In the spring of 2008, my friend Don Buchanan committed suicide. I wrote a heartfelt post about it. True to my prediction, so did others. Death often brings clarity: and in the wake of Don’s death, it became evident that he’d affected almost everyone he met. Everyone had a story about a cool record, a fun live show, or a hilarious joke that he’d shared. I wonder if he’d be here today if only he knew how irreplaceable he was.
I heard from several of Don’s friends and relatives, all of whom appreciated the spirit in which I wrote it. (I didn’t gloss over Don’s dark side, and at the time, I worried that it would offend those closest to him.) Among the people who wrote me: Lisa Tombyll, Don’s wife and mother of his stepdaughter. Lisa and I went to school together but didn’t really know each other. She was devastated, as you’d expect, but seemed to appreciate the outpouring of love and goodwill that followed. I was happy I could provide some small comfort.
Now I have just learned that Lisa is gone, too.
Details are sketchy: apparently she woke up not feeling well this morning, went to the hospital and passed away there. All I really know is what I read on Facebook tonight. If there’s an obit or funeral news, I’ll share it here.
I don’t really know what else to say. I didn’t know Lisa that well. But I do know that her family and friends have experienced two heartbreaking losses in 18 months – not least of whom their daughter, who has lost both of her parents. My heart is with them all.
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