To Absent Friends

 The old year is over; a new one has just begun. For many, it’s time to take stock, review the past year and set goals for the coming months. It’s also time to remember — and take time to appreciate — those we lost during the past 12 months.
 Al Raneo was Harwich’s long-time highway surveyor, Cape Verdean historian and a friend to many. Pilot Kent Bonney found satisfaction as a volunteer for many Chatham organizations. Broadway star Eric Riley found a quiet home in Chatham when he wasn’t acting or directing. Jeff Bremner will be remembered for starting the town of Chatham’s recycling program at the transfer station. Walter Bilowz served on volunteer committees in both North Reading and Chatham. For many years, Phil Ripa steered state wastewater policy. Rev. Charles Newberry was the longtime minister at the First Congregational Church in Harwich and staunch advocate for affordable housing; he was instrumental in the founding of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod and the Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless.
 In retirement, psychologist Susan Daly was a familiar volunteer at the Brewster Ladies’ Library, WE CAN and local elections. After a career in advertising, Lou Maloof dedicated his time in retirement to working with hospice organizations, advocating for peace in Palestine, and entertaining Cape Codders on stages from Wellfleet to Barnstable. Ruth Treen shared her gift for music with Cape audiences and many students. Gerry Moore served for many years on the Chatham Park Commission and as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Generations of Chatham High School students learned about art from Ryder Martin, who shared his love of trains with the community every First Night for many years. Mary Trainor was a familiar, smiling face to many students in the Chatham and Monomoy school systems. John Nickerson was a constant presence in downtown Chatham, if not working on his family’s buildings then taking photos at local events.
 Dr. David Burns was the quintessential “country doctor” and helped found the West Chatham Association. Orleans’ Martha Van Oot was a skilled litigator during her career in New Hampshire. Photojournalist Barry Donahue’s eye for Cape Cod and Cape Codders was unsurpassed. Harwich native Richard Gomes served on many town committees and helped develop homes for Habitat for Humanity. Rev. Kenneth Stuart Bradstreet Campbell helped found the Nauset Interfaith Association. Many local school athletes fondly remember coach Jerry Gordon, who was also the author of two books on football defensive strategies. Charlie Horan was also a longtime coach who played two seasons in the Cape Cod Baseball League. As the Chatham Director of Natural Resources, Dr. Robert Duncanson spearheaded the effort to clean up the town’s coastal waters and ensure the health and wellbeing of residents.
 And so many more. 
To all absent friends, we raise a glass in honor and remembrance.