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Rocket
Sept 15, 2011 21:40:54 GMT -5
Post by Turk on Sept 15, 2011 21:40:54 GMT -5
At the farm my cell phone is out of range, late this afternoon I went down the mountain and noticed I had a voice mail, it was from Rocket’s wife received around 1ish our time.
Rocket passed away September 12 from injuries sustained in a car accident on August 21.
Rocket’s wife said he went back in a coma and was confirmed brain dead. Rocket’s wish was not to be plugged into machines to maintain life, when the plug was pulled Rocket passed away in few hours.
I did not call back but I will when I’m able.
I spoke with Rocket on August 20 while in Phoenix but we did not meet. From an audio perspective Rocket was not anything like I expected. No Texas drawl but an articulate, intelligent and funny individual. I don’t know what else to say and I’ve held the news for a few hours.
Animal went by Rick so did Rocket, like Animal Rocket was 55 years old both had two kids and two grandkids. Rocket was a high school teacher in Houston.
Rest in peace my friend, you are missed.
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Rocket
Sept 15, 2011 22:15:35 GMT -5
Post by nikki on Sept 15, 2011 22:15:35 GMT -5
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Rocket
Sept 15, 2011 22:43:15 GMT -5
Post by Jack on Sept 15, 2011 22:43:15 GMT -5
I don't have words right now -- only shock and Another one left us way too early, but will be remembered for a long time. RIP Rocket.
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Rocket
Sept 15, 2011 23:00:14 GMT -5
Post by jdredd on Sept 15, 2011 23:00:14 GMT -5
I'm with nikki...
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Rocket
Sept 15, 2011 23:35:17 GMT -5
Post by jdredd on Sept 15, 2011 23:35:17 GMT -5
I'm not one of these people who believes the Universe created itself out of nothing, and everything is random. I believe everything that happens has a purpose, which we are not privileged to know. Such is Rocket's passing. My sympathies to his family.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 3:20:44 GMT -5
Post by dolphie on Sept 16, 2011 3:20:44 GMT -5
Oh my God, not Rocket too. I am not surprised by your description of him in real life, Turk. Rocket was always spot on and he brought laughter and sparked energy whenever he posted. He lived up to his name. My heart is in pain. Animal and Rocket within a month of each other. They both brought such unique elements - Good men. Thank you for letting us know. Please, let Rick's wife know that we thought highly of her husband and send our best. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 3:50:13 GMT -5
Post by Tired in CV on Sept 16, 2011 3:50:13 GMT -5
I am in shock and had been hoping the best for Rocket. Dolphie pretty well summed it up for me. I send my condolences to Rick's (Rocket) wife and family.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 9:06:09 GMT -5
Post by EscapeHatch on Sept 16, 2011 9:06:09 GMT -5
This is shocking and sad news. My thoughts and prayers will be sent towards his family.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 15:04:37 GMT -5
Post by nikki on Sept 16, 2011 15:04:37 GMT -5
Well, I had a dream about Rocket last night. I was at a hotel in LA, up there to take a test. It was a monstrous hotel and the scene in the lobby check-in was crazy hectic, and I was frantically looking for some of my classmates. I finally ran into one of them, someone I felt I could trust, pulled her aside and told her that Rocket was dead. But then I said that because the hotel was filling up with so many people that I was going to book a room for Rocket before all the rooms were gone just in case he showed up. She replied with, but I thought you said he was dead. I insisted on booking him a room so that if he showed up he wouldn't be without a place to stay. That's about the gist of the dream. As the dream ended, I was just walking around this humongous hotel feeling dazed and confused. I guess it was my mind and emotions struggling to come to terms with the fact that Rocket is really gone. Pretty straightforward, but I thought I would share.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 15:38:44 GMT -5
Post by dolphie on Sept 16, 2011 15:38:44 GMT -5
Well, I had a dream about Rocket last night. I was at a hotel in LA, up there to take a test. It was a monstrous hotel and the scene in the lobby check-in was crazy hectic, and I was frantically looking for some of my classmates. I finally ran into one of them, someone I felt I could trust, pulled her aside and told her that Rocket was dead. But then I said that because the hotel was filling up with so many people that I was going to book a room for Rocket before all the rooms were gone just in case he showed up. She replied with, but I thought you said he was dead. I insisted on booking him a room so that if he showed up he wouldn't be without a place to stay. That's about the gist of the dream. As the dream ended, I was just walking around this humongous hotel feeling dazed and confused. I guess it was my mind and emotions struggling to come to terms with the fact that Rocket is really gone. Pretty straightforward, but I thought I would share. nikki, You have a poetic soul. Thank you so very much for posting your dream. Personally, it represents my internal struggle as well. THANK YOU. I realize it is personal - however, it speaks volumes.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 18:23:14 GMT -5
