Guestbook

Condolences and Reflections for
Ben Sowards
Police Officer, Union Pacific Railroad - Colton, CA

August 21, 2004

"A young man gone to Heaven way too soon..."

I worked with Ben while I was in training in 2002 and while I was in Indio. Ben and I spent a couple of nights together while working a detail in L.A. and he showed me all the best and closest places to get a Big Gulp and red licorice. He also gave me the confidence to spend time with his dog Zeus as that dog was his partner. The day I got off training and worked a detail with him in AZ I was bite by another Union Pacific K9. He was the first officer to pick me up and start first aid on me and the only Colton division officer to go with me to the hospital to get stitched up. He showed a real caring and gentle side to him that I would have never known otherwise and from that point forward was always careful not to get Zeus close to me as he knew I was afraid of dogs after that. I remember Ben always wanting to get back "up the hill" to be with his family as they always came first. And when things didn't go our way fighting train crime, he always looked on the bright side. Ben, God Bless you and your family as I know you looking down on us. We will all meet again for a Big Gulp and some red licorce.
Michael Green <tomikegren@aol.com>
Beaumont, CA USA - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 21:15:03 (PDT)

I worked with Ben when I had my K9, and also on special details. We had a lot of laughs together, and saw a lot of sleepless nights. He was a good man, a good friend and spoke of his family often when we were were waiting for something to happen. He will be missed by all of us. God bless you and your family. We all grieve for your loss.
Doug "Gunny" Trabue <DDTRABUE@UP.COM>
Yuma, AZ USA - Thursday, September 30, 2004 at 18:36:21 (PDT)

I only met Ben a couple of times and that was at AOT, but felt I have known him longer. I would like to offer to the Sowards family my my deepest condolences, may God bless each one of you.
Clinton Brown <Cbrown@up>
Oakland, Ca USA - Friday, September 24, 2004 at 12:58:16 (PDT)

Jennifer and sons: I know life is not always fair, and I want to say how sorry I am. I did not know Ben, however, being in the same department, I assure you that he was with the best of the best ref Railroad Law Enforcement. My heart and thoughts go to you all, and know that God loves you. Be assured that Ben will stay with us, he will be missed and not forgotten. Peace; TTM/Supv SSA Portland
Tom Morrison <TTMorris@UP.Com>
Portland, Or USA - Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 16:59:18 (PDT)

Condolences are with you and your family. Ultimately, the greatest thing you can do for someone who has suffered loss is simply BE THERE for them. Nothing is as conforting as showing them you care. Although I am not physically there, in prayer I shall be. (Rom. 12:15) "weep with those who weep." God Bless..
Raul G. Meza <GRMeza@UP.Com>
Laredo, TX USA - Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 19:24:30 (PDT)

Although I did not know Ben personally, from what I hear and read he was a great cop and an even better father and husband. To lose a person of this stauture is always hard. To his family - you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fellow officers - please continue to remember Ben and continue to support his family during this time. Ben - thank you for touching so many lives with your presence and spirit. God bless and always keep watch over the rest of us...
Chad M. Deasy <cmdeasy@up.com>
Houston, Tx USA - Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 03:53:20 (PDT)

I never met Ben but the lost of a brother in arms strikes at the heart. Our condolences to the Sowards family from the Escarciga family.
Edward Escarciga <eescarci@up.com>
El Paso, TX USA - Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 21:24:01 (PDT)

Naomi and I offer our deepest condolences to Jennifer, Michael,Ryan, Ben and the Sowards' family. I worked with Ben on numerous occasions. Those occasions were SORT operations resulting in an increase of burglary activity. When the SORT team met at Mira Loma office. We always selected Ben as the team leader. I can still hear Ben saying. "Not Me Man" But in short order Ben had the target list of trains, maps and readied the team for a briefing. Then given our assignments we would deploy......Well, not exactly........We would stop,Ben would get a big gulp and a bag of red licorice. Now......were...ready to put the bad guys in jail. Ben was the greatest to work with. Intelligent, comical, witty, big smile hardy laugh shinning eyes. Ben was a professional police officer in every aspect. Once the detail was over, on more than one occasion Ben would bring me up on Nextel. I would hear this noise Ben referred to as music. Well, given the opportunity I would bring Ben up on Nextel and introduce him to Country and Western. Given time and I do mean time I felt I might be able to convert him over to Country and Western. I felt there was a light at the end of the tunnel........dim but at least a light. When Ben spoke about his family his face showed a very proud man. He always had a big smile and the brightest eyes. A couple times we talked about Ben's parents. It was clear to me he wanted his Mom and Dad to travel and enjoy their fifth wheel trailer and retirement. I miss Ben very much. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Ben several times. He was a great great guy. I still see Ben's big smile, hardy laugh and shinny eyes. God Bless the Sowards family.
Larry Winders <lrwinder@up.com>
Fresno, ca USA - Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 19:30:11 (PDT)

