179 Comments
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Drex Heikes's avatar

The connection with your readers is a thing I’ve noticed since the beginning. It feels like a family, a civil family that can disagree over dinner but do so respectfully.

I think that’s a testament to you. Thank you for this wonderful story in Jack Kirkpatrick.

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Hacky's avatar

I cannot say it any better, thank you.

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James Bailey's avatar

+1, or +1,000 for all those that don’t comment it think the same.

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Mary Harvill's avatar

And that level of respectful disagreement is sorely missing in today’s world.

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Monte Olsen's avatar

Amen Mary.

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Jim Olson's avatar

Thank you for today. Been feeling pretty low lately and then I learn about Mr Kirkpatrick and your relationship with all of us. Gave me a reason to take a deep breath and go forward.

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Kimi Lotz's avatar

Continue to take the deep breaths, Jim. Focus on the positive things and know the low feelings will pass. Continue the forward motion and know there are people sending positivity your way.

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Mark Waldroop's avatar

Thank you, Kimi!!!

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Mark Waldroop's avatar

Amen!!!

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Casey H.'s avatar

Jim. I want you to that your vulnerability is courageous and necessary. I will be looking for your comments on here. We all matter to more people than we sometimes realize. Each new morning brings fresh perspective, “do overs” and opportunities to help others. I find happiness and meaning in service. God bless my friend.

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Michael Morrow's avatar

I've been reading great sports columnists for over 65 years, back to Jim Murray at the LA Times. And every one who has done a "human interest" piece about someone has that ability to bring a tear to our eyes because they have that willingness to be vulnerable, and courageous. Couldn't agree more.

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Mark Waldroop's avatar

Jim, thank you for sharing your feelings. Unfortunately, we've been brainwashed to keep our thoughts to ourselves. Casey said it best that we all matter and, inside this positively charged bubble that Mr. Canzano created, there is no judgement or criticism allowed. Only the edification that we all crave. May God bless you each and every day!!

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David Gulickson's avatar

As I grow older, I am becoming more aware that moments need to be cherished, conflicts need to be set aside, and joys need to be sustained.

Our collective here is not taken for granted.

GO DAWGS

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Timothy Moran's avatar

OMG...I agree with a Husky fan...I'm at a loss for words! ; )

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Ray Webb's avatar

John, your humanity is your greatest asset, beautifully told story. We need each other now more than ever in my 77 years.

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Grover's avatar

I’ve been meaning to elevate to PAID subscriber status for a while. Todays beautiful piece about Jack was the final motivation I needed. In his honor I am excited to join you and your community. Thanks JC for your thoughtful words.

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David's avatar

Glad to have you aboard. You won't regret it.

I started paying the first day John instituted his policy of not letting us view his whole column for free. I haven' regretted it a bit. I needed to read it ALL.

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jon joseph's avatar

Love this article and love this site.

If you love your job you are blessed as you do not have a job but are fulfilling a mission.

Thank you for impactful articles that have to do with people and not just games.

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Jen GH's avatar

Thank you John for your daily writing and insights. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I research, sometimes I shed tears, sometimes I ponder. I love the dialogue your stories generate. RIP Mr. Kirkpatrick and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

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Dave Bushnell's avatar

Not used to tearing up this early in the day, John. Great read again

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Ron Holloway's avatar

Awesome column, John. Jack was one of my very best friends. We originally "met" on the old Duck 74 Oregon Football chat forum, and finally got together in person around 1999. He put together a Central Oregon golf outing for almost 40 years, of which I was fortunate to be invited over the last 22.

Jack was intelligent, funny, and witty, and as formidable an opponent in golf as he was in a debate, of which your columns led to many over the years.

Thanks so much for sharing this. Along with a couple of other great friends, we were blessed to spend an afternoon with Jack and Suzanne shortly before he passed. As good a man and friend that one could ever hope for.

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Mark Twitty's avatar

Ron, Jack is missed every day, and I know you know that.

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Anne Ballin's avatar

Morning coffee with Canzano!!! I look forward to it everyday. You have created a wonderful, insightful, community. Thank you.

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SCA's avatar

I’m pleased you wrote about Jack. He was a great guy — very good at his job, friendly and helpful all the time.

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Bryan's avatar

Another reason I choose to subscribe and support you John. You go beyond the boxscores and locker room talk. Find readers and/or faithful listeners of the BFT, dig deep and tell their stories. We read so much about the struggles of leagues and organizations. But dedicated fans like Jack should be celebrated and recognized.

We need more Jack's in our sports landscapes, it brings the games into perspective. Thank people in your life today that model traits of a Jack, could go a long way to seeing sports (and maybe Life) outside the lines. To realize we fuss and argue over results that will be recorded for historical purposes but 5-10 years from today, will for the most part will be soon forgotten.

May the memory of Jack shine a little brighter in all of us TODAY.

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David Hopkins's avatar

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family.

Thank you John for sharing his story with us. I look forward to all of your posts and yes consider you a member of my family who provides professional in depth reporting, insights and stories to all of us. What I admire about this group is the professional discussions, that we can all have opinions but share and disagree in a professional manner.

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Dave Robbins's avatar

Thanks for sharing your empathetic comments on Jack Kirkpatrick. As usual, you have your fingers on the pulse of what's going on and are not simply observing and "reporting", but sharing emotions. As it should be. Thanks for being you and including the rest of us.

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Bill's avatar

We all feel a personal connection with you John. Your style of writing makes that happen. It’s a good feeling! Thank you!

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Matt L.'s avatar

Your posts bring us all a bit of joy, a bit of solace in a sometimes chaotic world. You are needed, JC. RIP Jack.

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