10/13/2005 12:22:00 AM|||Jonthon|||

Gary Walden, the Honors College's face to the world, passed away recently. Many of us knew Gary as a genuine, caring guy who would go out of his way to help prospective and current students. Having worked with Gary as a work study student for 3 1/2 years, I am still unable to fully come to terms with his early passing.

Just last week, I entered the Honors College and talked to Gary. He told me he had recently had 20 pounds of water weight removed from his chest, and that he was feeling a lot better. I didn't realize, at the time, that I was having my last conversation with Gary. He died of a heart attack on Tuesday night. His death was unexpected, and he will be missed.

There's some cliche saying about "treat every conversation like it may be your last." Obviously, I didn't put too much faith in it, and perhaps others don't either. But our world is a crazy place, and anything can happen. I encourage everyone to keep Gary in their thoughts, but also to reach out and let those close to you know that you care. Even if it's cliche, its nonetheless something we should do, often and sincerely.

Gary, may you rest in peace.

(Cross-posted at Mymissourian - Remembering Gary Walden)

|||112918093581094426|||Remembering Gary Walden