COMMENTS AT BARRY'S MEMORIAL (SORRY FOR THE MICROPHONE 'WHINE.')
Barry Gilmore 1938-2010 Geppetto’s Coffee Shop in Orinda isn’t the same without Barry Gilmore. That’s where the Orinda Roadrunners meet for coffee five times monthly after a morning run. And that was Barry’s office where we’d usually find him at all hours of the day, reading, planning his next trip or holding confessionals as he fulfilled his duties as “Monsignor Gilmore.” It was at Geppettos where I first met him in the early 90’s. We all know Barry was a disciplined workout worshiper. While swimming at the Miramonte High School pool in the mid 80’s, Barry was introduced by the pool director, Bobby Landers, to her husband, Carl, who convinced Barry to join the Orinda Roadrunners. Carl, Ken Crain and Barry would run around Lake Cascade a few times and come to Geppetto’s afterward for coffee. The Orinda Roadrunners, if you look at the roster, consist of about 160 names, from all different career disciplines of life, of which about half are, or were, runners, who show up early six days a week for a morning jog. Over the past 36 years, the Roadrunners have evolved from jogging to kayaking and everything in between. It was into this group that Barry fit right in with his charming wit, genuine smile and gracious humility. He soon became a beloved member of the Roadrunners, alternating between swimming at Oakwood at 5:00AM, and/or running with us at 5:45 AM. Before long, some of us were joining him on ski trips to Colorado, or he joined us on Canyon trips to Utah. My first in depth encounter, which tragically turned out to be truly in depth, was late May, 1999, when I drove with Barry to Mt. Shasta to meet Carl Landers to climb the mountain. For five hours in the car, Barry and I talked about Religion and Politics – those two forbidden subjects. I discovered Barry was one of the least judgmental persons I’d ever met. He never held anything against me, no matter how extreme, or stupid, my opinions were. He would lead one conversation seamlessly into another as if it had been programmed. I thank God to this day Barry was with me then, and the 10 days that followed. Carl went missing the next morning as we were breaking camp to abort the climb due to inclement weather. I think I might have cracked in the ensuing days if Barry hadn’t shared a motel room with me in Mt. Shasta City as we joined the many Helicopter and Ground Search & Rescue teams that converged on the Mountain. Barry’s calm demeanor, strong religious beliefs and spiritual wisdom surely saved my sanity, and perhaps my soul. In recent years, we started meeting in the City for lectures at the Commonwealth Club or World Affairs Council. More often than not, Barry would purchase the speaker’s book and have it nearly read by the next time I saw him. He was a voracious reader, often having 3 books going at one time. He became extremely well versed on the Middle East, among other things, yet would usually end a discussion with “…but what do I know?” Barry, for me, was: Always there when needed; Always making me feel good; Always leaving me in a warm and joyous mood. Always soothing my soul with spiritual strength; Always supportive, never deprecating Your office at Geppetto’s is empty, Barry, and there never will be another one like you to fill it. Thanks for the enrichment you gave to all of us Roadrunners and for showing us how to live life with dignity and without self-pity in the face of a terminal prognosis. July 17, 2010
[Posted: Milt Gaines, Saturday, July 24, 2010] (490)

4TH OF JULY RE-CAP
Thank you again to all the helpers - the run and pancakes went smoothly though general attendance was down considerably. For the pancakes, it was a combination of being on Sunday as well as the later Parade time, changing the patterns. Consequently we made expenses and a few dollars more as we only served about half the normal numbers.
[Posted: The Coach, Monday, July 05, 2010] (484)

[Posted: , Saturday, June 05, 2010] (471)

[Posted: , Friday, April 16, 2010] (456)

[Posted: , Tuesday, April 13, 2010] (454)

DOLCE - THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for all the calls and cards and even a few donations to ARF and the Humane Society. Dolce was a very special dog and was a vital part of our lives and we miss her terribly. All of your responses to our loss show how aware you all were of the great love the three of us were lucky enough to share. We enjoyed 5 terrific years together. She is, we know, romping in green fields thinking of us (including her special RoadRunner friends and the next squirrel to chase after. Thank you again!
[Posted: Linda and Jerry, Wednesday, December 31, 1969] (453)

35TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS
Check out the photos taken by Karen Sturges of our 35th anniversary picnic celebration. Can you name everyone there?
[Posted: The Coach, Monday, October 05, 2009] (384)