[Oe List ...] Visit with Fred Buss

[Ken Fisher]

Thank you, Jack.

Ken


On 2011-03-06, at 10:11 PM, Jack Gilles wrote:

Dear Colleagues,

I just wanted to share with you a little bit of our visit with Fred.  George Walters, Judy & Bob Fishel and Judy and myself visited Fred at his care center this afternoon.  We had lunch with Ann, his "significant other" and then around 3 PM we all arrived to see Fred in his wheelchair waiting for us just outside the small library. i didn't know what do expect, knowing he was suffering from an infection and other complications from his treatment for his cancer.  We were told by Ann that he had lost 60 pounds.  My first look at him caused me to grin and rush out to greet him.  It was a thin, but smiling Fred, and if I squinted I could see the young man who taught my RS-I in 1966.  We  had a wonderful time with him!  Four two hours we talked and told stories.  He wanted to know what happened in Mexico since he and Ann had originally planned to be there.  Although he occasionally struggled go get the right word out, most of the time was spent enjoying the Fred we all so lovingly remember.  He was thrilled by all of us being there and we were thrilled to be in his presence.  George presented him with the two volumes of the December DC Symposium on our legacy.  Fred had been there and was delighted to get them.  George printed out a copy on the library computer there of one of the pictures of Fred talking to Lindsey and Priscilla at the Symposium.    He will get him a color copy later.

After two hours of great interchange and laughter we called Joe Thomas and we all shared greetings and laughter.  Joe is coming to see Fred on the 18th.   It became clear that we had reached his limits of strength and we said our goodbyes.  But one last thing Fred wanted to do, he stood up from his wheelchair to say goodbye to each of us with a hug.  You can't imagine what it took for him to do that, it was so touching and meaningful.  But Fred was determined to do it, and he did.

I don't want to comment or speculate on his illness and his future.  Let's just say it is limited.  But Fred is living his life and dying his death in a way that does us all proud.  So if your travels take you anywhere near Boynton Beach drop in and get your soul refreshed.  Fred has always bathed us in his uniqueness and so he does even today.  I simply want to say Thank You Fred, it is an honor and profound privilege to have served this world with you.

Grace & Peace,

Jack
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