Dear Compassionate Friends:
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This month we had to say farewell to a special
Friend. "Friend" seems like such an inadequate word to
describe everything Sharon was to us. "Sister of the
heart", fellow adventurer, mentor, cheerleader all help
describe her importance in our lives. When Sharon and
her husband Walt tragically lost their son, Brett, they
focused their pain from their loss and created a loving
legacy to their son by becoming very involved in
Compassionate Friends. In helping other bereaved
families they helped heal themselves and others with
their gentle strength, kindness and understanding. For
many years Sharon and Walt were "guiding lights" for our
TCF group in Columbus, but continued to be so central to
the activities of the Billings Chapter. I will always
remember how many years Sharon and Walt were our "lights" and "memory" bell ringers for our
Christmas service. Whenever there was a task, they were always quick to volunteer and ask how
they could help, whether it was helping with the monthly newsletter or making beautiful centerpieces
for a regional conference.
Sharon died as she lived—gracious, accepting, caring more for others' pain than she did her
own. She had a dry sense of humor, but never was unkind or unfeeling toward others.
Farewell, dear Friend. We will miss your kindness and loving spirit, but I know there is great
rejoicing in Heaven! You and Brett are having a wonderful time catching up. It has been our
privilege and honor to call you "Friend." Watch over us and give us the strength to "keep on keeping
on."
In friendship,
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