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Duncan Gates
Contributed by
Justalady
on
Monday, 12th April 2004 @ 02:20:18 PM in AEST
Topic:
Tributes
|
Slightly over a year ago, I had the privilege of knowing the friendship of a man named Duncan Gates, known on the web as Clipper. He lived in South Africa, a world away. He had been a free lance journalist, also an author. This friendship lasted not quite 2 months, due to his passing away suddenly.
As the result of a terrible helicopter accident while covering a story in one of the war torn countries he somehow was the only survivor.. leaving the 5 others to perish.
There was no romantic connection between us...he had wanted my writings to be published after finding me on one of the communities. He at this time worked as an aquistion editor for a publishing company in Capetown, Africa.
He touched my heart in a special way..perhaps courage and that quiet strength that few people have caused me to respect him. A man with out family left, he felt compelled to write his life to me in many pages....all in a month before his death.
He also sailed a 20' sloop, single handedly and won many races. This boat was the payment for his book called.. Out Of Africa that was published many years before.. never making it to the USA. That boat was his first love.
And so today...it is a year that he passed on. I would like to share with you my memory of a man that I felt was an inspiration to many in his 58 years.
His message to all was: In his words.
"Never give up, no matter how bad things seem at times, life is really worth living, and it's great. Go for it!!!
A man saying what he thought, and meaning what he said... this was his motto:
Life is no practice run,
there are no second trips around.
So get off your fat arses,
and go out and live your life to the full.
Don't be afraid that you may make a mistake
along the way. Because the guy who never made a
mistake in his life, never F------!!! well lived.
Clipper
(co-founder of "The Pew")
These are the words from a man who lived 30 years... having had lost both his legs, only one arm usable, a broken back and loss of one eye. Needed an electronic voice box as the flames had burned his larynex. With 90% of his body burned and destroying his lungs he wore a full body stocking to preserve what skin remained and medications controlled his daily pain.
Rest In Peace.... my friend
*********************************************************************************************************
In Memory of Duncan.... Clipper
His hand was offered, his gentle heart cared,
as he gave of himself, a deep friendship was shared.
Although it was such a short precious time,
this man named Duncan, was a dear friend of mine.
He told me of the ocean, and his boat "Highcrest"
it soon became clear, of his friends..he loved her best.
He'd watch from his window, as she gently did sway
he told of the joy she brought..on what would be his last day.
He offered me strength, he offered me hope
he helped me to focus, helped me to cope.
My heart will never get over this ache inside,
for today I have learned, Duncan has died.
At least he's at peace now, he needed to go
back to the ocean, that he loved so.
My heart goes with him, somehow I think he knows
that along with my friendship, went a single stemmed rose.
Author: June E. Miller
10/1/2001
*********************************************************************************************************
My "Lady" and the Sea
My beautiful "Lady" has wings that make her fly
has been known to make me, a grown man cry.
She gives me a feeling, I've never known before
thrills my body... to the very core.
Her wings make a hissing sound when they're filled with air,
and the wind is like the fingers of angels in my hair.
This is a special feeling she gives to me,
after she has gently enticed me out to sea.
All things remembered, all I've ever wanted to be,
are shared between my "Lady, me and the sea,
which even plays and sends mermaids to lovingly kiss
my tortured body, in which I have learned to exist.
But today under a blazing sun we'll make our final trip
as I will be held gently in her sensuous grip.
We'll leave the world that remains back there,
for this is our moment that we need to share.
A gentle breeze will take us, where we need to be
under the African sun, to a waiting sea.
Then finally my dreams will begin to unfold,
but with more peace and beauty than I could have ever told.
Author: June E. Miller
10/4/2001
Copyright ©
Justalady
... [
2004-04-12 14:20:18]
(Date/Time posted on
site)
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Re: Duncan Gates
(User Rating: 1 )
by Kie on
Sunday, 25th April 2004 @ 06:55:07 PM AEST
(User
Info | Send
a Message)
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This was well worth the read. Awesome that is all I can think of to summarize it.
*5 stars*
Kie |
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