This weekend I took the opportunity to meet up with our South Dakota brothers in Sioux Falls South Dakota.
I called Aaron and Ryan just a few days prior to my arrival telling them that I was on a business trip, passing through their area and asked if their region had any activities planned for that weekend. They both said that they would put something together and looked forward for my arrival.
Friday night I pulled in town and met up with them at “Stoggies”, a downtown bar and smoke shop. There we celebrated the recent sale of my business to a company in Omaha and my second retirement.
The following morning I was taken on a motorcycle tour of Sioux Falls seeing the State Pen, Sioux Falls and the downtown historical district. At 11:00 we then met up with 14 other Choirboy brothers and sisters and participated in a 150 mile poker run benefiting a camp for deaf children.
I was then presented with a special gift to present to members of Arizona Region One that I will present to the membership, for helping them sell their left over Sturgis t-shirts last year.
All I can say is that the hospitality extended to me was fantastic and if you’re ever in the area look them up.
A special thank you to all my South Dakota brothers and sisters and look forward in seeing you all at Sturgis and at the Tombstone run.
CFFC
Brother’s,
As I am sure you have all heard, Arizona Region III has lost our Brother Pat “Pappy” Howland. Pappy has been a Choir Boy for several years and came to us from Washington State. Pappy was born in Kansas, December 8, 1947 Pappy retired after 22 years of service. Pappy was diagnosed with cancer after our beach party in 2006. Pappy battled as hard as he could to beat the cancer that made him sick. Pappy was Region III’s Vice President and had to step down when he got to sick to do anything with the club. Pappy past away May 17, 2007 at his home in Lake Havasu City with the love of his life, Kim. His Father, Mother, and sister were also at his side. Pappy fought his death as hard as he could till the end. Pappy spoke to his family as he passed, telling them that he did not want to go.
Pappy asked a couple of things of me before he passed. Pappy asked that there be no sad funeral and that if anything that there be a party. Pappy asked that I have a drink for him. His second request was that his colors pass to Kim. Pappy told me that Kim was as much a part of the Choir Boys as he was and that she so loves the club and all the people. I told Pappy that I would pass the colors onto Kim. Kim asked me if she would be allowed to participate in club events and wear her jacket that has the Arizona ladies patch on it. I told Kim that she is always welcome with the Choir Boys.
I have fulfilled already one of Pappy’s requests. There will be a gathering of all of Pappy’s brothers, the Choir Boys, Pappy’s friends, family and all others that knew Pappy May 24th 2007 at the Eagles Club in Lake Havasu City starting at 4:00 pm. It is asked that you come and participate in saying goodbye to Pappy with us. If you have a story to tell about Pappy, Please Bring it with you as we all would like to hear it. If you have any questions, Please feel free to email me at deuce@npgcable.com or give me a call at 928-208-6371. Thank you and CFFC Richard Epps AZ Region III President
