The memorial for former Komets player Rob Guinn, who died Saturday at 32, is later today in Ames, Iowa. I was asked to give a eulogy but, unfortunately, was unable to attend. However, I wanted to share with Guinn's many fans the written piece I sent to his wife, Brooke, to be shared with the attendees at the service. It was one of the more difficult things I've written.
You can read it by clicking here: Download guinn_eulogy.doc
Meanwhile, the services for former Komets player Hartley McLeod, who died Monday at 81, will be Friday, 11 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Putnam St., with calling one hour prior.
Calling also goes 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave.
Click here to read the entire obituary on McLeod, well known in Fort Wayne also as the founder of Hartley's Place restaurant, who was also a linesman in the International Hockey League.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Excellent eulogy Cohn.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | July 16, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Perfect Justin.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 16, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Classy
Posted by: Shane | July 16, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Very nice eulogy. I'm sure that Brooke and the family will appreciate it.
Posted by: Bob | July 16, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Thanks for sharing that, Justin.
Posted by: FiveMinuteMajor | July 16, 2008 at 07:24 PM
great job justin! thank you.
Posted by: chuckitt | July 16, 2008 at 08:50 PM
That was just wonderful to read. Great job, Justin! It was perfect.
Posted by: Tera | July 16, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Well written and spoken from the heart -- a fitting tribute to this wonderful man, husband, father, hockey player, and friend. I'm sure it was well received by all those assembled to remember Guinn tonight. Good job, Justin. I know writing this could not have been easy.
Posted by: Wendy | July 16, 2008 at 10:02 PM
nice job JC..very well written
Posted by: Mark | July 16, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Very well written, Justin. I am completely blown away and honored that you used my quote in your eulogy. I'm sure Rob's family will love it.
Posted by: Brandon | July 17, 2008 at 01:08 AM
After re-reading that, lettme rephrase that. I'm sure Rob's family will love your eulogy
Posted by: Brandon | July 17, 2008 at 01:17 AM
Very nice touch Justin. Thank you.
Posted by: Charlie Crawford | July 17, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Very nice...I'm sure his family loved it! It's been cool to me to see how many former players have written in on this blog expressing their sorrow and well wishes to his family...shows how well-liked as a reporter you are, Justin! They'll read your blog! Seriously, though, hope you're doing well...I know the last few days have been rough for you...I hope they are getting "better" each day for ya! Nothing helps more than the laughter of your baby, I swear! I'm sure she has been a blessing right now especially. Hang in there...it will get better!! :)
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Very nice JC! Shows how lucky we are to be here in the Fort and be fans of these great teams, players, and press.
Posted by: Hoss | July 17, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Very well written Justin, Good job.
Posted by: Greg | July 17, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Wow, Justin very nice. They couldn't of asked for a better eulogy! Very personal,
I hope someone one day will write something as nice for me.
Posted by: Justin Coleman | July 17, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I'm sure that was difficult to do. Nicely done.
Posted by: scoops | July 17, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Wow. I wish I would have said some nice things about him when he was alive. :(
Posted by: hitamidget | July 17, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I've said that on here before, Hoss...that I'm so glad to be here with a great hockey team, but you're right...we do have a great press, too, to cover them...thanks for reminding us all. Thanks, Justin!! Great job every day doing what you do. We all really appreciate it, because we really do sit here dying for news some days (at least those of us who don't have the inside scoop like some of you on here might). God bless whichever amendment gave us freedom of the press! (sorry, my major was foreign language, not history...:) I should know that, though...)
And hitamidget...never too late to change...
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 17, 2008 at 11:06 AM
hitamidget you might of said so bad things about him but i am sure you probably wish death apon him
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 17, 2008 at 03:04 PM
*some
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 17, 2008 at 03:19 PM