Post by Travis on Apr 26, 2010 3:46:27 GMT -5
As I write, it's April 26, 2010 and Dude Walker's Birthday. WAKY's legendary John W. "Dude" Walker has again set another longevity record in his family. In fact, if my carefully calculated (if not miscalculated) calculations are correct, Dude turns 67 today.
Back in 2006, many of us felt that Dude was destined to catch the last train out but he's still here, and while it's been 4 years since April of 2006, Dude has actually exceeded the family record by having 5 additional birthdays and that's a 5th anniversary milestone, in my book, but if you don't agree, I'm sure Dude plans to be around for his 68th in 2011 and then we'll have a true 5th anniversary milestone. Dude recently replied to a post pertaining to The Boxtops and I saw him logged on here yesterday (Sunday) so I know he's still up & about at his home in Memphis.
To get an idea of what Dude has endured over the years, here are his words from March of 2006:
"My health problems are handed down from my mother's side of the family. I have had three heart attacks, five bypasses on my heart, an artificial artery from my heart to my legs and bypass surgery on my carotid artery in my neck. My mother and her father and two brothers all died at 62 and didn't smoke. I am 62 now and if I make it to April 26th (2006) I will be 63 and will have outlived them all."
Note to Dude: I don't know how tough it's been for you to stick around for these 4 additional years but if you're willing to repeat the performance for at least another 4, not only will we still have you around in 2014 you'll also be here for a 50th anniversary with Cynthia.
Now there's a goal to shoot for.
Happy Birthday, Dude!! (I just hope my carefully, miscalculated calculations are correct)
And while we wish Dude Walker a Happy 67th today, let's keep hope & prayers going out to the real Tom Dooley, Sheila Richards and others who are fighting to extend their own longevity.
Back in 2006, many of us felt that Dude was destined to catch the last train out but he's still here, and while it's been 4 years since April of 2006, Dude has actually exceeded the family record by having 5 additional birthdays and that's a 5th anniversary milestone, in my book, but if you don't agree, I'm sure Dude plans to be around for his 68th in 2011 and then we'll have a true 5th anniversary milestone. Dude recently replied to a post pertaining to The Boxtops and I saw him logged on here yesterday (Sunday) so I know he's still up & about at his home in Memphis.
To get an idea of what Dude has endured over the years, here are his words from March of 2006:
"My health problems are handed down from my mother's side of the family. I have had three heart attacks, five bypasses on my heart, an artificial artery from my heart to my legs and bypass surgery on my carotid artery in my neck. My mother and her father and two brothers all died at 62 and didn't smoke. I am 62 now and if I make it to April 26th (2006) I will be 63 and will have outlived them all."
Note to Dude: I don't know how tough it's been for you to stick around for these 4 additional years but if you're willing to repeat the performance for at least another 4, not only will we still have you around in 2014 you'll also be here for a 50th anniversary with Cynthia.
Now there's a goal to shoot for.
Happy Birthday, Dude!! (I just hope my carefully, miscalculated calculations are correct)
And while we wish Dude Walker a Happy 67th today, let's keep hope & prayers going out to the real Tom Dooley, Sheila Richards and others who are fighting to extend their own longevity.
"Never complain of growing old, it is a privilege denied to many"
DIG IT! 