Thought it would be nice to take a few moments to remember our friends that have passed away in 2008. Just today found out that a long time friend and traveler to thailand by the name of Ben Kimbell passes away on Christmas Day in his Atlanta apartment.

Lovely idea. May all rest in peace!

I think that's a very kind thought, but I don't limit it to only 2008. Some names that immediately leap to my mind are David-in-Pattaya, Boxer, both Ians and Robbie of Le Café Royale, and WowPow.

 

All of them, and more, left us far too soon and are greatly missed by many.

 

I'll go along with that. Lost a friend and really nice person from a great family at way too early an age this summer. No justice in life sometimes.

My original thought was to look back at 2008 as we move into 2009 and in no way meant to skip over those that have passed in other years. There are so many memories that I when I am in thailand I find myself sitting in a place that was shared by a certain friend and wishing he were here again.

For me, a close friend died one year ago a day after Christmas, just a day before he was to leave for Thailand. A great guy, taken before his time.

I often think of a good friend who died a couple of years ago not long after returning home from Thailand. He was a goodhearted fun guy. Steve Bloom will be remembered fondly. He died far too early at about 38. I am not sure of his exact age.

Steve Bloom will be remembered fondly. He died far too early at about 38.

I regret not mentioning Steve. He was a good friend of mine too. I truly miss him.