Post by dolphie on Sept 16, 2011 18:23:14 GMT -5
Folks I got some bad news. I called Rocket’s cell phone and his wife answered, Rocket was in a serious car accident on August 21st. He was in a critical condition and in a comma for 3 days, he’s remains in the hospital and not expected to be released for another couple of weeks. He had numerous broken bones and internal injuries. It’s not known if Rocket will have permanent brain damage. I asked his wife to pass on our best wishes from all the members on the board. I also asked if I could call back for an update, she said Rocket would be pleased. We all wish Rocket a speedy recovery. We've already lost two heroes not sure I could handle another. The board was birthed on a whim inspired by Gene “The Old Solider,” never in my wildest thoughts did I ever imagine it would be emotional and heart wrenching, see Rocket thread. If I’m not around for awhile don’t be alarmed, I need a break. So I’m signing off for a few. At the farm my cell phone is out of range, late this afternoon I went down the mountain and noticed I had a voice mail, it was from Rocket’s wife received around 1ish our time. Rocket passed away September 12 from injuries sustained in a car accident on August 21. Rocket’s wife said he went back in a coma and was confirmed brain dead. Rocket’s wish was not to be plugged into machines to maintain life, when the plug was pulled Rocket passed away in few hours. I did not call back but I will when I’m able. I spoke with Rocket on August 20 while in Phoenix but we did not meet. From an audio perspective Rocket was not anything like I expected. No Texas drawl but an articulate, intelligent and funny individual. I don’t know what else to say and I’ve held the news for a few hours. Animal went by Rick so did Rocket, like Animal Rocket was 55 years old both had two kids and two grandkids. Rocket was a high school teacher in Houston. Rest in peace my friend, you are missed. It is interesting how close we allow ourselves to become to folks we’ve only really known online. I barely knew Gene yet it took just a moment to become enchanted with his knowledge and captivating writing style. Animal , Tired, and JohnG came to the farm and I made lunch. Animal didn’t like onions, matter of fact he would not eat onions, period. I made sure Animal’s salad didn’t have any onions. Animal enjoyed lunch, I’ll always have that memory. I spoke with Rocket on the phone twice, otherwise I don’t know Rocket any different than you. Rocket’s handle fit his style. Rocket didn’t f’around with his opinion, it didn’t matter if it was popular or not I found admiration in his consistency and conviction. The thing is we communicate. Sometimes friendly and sometimes harshly but in the perspective of life’s fragileness we have an attachment. So when we put our disagreements in perspective with the issues of life our disagreements are pretty small potatoes. Because, the bottom line is we will never communicate with Gene, Animal or Rocket again. Never is a long time.
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 19:45:21 GMT -5
Post by cemilne on Sept 16, 2011 19:45:21 GMT -5
My condolences to Rocket's family, I'm sorry I never got to meet him.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Rocket
Sept 16, 2011 20:44:43 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2011 20:44:43 GMT -5
This is very sad! Rocket we all are sadden by this news! We will never forget you & Animal..
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Rocket
Sept 21, 2011 23:55:33 GMT -5
Post by Turk on Sept 21, 2011 23:55:33 GMT -5
My apologies for not posting earlier but this has been difficult. Rocket’s memorial was September 18. Rocket was in a head-on collision with another vehicle. I’ll give it a couple of weeks but I’ll call Rocket’s wife. If there is a memorial fund I’ll post it here. I’ll change my avatar to reflect a flag at half mast. The below is a link to Rocket's avatar. www.mercuras.com/0209/obamaSnob.gif
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Rocket
Sept 23, 2011 14:42:36 GMT -5
Post by dolphie on Sept 23, 2011 14:42:36 GMT -5
Turk,
I changed mine back to norm.
Every time I see Rocket's avatar - I think he is posting, then I deflate.
I know that is silly - however, I really did love his posts, his energy, his topics and responses.
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