Farewell toast

Long time, no post. Renovations have happened, are planned, are underway, here and there. But on the last day of the year I only want to recognize a good person who has gone. Martin Auld was one of those small-sized people with huge energy. A highly skilled and conscientious carpenter and contractor. Opinionated, funny, well-read, a dedicated CBC listener who would sometimes call to challenge what was put on the radio. He appreciated working for "nice people." He didn't much like working on "dirty old houses," but did anyway, a fine job at a more than fair price. A devoted dad who started early and worked like a fiend to be done by the end of the school day.
On a bright, late summer morning he was struck and killed on his motorcycle by an apparently drunk driver.
I don't know if he realized how he made it possible for me to realize a dream of buying and renovating a "dirty old house", something I really didn't have the money or expertise to have any business doing. Here's to Martin and other good friends and family, gone this year and missed.

http://www.legacy.com/CAN-Victoria/GB/PhotoAlbum.aspx?PersonID=116884850&EntryId=