Thursday, January 24, 2008

A Salute To A Great Man: Spread The Love


I first met Timber Jim in 1978. Well, I didn’t actually meet him. But I went to almost every Timbers match as a kid and that was the year Jim started sawing logs, standing on poles, banging drums and leading us in support of our beloved Portland Timbers.

Today, Timber Jim announced his retirement as mascot of the Portland Timbers. His final match will be our home opener against Puerto Rico on Thursday, April 17.

I finally met Jim in 2004 when I started regularly attending Timbers Army gatherings and post-game celebrations. At first I was in awe of him; This larger than life figure of a man who gave of himself to bring joy to us all. As I got to know Jim on a more personal level my admiration, respect and love for him grew as well.

He is, without a doubt, one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I am privileged to have spent quality time with him, difficult time with him and take great pride to be able to consider him a friend.

We all are richer for knowing him.

Jim, my friend, I wish you the best. With a tear in my eye and a pint in my hand. You are one of a kind and it has been an honor.

RCTID

Bruce! (Obi)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dang you're fast!

Great tribute to Timber Jim too. I hope we see lots of him in the stands and at the Bullpen post games!

Nick said...

...sniff....

~n

Unknown said...

Bruce, well said. TJ will be missed. We need to make sure that the PR game is sold out for him.