Back in my college days, if we needed someone to get swung around like a helicopter blade during a party, Ned was there.

If we needed someone to dress up like an elf, Ned was there.

Getting handcuffed to a loft? Ned was there.

Beer bongs? Ned was there.

For all of our Spring break adventures, Ned was there.

If we needed someone to man the grill, Ned was there.

At all those parties — in the dorm rooms, in the quad, and at the bars — Ned was there.

Whenever you needed a friend, Ned was there.

After college, when some folks from our gang got married, Ned was there.

At all the memorable moments over the past 40 years , Ned was there. Always.

Then, this past Monday, out of the blue, Ned was no longer there.

Suddenly —
You were gone
From all the lives
You left your mark upon

Ned had a stroke back in May of 2020 – it caused all sorts of health complications. But his departure still came as a shock. Now he’s in another “there” and we’re still here.

Tried to believe
But you know it’s no good
This is something
That just can’t be understood

Every one of us has a special place in our heart for the guy who was good-natured, sweet, kind, caring, smart, attentive, funny… and always up for a good time. Ned is still there. He always will be.