From my family to yours, our sympathy and love in your loss of Ben. Draw from all of us our strength, to get over the rough ones, and keep your memories alive its all we have.
Kent, Donna, Chris, Holly and Adam <KLJones@UP.Com>
Dekalb, IL USA - Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 17:05:41 (PDT)

I only worked with Ben on one occasion but I truly enjoyed the experience. My condolences go out to Jennifer and the kids. I know Ben is in a Good Place. Please take care.
Fred D'Albini <fdalbini@comcast.net>
Tucson, AZ USA - Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 22:48:37 (PDT)

Ben will be missed, God bless you all.
Curt Rothacker <vsec338@up.com>
Oakland, Ca USA - Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 21:01:37 (PDT)

I did not know Ben very well as I left Colton right after he hired on in Los Angeles. From what I saw of Ben, I would have been proud to call him a friend and fellow officer. I believe that the Union Pacific lost a future leader.
Ted Hillis <tedhillis@sbcglobal.net>
North Richland Hills, TX USA - Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 09:43:57 (PDT)

To Ben's wife,children,family, and freinds, The prayers of my family and I are with all of you. I have heard so many wonderful things about Ben. He was respected, looked up to, and will always be remembered and loved. God bless you.
Todd McKeeman <tjmckeem@up.com>
North Platte, ne USA - Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 08:19:25 (PDT)

Jennifer, Micheal, Ryan and Ben and the entire Sowards family with the passing of Ben you have lost a wonderful husband, father and son. For the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department we have lost a wonderful asset in our department. Ben made the Colton Division what it is today a great place to work and made it an enjoyable place to be. With the trails we face in our lives personal and professional Ben was always there for people in need young and old and I never was able to express to Ben how much he helped me when I was in need. I will always remember that every time I saw Ben he had a smile on his face and something funny to say and that if he saw you having a bad day he would lift you up with his humor. Ben loved each and every person in his family and was always trying to make life for his family better and to expand his knowledge to become a better person and a better Police Officer. Work in the Colton Division has not been the same since Ben passed away, nor will it ever be the same. Life without must go on but the memories that Ben left will never be forgotten. I was blessed to have Ben Sowards as my best friend. Knowing that Ben is with his father in heaven and doing what he did so well here on earth watching over his family and friends is a great comfort and blessing. God Bless the Sowards Family
Dereck G. Blair <DGBlair@UP.Com>
Victorville, Ca USA - Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 01:17:25 (PDT)

I have only worked for UP just a little over one year. Though I do not recall ever meeting Ben I have heard nothing but great things about what a good father, husband and Union Pacific Police Officer Ben was. To the family I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I'm sorry the Lord has taken him from you to be with him. We have all lost a friend, brother Police Officer and a UP family member. He will still be with us on those lonely dark patrol nights. We just have to look up into the heavens and see the stars. He's there watching and looking over us. God Bless!
John Larkin <jwlarkin@up.com>
Roseville, CA USA - Monday, September 13, 2004 at 23:42:50 (PDT)

Ben was the little Brother I never had....I will miss our talks about the Sacramento Kings... I will also miss teasing Zeus to drive you nuts.....Man, that dog hated me........I know you are watching over me and my K9 Storm as we patrol at night and take the bad guys to jail...these arrests are for you, Ben.......God Bless the Sowards Family.....Until we meet again Ben........You are the brightest star in the sky that will never fade!! GO KINGS!!!!
Andrea Young <Andrea M. Young@UP.com>
Stockton, CA USA - Monday, September 13, 2004 at 21:13:43 (PDT)

