I am very sad today, for last night I found out that Art Cook, 36th Engineer passed away. An IMMENSE loss to me and to the world, for he was one hell of a man and a close, close personal friend. I shall share some comments I sent to Carl Furtado this morning, on Art's passing.
...Art's death gave me a real blow last night. I put off the tears until waking this morning. Art and I were very close and we emailed each other often, just like you and I. He was a real mentor and inspiration to me. We talked about all kinds of things including the war, and he also sent encouraging words to keep me going.
I have met many vets along the way, and some are mere acquaintances, some have become very good friends, and on a scale of 1-10, Art was a ten in my book, along with you, Stef, John and a few others. When a "ten" passes away, it is very hard to say goodbye. I shall miss his emails and calls. He always addressed each letter to me with, "Dear M...", and in turn I always signed my letters to him with, "Dear A..."
My condolences to his very dear wife, Dottie. I can't imagine how heavy her heart is.
More later, have to go grab a tissue and have some private time...
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Also posting John Fallon's comments to me last night. It says a lot...
Dottie Cook phoned me tonight and told me that Art died. He had been in and out of the hospital but died a peaceful death. What a wonderful guy; after he left the 36th Engineers he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne, another easy outfit. What can you say when you lose a fellow like Art? Remember what John Donne , the Anglican Dean of the Westminister Abbey said in a sermon, " Every man's death diminishes me for I am part of the universe. Ask not then, for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee." We are now 53 Rugged Seahorses.
36 Engineers are rugged......John Fallon II. Capt. USA Ret.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
