by DAVID BROWN | CLEARNFO.com | March 30, 2015

Louis

I lost a dear friend tonight, only I didn’t. Louis died last April, but I didn’t think to check in on him until today.  It’s hard to explain the feeling of loss that I feel.  Part of my life has been greatly and permanently diminished by Louis’ departure. A light of beauty has gone out and I wasn’t there to help or grieve.  Today I grieve with many tears. His Facebook page was full of comments from his loving family and friends. I looked for my last comment which was April 24th, just a few days before he died. My comment to him was prophetic: I told him to go to the doctor, NOW!  I never met Louis face to face, but his kind and gentle, caring spirit always came through in his writings to me and others. Louis tolerated me and all my philosophies and opinions which were at times at odds with his own deeply held beliefs, yet he always showed the utmost respect and care.  Louis was cool and reminded me of John Lee Hooker and like JLH, Louis was authentic and genuine. The best praise I can give to another human being, I give to Louis; and that is: he was the ‘salt of the earth’. That may not sound like much to many people, but that is my highest praise that I can give to anyone and I give that to Louis. Louis was a family man and his family loved and adored him. I respect that, a lot. We had many fascinating philosophical and religious discussions over the years and since I fashioned myself a philosopher and Louis was a preacher there was some interesting hybrid-vigor created. He bought me wine and cigars and I bought him cognac and a custom made coffee mug with his name on it. We were so different, but kindred spirits. Louis was a religious man, so I’m sure he now resides with his Heavenly Father looking down on his beloved children and grandchildren; and I hope he takes notice of me.  It’s a little late, Louis, but Good bye my dear friend.