Ben was a wonderful friend to me. I will always miss his friendship. When it was time to go to work, I always looked forward to going when I knew that Ben would be on duty too. We generally tried to hook up in Pomona somewhere, get a bite to eat then go look for burglars. He always made it fun. It is so true that he always had a smile on his face. No matter what, Ben was never down. He could laugh things off as easily as shooing a fly away. Last year the position of K-9 Handler came up in Los Angeles. I pestered Ben unmercifully for answers to all of my questions. Ben really helped me and I got the position. Just like he said I would. I miss him so much and always will. Jennifer, Michael, Ryan and Little Ben. You are in my prayers every single day. I will always be there to help you when you need it. Just as Ben was always there for me.
Karen Kuehnel <klkuehne@up.com>
Colton, CA USA - Sunday, September 12, 2004 at 20:11:47 (PDT)

My deepest sympathy and condolences with the passing of Ben. God bless you and your family.
Robert C. Nett <rcnett@up.com>
Rialto, Ca USA - Sunday, September 12, 2004 at 15:44:42 (PDT)

We will never forget that fog filled Sunday Morning when you decided to "go gentle into that good night." God speed to the Prince of Peace.
Cecil Marks <cgmarks@up.com>
Colton, USA - Saturday, September 11, 2004 at 14:35:29 (PDT)

I only met Ben Once, if his Heart was as big as he was, and it is safe to say it was, he was a great Husband, Father and Friend. Ben will be sorely missed by friends and family. God bless the Soward Family.
Ralph N. Buruato <Ralph N. Buruato@up.com>
Yuma, AZ USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 16:07:18 (PDT)

My wife and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Sowards Family; you will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Our condolences to all Ben’s Union Pacific Railroad Police Brothers and Sisters. As will as to the vast array of his friends and associates in the Police, Fire and Emergencies Services field that were so much a part of Ben’s life. My reflections: I recently spent some time with Ben during our department’s assessment process concerning his application for the Captain position on UPPD’s Los Angeles, Division. Ben was one of the finalists in the process, which in itself is a great accomplishment. During the oral interview portion, Ben presented himself as professional, knowledgeable, and confident while remaining humble. His extensive preparation for the task at hand was clear to me, he knew what he needed to know about the position, it’s requirements, scope and authority, the legal aspects, policy and procedures, the protocol’s and technology, the goals and objectives used to manage the department in carrying out it’s mission. But most notable to me was how he evaluated his own strengths and weakness. He had a great sense of self. He displayed the ability to be truthful and honest in his self-evaluation, which to me attest to the great character of the man. He took great pride in his family, in his career, his accomplishments with the department, and his view of the future. He knew where he was going and how he wanted to get there by taking an active leadership role in the department. Although Ben was not selected to occupy the position at the time, he didn’t stop being the type of person that so many people came to know and love. Shortly after the announcement on the position Ben called me so that we could discuss his performance during the assessment. Later I found out that he did that with each member on the board. I ended up spending over an hour with him on the telephone; his attitude was great, sure he was dissappointed that he didn’t get the job. He sincerely wanted to know what his weak points were during the process, what could he do better. What types of things did he need to accomplish to be even better prepared the next time. He also wanted to know what he did well, what were his strong points. (Which were numerous). Vintage Ben, he was making me feel good and proud of our department and it’s personnel. It gave me a great deal of pride knowing people like Ben would be the future leaders and managers of the department. Ben left a very large part of himself with me through this contact, as I am sure he did with each person that he touched. To his immediate family, his wife and young son’s, parents and siblings, know that he loved you very much. Know that what he did in life was for you. Know the great character of the man named Ben Sowards that impacted persons outside the immediate family and be proud of all that he was. Remember he will always be a part of all of us. God Bless each of you.
John & Dee Allen <John W. Allen@up.com>
Danville, Ca USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 15:03:17 (PDT)

It is unbelievable to think this could happen to Ben. It is hard to know what to say. He will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Thomas Farrell <Tyrone@dslextreme.com>
westmorland, ca USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 13:03:33 (PDT)

