Good-Bye Fred

I got the news just before work two nights ago that a former room-mate had been found in his room. The police asked Ken if he knew his relatives so that they could be informed. Fred would often be holed up in his room drinking alone. I don't know about all of his demons but he was a dear and gentle soul when he was sober. He also had so much potential. He was a great dresser and had a real sense of style. His room was always interesting because he had a flair for decorating. Fred was creative and expressive and I just wish he had been able to put down the booze and use the talents he had been given.

Fred was the only roomer that pitched in with the cleaning and maintenance around the house. Everyone else will just walk by the garbage pails after pick up. If Ken or I don't do these things, no-one would think to help out in these small ways. This is true for all the cleaning that gets done in the house. Fred was the only one who spontaneously helped out with the day to day things.

I have started writing a story about some of the people that we meet renting out rooms. Many of the men come from the mission or the Salvation Army and I would like to write about them. It is imperative that I complete this book and dedicate it to Fred. He may have died quietly and alone in a room that he rented out but he won't be forgotten, not by me.