Has really been hit hard this last 2 weeks with the passing of Don Hall and Lucian Priode. Don was a great guy who gave so much to us. He did it all from coaching,keeping stats,running the scoreboard-whatever it took. He knew the game of baseball as well as any. His sons Scott and Seth were standouts at JJK,and more importantly than all of this,Don Hall didn't know a stranger,and was a quality human being. It was tough getting a haircut at Ron's today and looking at the latest State Champions pic and seeing his face there.
Lucian Priode was the man behind the Kelly Marching Machine that was the pride of the state in the 80's-90's. He was a musical genious-no other way to put it. He could be a tyrant (so the band folks told me),but on a personal level,just getting to know him through his wife's illness,he had a heart the size of Texas.
I would be remiss if I left out #3 and that would be Louis Addington. Louie like Don did it all for us. He was as animated and colorful a character as you'd ever meet,but while the outside could be rough at a glance with his no-nonsense style,his heart bled a true Kelly red,and he loved that school and those kids.
There are men that live in these small towns who make a big difference. We have been blessed to have had thses 3 who will be profoundly missed. Thankfully,we still have some around (Like Ron Turner). This is a salute to these men. I can only hope that if the man above lets me stay safe and grow old,when it is my time to go,folks will say " Ol' I-D was a loose cannon sometimes,but he loved his TRIBE,and stood up for 'em through thick and thin".
Rest in peace gentlemen. The world is a sadder place with you gone,but a better place because you were here.
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