Ira Keener

Skip and I knew each other for years via school and bands we played in together. We later reconnected on Facebook and renewed that friendship. I miss your Sing-Snap post my friend.....

I had largely a typical life. Left BHS, graduated from Pitt, got married, had kids. Moved to Chicago 1989. Worked as Director of IT Strategy Practice for a large consulting group. In 2015, things changed. It was October 22nd. I left work that day at lunchtime feeling like I had the flu. By 6:30 I was asking my wife to call an ambulance. I remember getting into that ambulance. The next thing I clearly remember was December 23rd. I am told I was conscious at various time between those dates What should have been simple surgery to deal with a kink in my intestines turned into Sepsis and a 7 month struggle. In the first month, they were telling my wife that I was going to die before the night was over. Fortunately for me she is a strong woman and she made the decision to move me to Loyola Hospital. At that time I had about 30 IV bags pumping stuff into me. From there it was on to RML Hospital to get weaned off the breathing tube. Next up Was Marion Joy to learn how to do everything over again, stand, walk pick things up... Take it from one who now fully understands, We are not guaranteed tomorrow, live today as if it is to be your last day on this Earth.

You honered me by allowing me to be a part of your journey, your fight. The last time I saw you I thought I was coming to share in a celebration of victory with you and Jerry. Little did I know at the time it was really to say goodbye. Know that we are forever bonded and that you have touched us in the time we shared.  Know that if we can, we will be at Jerry's side if he needs us. Rest in peace my friend, you are missed. 

Still missing you every day old friend. I so regret that we didn't get one more visit before you left. Most of my time at BHS was spent running with you. Till we meet agian....

Haven't been on here for a while. Saw the birthday notice and just wanted to say Hey and Happy birthday to a fellow inmate from BHS. Hope you have a great day!

I was saddened this morning to wake up and see this post. While Ralph and I didn't hang with the same circle of friemds, we chatted often at school and always had a warm greeting for each other. I sympathize with the struggles it appears he faced in his final years and hope that his family has reached some degree of peace now. 

Hang in there Ralph

I was shocked when I received the news of Rex's passing. I am so glad that we had the chance to reconnect over the last couple years, he was a kind and gentle soul. He lit up when he talked about the grandkids or cars. To steal a line from The Last Samuri, "I will miss our conversations". Be at peace my friend.  

Zandra and I weren't "Frined" friends, schoolmates is probably a better description. We chatted when we had the chance between classes or whenever. I remember a kind smile and a friendly conversation. 

Dave was one of those "sideswipe" friends that you have in life. They come into your life, leave their mark on you, and then move on. Dave definitely left his mark when we passed. I regret that our paths didn't cross more often. 

I was shocked when I got the word that Mike had passed. He was a great guy that I was happy to count as a friend. Many people were fortunate to be able to call Mike a friend, he was just that kind of guy. He will be missed. 

Cindy and I weren't "hang out" friends but none the less I counted her as a friend. We chatted and joked a lot throughout school and I don't know that I can say I ever saw her without a smile on her face. She had a bright sense of humor and always a kind wors.  I was saddened to hear of her passing.

I was glad to count Marsha amongst my friends. I don't know that I ever heard her say an unkind word and she always had that gentle smile of hers. My biggest regret is that I lost touch with Marsha and so many others over the years.