I've long since given up trying to understand why bad stuff happens to good people.  All I do know is, when it does, those who care should pull together and do what they can to help... which probably isn't much in the scheme of things.

Last Friday evening, MagicPaddler lost his wife, Nancy, in a tragic traffic accident in Knoxville, TN.  See: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) .

I really have no further details at this time.  What I do know is that Nancy was a wonderful and caring woman who I got to know a little bit over the phone that time that Magic's GPS unit malfunctioned (during a "Bushwhackers Jamboree," as I recall).  I was "tracking him" - as was she - and then, early on, he "disappeared."  We put out an "APB" of sorts on him via the canoeing bulletin boards & forums and, eventually, he was located.  We talked often during that time; she was a "gem."  MagicPaddler was/is a very lucky man.  They have a very fine family of which he is very proud as I have learned over many campfires shared across many years.

We don't "post" a lot of this sort of thing on QJ.  I am sure there have been tragedies experienced by many other board members that, perhaps, we don't even know about.  I offer my regrets where that has been the case.  However, we DO know about this one, which comes as a huge shock for those of us who know Magic and his family. 

I thought the QJ community would want to know.  You might wish to keep Magic and his family in your hearts and prayers.

FYI

Jimbo 

Funeral arrangements have been set for Saturday, February 18th.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) was posted by the family.

We all need to keep Lawrence and his family in our prayers today and as they work through their grief.

dd

(Thanks for the correction OS.)

I posted on the bwca board too. I also put in to Ted and Bear to see if they couldn't slip his canoe ahead a bit so I could run it out and try to cheer him up. I don't worry about him too much with family there... but eventually they will go home... That's when he'll need his friends to step up. Also the idea of a group going to the funeral is a good... no... great idea. Let me know. Call or text 218-421-8800. I'm considering... Please keep me in the loop if you have room.

Thanks Jimbo for letting MP's paddling community friends know.  My heart goes out to MP and his family and I will offer up a few prayers to console their grief.  A terrible tragedy, but unfortunately, the Lord calls us home when he is ready, not when we are.  Many sympathies MP.     Safe travels to those of you that are able to make the trip and support him.

pd

We will need to finalize travel plans by Thursday evening.

Please continue to use this forum to express condolences and memories. I'm sure Lawrence will appreciate our standing with him in his loss. There is no way to explain or understand why something like this happened. Extremely bad.

We never really recover from the loss of someone close.  But we do eventually learn to move on.  The best I can do is offer condolences and a heartfelt wish for healing and the support of family and close friends.

Dave

I almost did not open this thread because I just could not deal with another tragedy right now. I am glad I did.  Thanks to all for the support.  I am doing better now, two of the people I hugged today did not make me ball.

I’ve been struggling to find the words that can adequately express my condolences for this tragedy. To speak to the unspeakable is so difficult. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Lawrence.
Scott

Hang in there MP! I found out through Ben and can't express enough support for you and your family during this difficult time. I can only say that I lost one of my favorite cousins who is from Tennessee about 3 years ago and it was tough. No other words for this except to say you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

My thoughts and prayers are with you MP.  So sorry to hear of this sudden loss.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Pat

So, did a group of you guys go to the visitation and funeral?

I wish we could have been there.  I have sent a memorial gift to the arboretum and emailed Magic about it, so I hope he receives word of it.  I don't have his address to send a sympathy card.

My thoughts and prayers have been with him and his family all weekend long.

Thank everyone for their words of support and I was surprised to see so many people made the trip to support me. I wish I had time to visit but there were many to greet. I did not get to greet and thank everyone who came to support me. If you were there and I missed you thank you for coming.

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Who I married. November 3 1973

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Who we lost