This and that Thursday

~~~ I dedicate this photo of lovely raindrop roses to the family of Glen Nordgaarden~~~

Glen died early yesterday morning.

It was the day of my mother's 88th birthday.

It was also the day I posted my most recent column, a light-hearted saga about our backyard swimming pool. Its purchase was inspired by Glen's family. They live less than a mile from us on Selle Road.

And, they've always provided a bright and happy touch to my day. Glen's wife Ruthann is my SHS classmate and friend.

Glen graduated with my brother Mike and his wife Mary in 1962.

Yesterday Mike wrote the following about his friend Glen:


Glen was a favorite. Good, honest, hard worker with no pretensions. Was always a friend.

Hadn't seen him in at least twenty years, but he's definitely a fond memory.

He made one of the best shoestring tackles I've ever seen . . . high school, college or pro . . . in one of our (Sandpoint Bulldogs) football games.

Coach Barlow ran the movie back and forth, showing it over and over as an example of how it should be done.

I also point to Glen as the person most responsible for me playing football. He came up to me in the hall in school one day and said, "You big lug, why aren't you playing football." I didn't have a good answer, so I started playing football.

RIP, Glen.


My own memories of Glen are so positive. Last time I saw him he was sharpening clippers at the family's pet-grooming shop in Ponderay.

As Ruthann worked on a dog, Glen sharpened away, and in his usual pleasant manner asked, "Who was the last 'Who Am I?' in the Bee?"

I had been out of town so I hadn't seen the article, but I assured him I'd find out.

So, I went to my source who usually knows what I don't know about Sandpoint. That would be Helen Newton.

"John Pucci," she said.

I wasted no time calling back to let Glen know that the mystery person who played on Barlow's football team and who grew up in a house west of the railroad tracks was John Pucci, a 1963 graduate.

Yesterday, while visiting with Ruthann and the family, I told her of the constant inspiration, smiles and laughs their family has provided me over the years.

Glen was always there in the middle of all the action, thoroughly enjoying every minute of those he loved, I told her.

Ruthann nodded as tears rolled down her face.

"You're right," she said.

So, Ruthann, Kiersten, Eric and the grandchildren, I dedicate the above photo of beauty to you in memory of a truly wonderful man.

~~~~~

Yesterday was a day filled with varying emotions: a time for pride, celebration, rain and remembrance as shown in the photos below.