New TOCA president, Bill Klutho, addresses the Annual Meeting attendees.

You know I won't always be there for him—at least in person. But I've thought of you every day since you left us in June.

Not the frail, struggling-to-breathe dad on that bed that evening, but the one that found time to play catch with me after a 12-hour work day.

The one with the solitary voice breaking out of a crowd of a thousand who would say, 'throw strikes' when I was pitching that night in Jasper, Ind. when our team of 16-year olds beat the college kids.

The one that told me about the facts of life in a five minute car ride around the block that I really didn't understand until years later. You remember, we were staring straight through the windshield when you simply asked, 'Do you have any questions?' I said no and we were home. Short and simple. My dating life might have suffered but I didn't.

Do you remember the night you were inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame? As a humble man, I had never seen you out front because that wasn't your style. You worked hard. You went to church everyday even if it meant going at 4:30 in the morning so you could still make it to work by six. You raised three kids who probably never really told you they loved you enough. But they did. And they still do.

Mom is doing well. I know that was the one thing you were most concerned with during those last months. After spending so much time the past couple of years watching you at the nursing home, she is starting to get out. She's even volunteering at the hospital a little. But she misses you in the 'new' house the two of bought 35 years ago. Her neighbors have been watching out for her as well.

Anyway, I guess I should wrap this up. You've probably got a game to pitch or catch up there and I don't want to hold you back. Say hello to St. Pete over on first base for me. He could always make the big catch. Hope you're able to have a cold beer after the game. Enjoy it and relax. You never had much time to do that here. Amy, Charlie, Donovan and I all miss you very much.

One more thing…I'd like to share your card with some friends of mine in this green industry you never quite understood. Don't feel bad. Some of us can't quite figure it out ourselves sometimes. But you always taught me the importance of teamwork, helping the person next to you and remembering when its time to head home for the real reward. It's just like baseball…always a one-on-one encounter but impossible to succeed without your eight other teammates. The only time you lose is when you never play. And these folks are players.

Didn't even get a chance to talk about your experiences in WWII but you never said much about them yourself. The horror of war was something I didn't need to know about; always thinking about me. Every life is an incredible series of events that need to be lived to the fullest. In your own quiet way, you did that everyday. You were indeed a gentle man. I only hope I'm able to take your gentleness and pass it on to my boys.

Love always,

Bill

 
Thanks for indulging me for a few lines. There are a few important upcoming events that should be on your schedule.

First and foremost, we hope to see you at the new member breakfast at GIE in Orlando. Dates and times are on our web site.