I wrote this for a very dear family friend that died yesterday. He was only 45, in perfect health and he died from a heart attack. I've known his family since I was six years old, so we go back a long time. He leaves behind a wife and three kids. He was a volunteer fire fighter and a BCI officer. We trained together for the Underwater Rescue Squad for the fire dept. His loss is a great one.
My friend I've known you
for so many years
Your sudden departure
leaves me in tears.

The picnics and outings,
such fond memories
We bury you tomorrow
Neath the tall oak trees.

You left us too early
Just in your prime
Always so good
You fought fires and crime.

Black bands on the sleeve
In this years parade
As was worn for your father
Those memories won't fade.

All in full dress
The salute of twenty-one
He took you too early
For you were not done.

I remember with fondness
The good times we had
Together since childhood
Your loss makes me sad.