Thursday, August 13, 2009
Mr.& Mrs. Parker,Ashley,Paige and Cole and Stacey: Before i went up to "Smith's" to pay my respects to Pat and his family, I crawled in my attic to dig up my Toronto Maple Leafs jersey to wear in his honour. I knew he was a big "Leaf fan". I want to apologize to you all as i just could not contain myself.I wanted to say a few words to you all, but i just couldn't do it, as i was too shook up. No, i was not his close buddy but knew him well growing up in this town and playing hockey either with or against him in Harrow and in our old timer league. He was a pure gentleman and one of the nicest guys around.I wished i had been on his team more often just to sit in the dressing room after the game and chat. I cried almost all the way to Windsor riding my motorcycle to work,thinking how the world could use more people like him and I'm sure if his children have any of his qualities, which i'm sure they do, they will be a far better person because of it. As i said before, he was not my close buddy but my emotions today disagree and he will be missed by many, especially by me. Rest in Peace Pat, you deserve it more than you'll ever know. your pal Swartsie