Jack French of the Metro Washington OTR Club posted a note to the Internet OTR Digest this morning announcing the passing of Dennis Crow, who died suddenly yesterday, April 20. Dennis was a member of the Metro Washington group, as well as SPERDVAC, and was the best friend a four-inch-high brown stuffed bear ever had, bar none.

Not only was Dennis a friend to the Digest, he was a good friend to my daughter as well. Each year, a little before Judy and Jimmy woke up, he would send her something related to The Cinnamon Bear - last year, he sent her a beautiful stuffed Crazy Quilt Dragon she was holding when I checked in on her as she slept Christmas Eve.

Dennis, thank you. I’m going to miss your gentle reminders about when to start The Cinnamon Bear next year, but where ever you are, know that every year when we listen, we’ll be “much obliged to you” for everything you’ve done.