I have been traveling for the past week or so. My 38 year old brother William passed away last Tuesday from an apparent cardiac arrest and I drove home to be with my family in Western New York at this very stressful and distracting time in our lives. Renée and I arrived back home here in Virginia Beach safely around 1AM and life returns to a semblance of normalcy. I appreciate the sympathy and condolences that are sure to follow this announcement but please know that they are unnecessary; I am at peace with my brother's memory. He was a bear in spirit and when he loved, he loved unreservedly. By the same token, Heaven help you if you threatened his family. He is sorely missed by all of us.

The ceremony was very nice and went smoothly but was dwarfed to my mind by the Autumnal beauty of the Appalachian foothills at this time of year, the sight of which I have always associated with "home" and now and forever with my brother. I know my mother was comforted by our presence. It was especially nice that my youngest brother was able to return from Afghanistan in time for the service. If you choose to offer prayers, please offer them in support of my mother's strength and for the safety of her children abroad as my brother Mike returns to that land and my brother Curt will again follow in a few months.

The show must indeed go on. Bill would accept nothing less.

Warmest regards,

- Chip QNP