The saddest of News Today

[Dennis McGuckin]

Just turned on my computer this morning.Not the news I wanted to start the day.
After reading all of the posts, there is not much left to say.
Like all on site, I shall miss Lou's postings.
His stories of his days as a POW, were always told without him sounding sorry for himself.
He shall be missed.
Calm seas Lou.
Den.

[judith george]

My deepest condolences to Brenda and family I am shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Lou He was one of life's great characters

Judith

[Captain Kong]

A SAILOR DIED TODAY


He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the bar, telling stories of the past
Of wars that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And though sometimes, to his neighbours, his tales became a joke,
his Merchant Navy buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Lou has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a Sailor died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his late wife,
For he lived a very ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a Sailor died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Sailor goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Sailor who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Lou`s of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a Sailor, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common Sailor and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the sailors part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a Sailor died today.

GOOD ON YER, LOU.

[George]

How very very sad to hear of Lou's passing. Having had the pleasure of his company both in Liverpool for the BOA 70th anniversary. and a day taking him round and about on his visit to Southampton.
It was a pleasure and an honor to have met Lou. My sincere condolences to his family RIP Lou, no more stormy waters.
George.
in Southampton

[John Pruden]

not many people you meet you can say he was a smashing fella but lou was a top man I might even have a lap dance in his memory at the pen and wig? so long my friend today is a sad day for the whole site never a bad word was ever spoken by lou he has been on my thoughts all day today.. jp

[Hugh]

I have just seen this very sad news. Lou was a great guy and we were lucky to have him as a member of the site. He had a tough war but was so willing to share his experiences for the benefit of us all.
Another of the greatest generation has crossed the bar.
My condolences to all his family and friends.
Fair winds and calm seas now Lou. RIP.

Hugh

[Mick O'Brien]

Only met lou once at the pen & wig top bloke he will be sadly missed.
calm sea's mate.

R.I.P LOU

mick

[Keith at Tregenna]

Difficult to press the like button, please accept my thanks. K

[Bob Dunkley]

in this sorrowful time I would like to extend to lous family my heartfelt condolences, may the lord comfort you and your loved ones .he lived a full and eventful life .

[Keith at Tregenna]

New Zealand will remember and recall, one of the best that become local and crossed the bar in NZ: Merchant Navy braved hostility | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News