[whitecree]

Whitecree is down. No joke, Whitecree is no more.

What happened? You ask. The short version is, Whitecree had a heart condition for the last bunch of years. He went to Vancouver for an angiogram/angioplasty, where they stick a catheter in your femoral artery in your leg, and run a hollow tube up to the heart and peek around with a fibre-optic camera. If they find plaque buildup, they use a tiny ballon to squeeze the plaque down, allowing the blood freer movement.

However, the procedure carries a slim risk of causing a possibly fatal heart attack, right there, as they do this procedure.

Since Whitecree was an atypical heart disease sufferer - meaning he didn't fit the 'norm' for heart patients - he also was one of those who fell into the slim chance of dying category.

So, my friends, these are my last words to you. I regret they are such sad and miserable ones - at least for me. I'll wait for you on the other side.

Now, there's a macabre thought...




This message retireved from Whitecree's files and posted by his request by his son.
Whitecree suffered a fatal heart attack early on the morning of May 27, 2007. This is an old farewell letter that he wished to be posted if he had passed during his procedure back in October, 2006. The timing may have been off, but his words still ring true. Farewell.

[chuckt]

OMG! This is so sad. I'd always enjoyed Whitecree's posts. I am saddened to think that we will enjoy them no more. Thank you for posting this. Blessings to his family and for his soul - home with the Great Spirit at last.

Sincerest condolences.

ChuckT

[squbrigg]

I am shocked and saddened by this message. Whitecree/Bob Hayward was my friend. We never got to meet physically, but we carried out a lively exchange via the internet and snail mail. He taught me much and I shall miss his humor and friendship always.

May the Eagle you so admired, lift your spirit and guide it into heaven! Peace my brother, rest in peace.

Bob

[Irishman]

Sorry to hear about this very sad news. My heart goes out to the family.
Patrick

[Paul_Guraedy]

Given the average age of woodcarvers in general, we have been fortunate here on the forum that so few of our members have submitted their final post. I think the posting by his son, of Whitecree’s own message, is a wonderful tribute to the power of friendship in our community. He thought enough of us to want to post one final message of farewell.
Family we are born with and assume our rightful place without effort, friends we choose and put energy into maintaining the relationship. I think Squarebriggs said it all and offered the highest tribute that can be given, “…he was my friend….”
Whitecree, there are many here who chose to call you friend and are happy that you thought of us as friends. We send our wishes that you fare well on the other side.
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[AlArchie]

To or for White Cree.

We will miss your contributions and humor. You brightered the path for others as you walked this earth. May you continue on the bright path!

Al

[Tom H]

Damn! Whitecree is one of the best. I say is, because he is. I will miss his posts, his stories, his insights, and his willing helpfulness. I never met him, except on this forum, but I will miss him. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Tom H

[btree50]

What terrible news. Whitcree was a favorite of mine to read also.
As Paul G said, given the average age of woodcarvers, this should be a lesson to all of us. We need to see a doctor to help take care of our aging bodies. I for one see a doctor very often because I, like Whitecree, have heart disease. I have had 4 heart procedures. The visits to the doctor saved my life literally, twice.
Unfortunately, heart disease is the number one killer of people today. It beats all the cancers combined. So all my friends on this board, for Whitecree, get a checkup in honor of him.

[BobD]

Whitcree,
I know you are reading this; if not on a screen, but in the thoughts and feelings I'm sending up.

You will be missed, my friend. But we all celebrate your life, your accomplishments, your carvings, and your humor. Rest up, because when we all get up there with you, it's going to be a party!

Bob

[Callynne]

I too am shocked and deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, your 'online family' will miss you very, very much too! Have fun hunting and carving, till we meet again! Deborah