In Memory of Wayne Skertich

Ok, my offseason in 2005 was not quite what I planned. I left the Ice in February, and headed back to New Zealand for a holiday there. Check out the New Zealand photos here. We were still in New Zealand, about to head to the North Island for the first time when I got news of my Dad's sudden death. BTI Travel Agency was great, and they got James and I both on the next flight back to Montana. Everything is a blur after that....

The memorial service was great. Around 500 people showed up. We went through 4 kegs of beer over the course of the 10 hr party, a "Celebration of Life." There was lots of good food, and friends I hadn't scene in forever. Lots and lots of musicians, with 4 or 5 jams going on at any one time. The only thing missing was Dad.

I did go to Folklife, Dad & I's special festival we go to together each year. I also made it to Weiser.The 4th of July Party was moved to Linn's house on Trail Creek Road. My month of July has been spent going through things. Everything in our house was cleared out, and sits in boxes at my Dad's shop. I'll see how much of it I can get through in July, and after that, I'll be heading back to the Ice in August, for Winfly