Bandon Lighthouse
Posted on 06/12/2007 7:18:59 PM PDT by MoJo2001
The FReeper Canteen Crew sadly announces the passing of Mr. Tonkin. (68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub).
If you would like to leave a message for his family, please direct them to amom.
Also, we ask that you send prayers to amom, his son Matthew, family, and friends.
We love you, Mr. Tonkin. Say 'hello' to Texas Cowboy for all of us.
You're missed and will never be forgotten.
We hope to make this an online memorial book for his family.
Details will be provided later regarding funeral services.
Prayers for Tonk, he will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Tonkin.
Heartfelt condolences to your family.
I have always enjoyed Tonk’s posts. May he rest in peace. He will be missed.
Good Bye Tonk. You were a great FReeper and I hope you will be checking the website often while on your new mission.
Thank you MoJo2001 for letting us know.
Tonk, my BRother, you are missed.
Say hello to the Flag-man, would ya’?
Prayers along for Tonk ............................. God Speed
A piece of history, he will be missed.
Thank you for your post. You captured our dear friend completely.
Thanks dears.
Tonkin was one of the coolest dudes on this forum. I loved his threads and his comments, and the couple of exchanges we had. It will not be the same without him.
Oh Brother of the Gun
Long our roads near the Tonkin Gulf, so far we've come
we've known the fury of battles at dawn's half light
the long hours on the watch through the night
though sometimes so stricken, as if we were dumb
We finally made it home, sort of I guess
though some did not, we still hold them near
remembering the bitter taste of our own fear
yet we went on, for we could do no less
The years passed, and still we remembered all
and honored our service with silent faith in right
shunned and spit on, we stood firm each day and night
listening to our country's long remembered call
We went on, built new lives and started over again
accepting our forgotten self amid the day
but remembering all too well each night I'd say
keeping so tight a hold to our silent hidden pain
We grew beyond the hard times, and built a new life
built a career in spite of ourselves, surprising us at times
knowing family and friends, such sweet, sweet rhymes
dealing with all the joys, challenges, and sometimes strife
We were Brothers of the Gun, sharing common toil
and we gave respect and honor to our brothers in care
you were my friend, my self, the other brother I'll remember fair
when the heartache and inner pain started to really boil
You've gone ahead, still inspecting, as was your way
making sure its up to regulations before we all get there
so I say thanks for the time we shared my friend fair
until we meet for a beer and some scuttlebutt another day
Rev. Johnn 'Trike' Schroeder
US Navy TM2 ('63-'70)
Amen...I rejoice for Tonkin, for he has gone on to a better place...and I cry for us, as friends who will miss him until we are reunited in God’s kingdom.
My prayers are with his family. He is a good man.
RIP
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
Bandon Lighthouse
My sincere condolences. God bless you and give you strength.
CD
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.