When I was a bridgetender in Jacksonville, Florida, one of my coworkers was a guy named Buz Wickless. I always enjoyed talking to him at shift change. He was definitely a people person. More than most of us crusty old bridgetenders, he liked talking to boaters and pedestrians.
He was also a family man. Never having had a father figure myself, I always loved listening to the way he talked about his kids. One of the stories he told me inspired a Father’s Day post called Pennies in the Parking Lot. I hope you’ll read it. It will tell you everything you need to know about what it means to be a kind, loving and thoughtful man.
That blog post meant so much to me that I included it in my first anthology, A Bridgetender’s View: Notes on Gratitude. I mention Buz in the acknowledgements, so he will forever be a part of that book.
I’m very sad to say that Buz passed away a week ago. He was only 67. He died too soon. The world was a kinder, gentler place when he was in it. I will miss him very much.
Rest in peace, my friend.
The Ortega River Bridge, where Buz and I worked.
This was my dad. It makes me cry happy and sad tears to hear that someone else saw how amazing he was. Thank you so much for writing this.
Okay, now I have tears in my eyes. He really was a wonderful man. I will miss him. Keep throwing pennies in the parking lots.