My oldest cousin, Sonny Hoffpauir, passed away Wednesday night. The last 10 years of Sonny's life were difficult to live through, he had multiple surgeries, ailments and maladies. He was a good man. I grew up with his 3 daughters, Kathleen, Darleen and Charleen. Kathleen sings harmonies on the Citykings CD, "Four Lifetimes" and she's married to the CKs guitar player Bill Gibson. It's not easy to just let go of somebody you've known all your life. I have memories of Sonny as far back as I can remember. He was a boxer, a US Marine, an engineer, graduate of Texas A&M, a cowboy, he traveled the world, and a member of my Dad's generation. He was a tough hombre. I'm sorry he suffered so much in his last years. Yet, it was still great to see the family. I saw people today I haven't seen in 55 years...had to introduce my wife: "This is my wife, Debby. Debby, this is...uh..."
At the cemetery (Mt Olivet in Dickinson...I'd never been there before), I was surprised to see that Sonny is buried right across from Carl, Don and Roy Gay. It was raining and I didn't go over and look up close, but I could see that their headstones were polished black granite and their names were in raised gold-plated metal...Don and Roy's had their pictures and checkered flags underneath them. It was an impressive sight...but...
Man. Life is short. I'm gonna try to make the most of every day.
Rest in peace, Sonny. Godspeed. Johnny
