The Editor, The most underused words in the English language are probably "thank you."
After more than 25 years in Richmond, the names of the people I am thankful to alone would exceed the word limit for this letter.
So, let me thank the editors of this paper for supporting the issues I have written about: democracy, social justice, legal/political injustice, environmental conservation etc. etc.
For the rest, most of you know who you are. However, some might be surprised to learn that I appreciate the lessons I've learned from them; better a good adversary than a poor ally! I am very fortunate to have had your help in surviving, being able to raise my children and grandchildren in the best of places, and to have been given the opportunity to serve the community in whatever small ways I have been able to do so. Those activities have brought personal satisfaction to my life which gave me the strength to "cowboy up" and carry on.
My goal is to retire to the Southern Cariboo, where my western hat and idiosyncrasies will not be noticed, where a traffic jam consists of a cow moose crossing the road, and where I can finish my astonishingly long life with my boots on, the reins to a good saddle horse in my left hand, a bottle of Irish Whiskey in my right and a big grin on my ugly, old mug. Adios. Happy trails to all.
Ramblin' Ryan Lake
Gnarly Old Dudes, Dames of Steveston
