Barry DePauw

February 18, 2024

Gary,             

You know the best part about having you as a friend… whether its 2 days, 2 months, or 2 years; the minute we connect it feels like it was only yesterday that we last talked.  

I am probably not the only one who has shared these thoughts, but Gary you have a “gift” not many individuals possess.  You are a “Story Teller”.  You have the ability to relay an event, reflect on a situation, recall an activity, share an experience, whatever… and turn it in to a vivid and live tale.  Many times, through the years you have captivated me with your stories.  I give it credit to your wit, your Texas colloquialisms, energy, the engaging humor, and the enjoyment you receive delivering your Story to your friends!!!

Another technique is you always have a “gotcha” or “kicker” included in your “Story Telling”. That is the enjoyable moment I have looked for many times and ended up laughing until I split-a-gut. I know, I know, I know…by now you’re saying, you’re full of shit.

I am going to give you a couple of quick examples I have laughed and thought about for many years.

Remember your tale about the blizzard, white-out snow storm when you and Suzie were coming up to Colorado for Thanksgiving.  To this day I still do not know whether you got a room or slept on the floor of the motel with a bunch of stranded truckers.  You were 144 miles from Fort Collins and had to turn around and head back to Houston.  Your animated description of the drive had me experiencing the cold, lack of visibility, gaggle of stranded strangers, and the desolation of Limon.  The “Kicker”: “Next time we are going to fly”!!!

Another one, you were working with a private space launch company on the Texas coast and came up to Washington DC for a meeting.  After sharing what this crazy group of cowboys was trying to accomplish, you said you had been to the Pentagon.  Sucked me right in the middle of the “Story”.  Of course, the question was why the Pentagon??

Here comes the “Kicker”: “We’re up here from Texas and want to buy an ICBM.”!!!

I know you have other friends who recognize this “gift” and have enjoyed the “Story Telling”.  There is not a time when I have been driving in a snow storm or watching a rocket launch on the News, that I do not think about you.

Love you guys,

Barry