In Appreciation of MaxaMini

I think we are going to need two threads...maybe this one for all people to post to, and another one for info on the upcoming service and things like that.

Also, this thread needs to be somehow linked to the UK and/or OT forums. Ed posted so much over there...I mean who can forget about the story of the MINI meet in, I think it was Ireland? Ed called up 411 and got the number to the pub that the gathering was at. A call was placed to the pub, and minutes later, Ed was buying them all a round.

More thoughts later...

Here's to you, buddy.

Ed,

You were probably one of the most unselfish people I have ever met. I don't think a second went by, where you weren't making someone else smile, laugh, or have a good time. I really hope you did take some time out for yourself, though. I think you probably did, but I think that being with others is what you really loved. Why else would you motor dozens of miles out of your way just to say hello to someone? Why else would you try to make it to every single MINI event in a given weekend even if they were entire states apart? Not only did you love being with people...but people loved being with you.

I will always remember you. You lived life the way we should all live it, not caring what other people think...and just doing what makes you happy. If you rent a tuxedo for a wedding, and have it for three days...why not get yours moneys worth, right? Wear it to the supermarket, wear it to work, even wear it on the kayak. It's yours for three days, so why not?

I'll be the first to admit it, I took our friendship for granted recently. I guess I should have listened to John when he wrote "rely on good friends if things get too down. Hell, you have enough of them...use 'em." I should have. You were a quick email, or phone call away...but what did I do? Nothing, and I'm sorry. I hope you didn't worry about me too much, I was fine. I'm sure you're doing okay now too, so we're even! The new job is going great though...you would have loved to visit and see what I do.

No MINI event will ever be the same...even if you weren't able to make it, we could always count on a phone call sometime during the day. I'll miss that call on the next event. I don't know how you did it. I can barely remember if I park in the front or back of the building at work...nevermind keeping track of the *hundreds* of relationships you had with people on here, and in your day to day life. You sure knew how to do it though...and you did it better than anybody.

I could go on...but can't put most of how I'm feeling into words. I hope that wherever you are, Ed...the music is good, the striped bass are all keepers, and the roads are all twisty. Keep it up, buddy...you are missed already.

http://rakis.net/~jared/ed1.AVI
http://rakis.net/~jared/ed2.AVI
http://rakis.net/~jared/ed3.AVI

Happy motoring,

Jared

Edward J. Smith
SMITH, Edward J. Edward J. Smith, 58, of Burlington, loving husband of Margriet (Bastiaanse) Smith passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, (July 28, 2005). He was born August 1, 1946, the son of Albert and Elizabeth Smith. He was our source of constant laughter, new adventures and memorable moments. He taught us how to love life and has reminded us to treasure each day. Though he is no longer here in person, we all hold a piece of him in our hearts. Ed loved his family and friends, golfing, mini-cooper runs, kayaking and just enjoying the precious moments of life. We will miss him tremendously. He is survived by his father, Albert Smith, his life long love and wife, Margriet, his children Lucas and his wife Bonnie, Catherine and fiance Greg Weaver and Daniel. He leaves behind his siblings, Rick, Jack, Bert and Laurie, along with countless in-laws, nieces and nephews. Most importantly, he is survived by thousands of unforgettable memories that will remain with us forever. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main Street, Unionville on Monday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, August 2, from 2-4 p.m. at Miss Porter's School in Farmington at the Nona Evans Room & Hacker Theater. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, 940 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.