Torches and passings

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

et al;
 I am sure that there are those among the list members who recognize the 
names of Carl Helton and Vernon Calcotte.
  When I returned from KC I learned of the passing of each of these stalwarts 
of the tech community here in Jacksonville.
 Carl was not a current member of PTG, having allowed his membership to 
expire many years ago when he first started his battle with cancer. His 
friendly demeanor and ready wit was a joy to all who knew him.
  Vernon was one of the charter members of the NE Florida Chapter of PTG and 
before that was a member of the Piano Tuners Association. Vernon had heart 
problems and a few years back had a pace maker installed. A story that speaks 
volumes of Vernon centers around another member of PTG who was extremely 
active in the past, Mr. Barney Johns, RPT. Barney was having problems with 
his roof and Vernon went up on the roof to make the repairs for Barney (since 
he was 5 years younger than Barney at 71 :-) While working on the roof 
Vernon's pacemaker gave his heart a jolt, as it was designed to do, the jolt 
caused Vernon to lose his balance and he fell off of the roof...he didn't get 
hurt except for minor bruises but to hear Barney and Vernon tell the story 
was a memory that will live with those who have heard it for years. That 
story says more about Vernon than anything I could say................
 Neither of these two gentlemen were political tigers, rather they showed the 
way via their personal example.  We are all the less for their passing and 
they shall be missed.
 Go with God............. Carl and Vernon.
Jim Bryant (FL)