bye bye Joey

I was very saddened to hear about the passing of longtime local Joey Rucker last week -- practically a fixture at several of our local watering holes. Joey had a bad neck and seemed most at home kicked back on a bar stool. He had a ready smile, a quick wit and could be quite charming -- not to mention very entertaining. He will be missed by many.

Mike McNamara wrote this succinct yet moving account of Joey's passing which he has given me permission to share. The photo was provided by Scott Wheeler. Feel free to add your Joey stories in the comment section if you feel so moved.

"joey rucker died on aug 3. he pulled his own plug and went cheerfully on his way.

at grave side where the family interred his ashes shots of rum and coke were served. a bottle of barcardi, pack of ciggs, liter of coke and a dollar bill for liar's poker were intered with his ashes.

he had taken a couple of falls. the last one was several days before he died. his bones are so messed up and brittle that it doesn't take much for them to break. he broke his neck.

the only way he could stay alive was on a ventilator. he said no way. he was disconnected and with his family around him he said good bye and see you upstairs. he closed his eyes and died."