May 8, 2010

My West Point Classmate and friend Jim Strozier passed away today. He had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in April 2009.

Here is a message from his daughter:

On behalf of my mom, my brother and my uncle, we thank everyone for all the amazing love, prayers and extraordinary kindness you have shown our family throughout Dad’s illness.

Although we are so sad to lose my Dad’s presence and wonderful wisdom and sense of humor in our everyday lives, and we will miss him terribly, we are glad that he is no longer in pain.

I like to think that he is getting his skis on right now for an amazing run down the mountain [Jim was a member of the National Ski Patrol].

Today is my birthday and at first I thought that it was sad that I would be sad every year on my birthday from now on, but upon further reflection, instead I can remember on each birthday how blessed I was to have such an extraordinaryry father and how each birthday is a gift to him of a celebration of another year of life well lived.

So, in honor of my Dad today, I think he would love it if you did something athletic (go for a run, play tennis, do something you love) or be kind to someone who needs it (he was such a kind, generous and thoughtful person) or do both (he was also an overachiever ).

So, as my Dad liked to say, Carpe Diem — seize the day.

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Please join me and in Jim’s memory — Carpe Diem.

Richard