Ben's personality and professionalism will be deeply missed.
Rick Perry <rickperry@up.com>
Indio, ca USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 11:38:51 (PDT)

First of all I want Jennifer and the kids to know how sorry we all are for their loss of Ben, Our Deepest Condolences to you and yours during this. I only met Ben once and I want to share that meeting with you. I now work out of the UPPD Oakland Office but prior to that I had been at Indio. I was sent to Indio to open the Indio Office as a one man Station. I was assigned a new K9 by the name of Zeuska which I shortened to Zeus. He was the most hard headed dog that our K9 Director had out of the 34 K9 teams that was on the System. BUT that dog was the BEST friend you could ever have when the !!!! started going down hill. When I was transfered to Oakland I had to give Zeus up and I took him over to Tom Dipleys at Victorville. I stuck around and helped Tom put up the Kennel and it was time to say good bye, I cried all the way home. Sometime later when Tom was promoted he to had to give Zeus up to another Good Man, Ben Soward. Again some time later I was on vacation visiting Family in Riverside so I stopped in at the Colton Office. As I walked up to the front door of the Office there was a K9 unit parked near the door. As I got closer this K9 hit the screen inside the Explorer and went Bananas trying to rip his way out. I looked over at the dog and said ZEUS is that you, he stopped barking but kept giving that deep growl of his. So I walked inside and saw in the patrol room this BIG GUY sitting down at his desk trying to knock out his beans (reports)he had gotten during the night. I said you must be Ben Soward, my names Cooksey from the Oakland Office, How the Heck is our dog doing. He looked up at me and smiled and said" Just as hard headed as ever" and we laughed together. I put my hand out and shook hand as brothers. At That moment I thought I had put my hand in a Vice Grip. Anyway we talked about Zeus and family for about an Hour before Ben had to get Home for some rest. I just want to say we have all lost a Great Friend and Brother. Jennifer you are and always will be in our prayers, God Bless You and the Kids.
Dennis Cooksey <DennisLCooksey@UP.com>
Oakland , Ca USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 11:27:24 (PDT)

To the Sowards family, I am sorry for the loss of Ben. Our hearts go out to you. May God bless you.
Lawrence Curley <lcurley@up.com>
Salt Lake City, UT USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 11:12:21 (PDT)

My wife and I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the Sowards family. I had the pleasure of working with Ben when he joined the Union Pacific Police Department. He was a big man but he had a heart that was even bigger.He always had a smile on his face. Our prayers are with you.
Alan and Anna Shinn <ALSHINN@UP.COM>
Pasadena, Ca USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 09:58:04 (PDT)

I have had the pleasure to know and work with Ben from his first day of employment with the Adelanto Police Department until his last day with the Union Pacific Police Department. He was the officer you would call when things got to there worst and you needed the "Best". I still can not get that phone call out of my mind when Jennifer told me Ben had collapsed and needed help. Ben was always there when I needed help, but this time he needed help and there was nothing I could do. I would never be able to express how his friends and co-workers loved Ben, but our lives will never be the same without him. This is a time that everyone needs to pull together and support Ben's wife Jennifer, Sons Michael, Ryan and Ben.
Tom Dipley <tddipley@up.com>
Victorville, Ca USA - Friday, September 10, 2004 at 08:03:05 (PDT)

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. :-) Carol
Carol Thomas <Carol Thomas>
- Monday, September 06, 2004 at 02:42:25 (PDT)

My husband and I send our deepest condolences. We live in nearby Riverside.My husband is a Ret.Riverside Co Sheriff so I know how hard this is for you. Mary God Bless your family. God Bless, Bill and Mary Frogue
Bill nd Mary Frogue <sicilliangal@aol.com>
Riverside, Ca USA - Sunday, September 05, 2004 at 19:57:30 (PDT)

We just want to say that we are sorry for your loss. We live in nearby Riverside. May Gob Less you and your Family. Bill and Mary Frogue Ret. Riverside Sheriff and DA's Office
Bill and Mary Frogue <sicilliangal@aol.com>
Riverside, Ca USA - Sunday, September 05, 2004 at 16:08:44 (PDT)

