My Best Friend

Sunday, March 16, 2008

To My Dear Friend Kirk Johnson-
I wonder where you are right now. My thoughts are often with you and it’s hard to fathom that I can’t see you or talk to you anymore. But, when I think of all the adventures we had over 35 years and what a good friend you had become, I realize you are as much alive in spirit than you ever were.You took care of me when I was sick. You helped me when I needed help. You laughed at my jokes even if they weren’t funny. You became a part of my family and I became a part of yours. Our blood became mixed.There will never be another soul like you and I will never have a brother that brought me so much satisfaction as you did. We had our low spots (did we ever!) but it was nothing that ever threatened the close bond we had.I look back at all the experiences we had, from the jungles of Guam to the sunny shores of Maui and reflect that you were always there waiting for the next big adventure. Those adventures were the best of my life. I’m so happy that we were able to stay connected for all of those years. Some people never have a chance to experience the pleasure of a friendship like that.Both you and I never married (at least for now) and never had children but the work we did never lent itself to that. Archaeology is a lonely business and really could not support a long lasting relationship ( at least for us ). We were always on the road, the next “Big Dig” was probably more important than anything….even relationships. Oh sure, we had some relationships but they were always short and tenuous at best. The true “child” was experience and adventure. There were sacrifices to be made and we made them. The passion you had for archaeology far outlasted and surpassed mine and as the years passed it became more evident that it was time for me to do something else. You, on the other hand, showed how experience and passion can outlast all the pitfalls of time and cynicism. I wish I could have shared some of those characteristics. You were a better man than myself in so many ways. All the creative talent you showed over the years still exists in drawings and reports. But more important is the impression you made on all that you touched. There wasn’t a soul who didn’t like you and I never heard (almost never heard) a negative thing about other people. All who knew you respected you my friend.I took pride as I carried your ashes back from Thailand. It was the last “Big Adventure” for you and me. I was supposed to be in Thailand for you at that moment and I know you would have been there for me. You showed me the way and I followed. Part of you is still there and in my heart.I was so glad you met Song in Thailand. I know you loved her and she loved you. You did so much for her and I know you considered her your wife. You finally found the happiness you so wanted. So long for now dear one.
Be patient my friend I will follow you again sometime.
Mark Roe

A memorial service for kirk will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church in Corvallis, Oregon on March 15, 2008 at 1 pm. The church is situated on the corner of Harrison St. and Kings Blvd. If your heading into Corvallis from the I-5 freeway the street you enter town on is Harrison. Just head west along Harrison to Kings Blvd. and the church will be there at the stop - lit intersection (NW corner).