[Nfbwv-talk] MY PREVIOUS MESSAGE

[Ed McDonald]

In case my previous message about Buck's death was somewhat confusing, 
perhaps I should explain that it was intended primarily for a "national 
audience" on the NFB Chapter Presidents list. I thought, however, that those 
of you on our NFBWV discussion list might want to see it as well.

I hardly know what to say in response to Buck's passing. My earliest 
memories of him go back to the West Virginia School for the Blind where both 
of us were students. He was one of the "big boys" when I started 
kindergarten in 1955. He graduated ten years ahead of me, and so I really 
didn't know him well as a student. Nevertheless, I certainly knew that voice 
which was distinctive and resonant even back then! A few of you may recall 
that in those days when we gathered in the dining room, several of the older 
students took turns saying grace before the meal. I never knew whether there 
was a plan for determining who would do it or whether someone simply spoke 
up when the spirit moved. I only know that Buck is the one I remember most 
vividly.

I really cannot recall when I became reacquainted with Buck and Mary Ann as 
Federationists. It seems as they have been part of the organization as long 
as I have, and I suppose that's true. They attended their first state 
convention in 1969, the same year that I did.

Over the years they have always been there, and I have always looked forward 
to visiting and perhaps having a meal with them whenever we gathered for a 
convention or a board meeting. I have stayed in their home and walked the 
streets of Point Pleasant with them in search of advertising for our 
affiliate's Yearbook.

We have shared many conversations about such things as science fiction and 
old-time radio. When I worked at the radio station at Ohio University in 
Athens, we carried a weekly program featuring old-time radio shows, and one 
night I put Buck on the air by phone to talk about the subject. Earlier this 
evening I happened to be reading a book about old-time radio and how sound 
effects were created. As I learned some things I had not known before, my 
first thought was, "I'll have to talk with Buck about that."

For many years Buck has, of course, conducted the memorial service at our 
state conventions. This year it will be up to us to memorialize him, and 
that could take quite a while. I have a lot of memories!

Buck was a man of ideas--always coming up with novel ways of thinking about 
Federationism and things we might try to accomplish. Just a few days before 
he entered the hospital, he called to share one of those ideas, and that's 
the last time I talked with him. I sure will miss those calls!

Rest in peace, my friend.

Ed