My husband and myself are so sorry for your loss. We live in nearby Riverside. God bless you and your family. Bill and Mary Frogue
Mary Frogue <sicilliangal@aol.com>
Riverside, Ca USA - Sunday, September 05, 2004 at 14:40:22 (PDT)

Mike and Theresa, Sharon, the family, and I would like to extend our sincere simpathy to you and your family for the loss of your son Ben. We remember how proud of him you were when he first entered the field of Law Enforcement. Even though he didn't completely follow you in your footsteps, he chose a very honorable profession. We can not even imagine the pain that you and your family, along with Ben's co-workers, are going through. Parents are not supposed to outlive their children. Know that we will be keeping you and yours in our thoughts and that we will be sending you energy to help get you through this period of pain and sorrow. I am sorry we couldn't be there at the services. We learned about it after the fact. Take care and call us when you are up to it. Doug and Sharon Lannon and family.
Doug Lannon <doug.lannon@fire.ca.gov>
Hesperia, Ca USA - Wednesday, September 01, 2004 at 15:35:31 (PDT)

Mike and family, Our deepest sympathies on your loss.May God bless you and your family. You and Ben are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelley Gouette <kelley.gouette@fire.ca.gov>
Arroyo Grande, Ca USA - Wednesday, September 01, 2004 at 11:30:17 (PDT)

Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I went to school with Ben and knew him casually, more through the relationship with the Donna Bristol family. The favorable memories that I have of him are confirmed in the testimonies of those who knew him since we graduated from Apple Valley. Our prayers for strength, courage and consolation are with you.
Caleb Tyler <pastorcaleb@4square.org>
Corona, CA USA - Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 09:12:48 (PDT)

To my brother Mike and sister in law Teresa and nephew Tim over the loss of Ben. This has been about as rough as it can get. This is the first morning I could get up and not cry over Ben's passing and Jenny's pain. To anyone reading this, Ben was so special to our family. He was a K-9 officer and a real protector for his family, and his community. His funeral was so huge. The police, CHP officers, firefighters, EMTs, forestry, Pacific Railroad Police officers and K-9 police, even the Marines came in full dress uniform, plus special county officials were all there standing in salute as our family followed Ben's casket from the church. I would estimate about 100 on each side of the walkway in full dress uniforms standing perfectly still saluting as we all walked out. Later at the graveside, there was a 21 gun salute, a CHP plane flyby where one aircraft left the formation as they flew over, Taps were played and the flag from the coffin rolled and handed to Jen. The bag piper played Amazing Grace and White doves were released. Ben would have been very surprised at just how many lives he touched while he was here. He was an organ donor so he even found a way to leave the gift of life, site, and health to others before heading straight up to heaven. What a true hero he was. We will miss him so much but we now have his wife and children we can still cherish and that will help. As an added note to the family. God may have taken Ben home but he gave us another nephew to ease the greif for us. Our other Nephew, Nathan, who is also a fireman, and his wife Sarah, gave birth to a beautiful 7 Lb. 9 oz. baby boy. Luke Tanner Bristol was born the morning of Ben's funeral and that also happened to be our daughter Sandy's birthday too. Keep Ben family in your prayers and just for good measure, call all the kids in your own family and tell them how much you love them. Time can be just too short to get that done some times. Don't even think about missing the opportunity. Donna Bristol
Donna Bristol <dabdrb@lucernevalley.net>
Lucerne Valley, CA USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 19:39:15 (PDT)

Mike, So sorry to hear of the passing of your son. Can't imagine the hurt you and your wife must be going through. Here's hoping the wonderful memories you have of your son will endure you through this most difficult time. God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Steve Hansler
Steve Hansler <Baldcap@aol.com>
Redlands, ca USA - Monday, August 30, 2004 at 17:19:24 (PDT)

I did not know Ben. Our family and community lost my brother Noel suddenly earlier this year. Talk about Ben often and you will never truly be without him. What gets me through is simply remebering the time we shared. Life is not forever. Love is. Sincerely, Noel's sister
Rachel Campana <rachelcorrinecampana@yahoo.com>
Glendale, CA USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 20:03:59 (PDT)

Mike, Im sorry to hear of your loss and my prayers go out to you and your family. No words can take the loss away but I wanted you to know that your friends are here to support you in spirt.
Laura Germany <Deutschland54@msn.com>
Moreno Valley, Ca USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 15:43:35 (PDT)

