' neighbors. This woman was uneducated, didn't have a job - she was just a great wife and mother and grandmother. 99.9999999% of the world didn't know she even existed. 100 years from now, no one will even be able to tell a story about her. But she made her own little world a much better place. That couldn't be proven more than by my own reaction today. My eyes got wet today thinking about how nice she and her husband always were to me as I grew up. Since my grandparents died, I had not seen them in years other than a quick "hello" at a wedding or funeral. Yet I had that reaction - it says a lot about how special she was. __________________ Last edited by stevebydac; 07-25-2009 at 11:00 PM.