As we move forward into 2004 there are a large number of familiar faces and friends who will not be moving forward with us.  In 2003 they were snatched by Father Time when Mother Nature turned her back on them, and so they live on with us only as memories.
Memories can also move forward into the New Year, of course, but when we want to put our arms around them or shake their hands or touch their shoulder or look into their eyes, that's another matter 'cause the physical matter is missing.
I easily recall some of the Victoria people who died in 2003.  They are listed here in God's order, versus alphabetical order, along with a few memories.
*Bill Aretz, 74.  I saw Bill around town for years with his pickup truck and chairlift that gave him mobility, a gift from the Victoria Lions.  A brother of the old liberal mayor of Victoria, Chub Aretz.  Often drank coffee at the Cenex Station.  I smiled to see him as the Marlboro Man in his wheelchair in front of the nursing home.  Died February 12th.
*Nushie Schmid, 82.  A wild motorcycle man in his youth.  Looked good in a Navy uniform.  I never knew him as the founder and owner of Schmitty's; I only knew him as the man who enjoyed having beautiful wife Mae at his side and a fishing pole in his hand at the end of his dock on Lake Auburn.  Lived for a time each winter in Hawaii.  Died February 14th.
*Eugene Wartman, 73.  Laughed so easily, you know it?  A good shot of blackberry brandy almost cured everything that ailed him.  I see Euch walking across Main Street Victoria to the Post Office and to the Cenex Station in steel-toed shoes.  Hated to cross Highway 5.   In his youth, he was a star baseball player.  Fit and trim most of the time.  Many children.  Highlight of each day in the nursing home was seeing Julianne.  Loved to bum a cigarette in the old days.  Died March 9th.
*John Anderson, 81.  The kindest man.  So handsome.  Such a lovely head of thick white hair and the brightest smiling eyes this side of heaven.  Liz still languishes.  I envision John when he flew as a gunner on the wings of planes during World War II.  A hero to our country, his family, and his friends.  He couldn't get enough of his grandchildren.  Died April 24th.
*Ruth Plocher, 86.  She and Ralph walked together for years and enjoyed, especially, a stop at the old Victoria Cafe.  She shared her name with the mother of Wilfy and Fred Plocher, but was the feistier Ruth.  As she prepared to leave her home on Stieger Lake Lane in Victoria, she called me in to review her boxes of clippings and Victoria news.  Most of it came from past editions of the Gazette.  Died June 26th.
*Esther Krey, 95.  A lady of the Moravian persuasion.  Not one to go on about herself.  Tall.  Good posture.  Married a fellow that had a lake named after him.  Krey Lake might soon be annexed into the City of Victoria.  Esther didn't have biological children of her own but, as a schoolteacher, had hundreds of children in classrooms.  They sent her valentines that she treasured.  She saved them.  Died July 3rd.
*Gladys Hartmann, 96.  A faithful dutiful wife and mother.   Met Math at a social basket.  Stalwart friend.  No nonsense when it came to serious business.  Took to heart the task of writing the Senior's Corner in the Gazette for 14 years in the most perfect penmanship.  A former teacher would do that.  Often spoke of "the good Lord" and that she would be ready to go when He called her.  I see God greeting her with, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  Died December 30th.
Other Victoria people passed into memories in 2003.  I mentioned those I knew best.  Each of them was an "Old Town Victoria Person."  They lived in Victoria long before I moved here, in fact, long before I was born.  Most of today's Victoria residents probably never met a one of them.  That's how it is with life and death in fast growing towns and also in the world at large.
In the world at large I lost other good friends in 2003.  I call them friends and yet I never met a one of them in person.  They were part of the entertainment world, the best part of the entertainment world.  We could call each of them an "Old Time Recording Person."  They recorded music and movies that I continue to love.
Also in God's order, may they rest in peace.
    Fred Rogers, 74, died February 27th.
    Gregory Peck, 87, died June 13th.
    Katherine Hepburn, 96, died June 29th.
    Bob Hope, 100, died July 29th.
    Johnny Cash, 71, died September 12th.
    Art Carney, 85, died November 9th.

As we move forward into 2004, it is good to recall those who have gone before us.  It kind of helps us to put our arms around each other while we can.
                                        ~Sue