My sincere condolences to all of Ben's family. Words cannot adequately describe the pain that the your family is dealing with, but rely upon God's comforting arms to sustain you all. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. God bless and keep Ben.
Tim Sappok <t,s,fire@verizon.net>
Phelan, CA USA - Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 13:38:28 (PDT)

Mike & Teressa: Ernylee and I were saddened to hear of Ben's death. It is difficult to reconcile the loss of one in the prime of their life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Duane & Ernylee Chamlee <papa.duane@verizon.net>
USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 18:57:25 (PDT)

Mike, I am so sorry. Know that your Fire Department Brothers and Sisters are here for you.
Jerry Hendershot
USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 14:58:40 (PDT)

Very sorry for the profound loss of Ben. Words just aren't enough to convey my thoughts for the Sowards family. Take comfort in knowing your secondary family of fire and law enforcement are here for you. God's comfort to you, Matt Colvin, Bautista Camp
Matthew Colvin <code4ffguy@yahoo.com>
USA - Friday, August 27, 2004 at 20:35:28 (PDT)

Mike, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, during your time of loss. Respectfully, The men and womeon of Fire Station # 1
Justin Mc Gough <Justin Mc Gough @ fire.ca.gov>
Perris, CA USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 21:31:24 (PDT)

Mike - I am so sorry I can not be there tomorrow to pay my respects to you, Theresa and your son's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. The only glimmer of light from this terrible tradgedy is that your son can rest in peace knowing that his family has been and always will be well taken care of by you and Theresa.
Gail Barclay <gail.barclay@fire.ca.gov>
Perris, CA USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 15:28:13 (PDT)

Mike, sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I know that words can not ease the pain, but know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of all that know you.
Brian H. Beresford
Ca USA - Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 12:40:58 (PDT)

To The Sowards Family, My thoughts are with you in this time of loss. Mike, I have been told that no one ever expects to have to say goodbye to their children, I can not imagine the loss that you are feeling. Please take comfort in knowing the your brothers and sisters in the Fire Department will be here for you if you need us. Rick Griggs, Benevolent Trustee CDF Firefighters Riverside Chapter
Rick Griggs <rick-griggs@cdffirefighters-riverside.org>
Temecula, CA USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 21:43:47 (PDT)

Mike and family. It is always so sad to hear of a young person's death. I will pray for Ben's family and for you during this most tragic time. I am sure Ben is in a most wonderful place now. My sincere condolences.
Greg Burtt <rrusunnymeadranchstn@fire.ca.gov>
Moreno Valley, Ca USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 19:51:14 (PDT)

Dear Mike and Family: I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. Nothing I can say or do can relieve your pain and sorrow, but please know that I am praying for God to give you the strength and courage you need to get through this ... Nancy Martinelli CDF Academy
Nancy Martinelli <nancy.martinelli@fire.ca.gov>
USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 16:40:41 (PDT)

Mike, Theresa and Family, my prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Maddy Lopez <Kyllian@hotmail.com>
Moreno Valley, Ca USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 15:07:15 (PDT)

Mike you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart just aches for your loss. Bonnie
Bonnie S. Reed
USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 14:02:37 (PDT)

Mike & family,Words alone are never enough. I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with all of you. May God give you strength. Jane Scribner
Jane Scribner <lb.scribner@fire.ca.gov>
Perris, CA USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 13:35:24 (PDT)

I didn't Know Mike,but I feel for his family greiving at this time of his passing.It makes you want to be able to spend more time with your family.He was so young and had little ones like me.I will put mike in my prayers and I want you to know I grieve with you and for you.
Stephen Crawford <Thetaeway@ SBC.COM>
Hawthorne, ca USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 13:33:45 (PDT)

My deepest condolences to Ben's family, friends, and co-workers at Union Pacific. There are no right words to say at a time like this so I will only say I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Ben but he was still a part of the CDF family and will leave a large hole in many hearts. I hope this site may provide some comfort in the painful days to come...
Brian Kornegay <oneputt@pacific.net>
Ukiah, CA USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 12:42:01 (PDT)