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Robert Ratliff was a friend and teammate who passed away last Sunday. He was an awesome player, but an even greater man. The services held today helped me realize just how much he affected the friends and family around him. His family, his teammates, his friends and the children he coached were all there today to honor him.
After one season on our team, we named him captain. Although Warpig tradition was to change the C each season, we still looked to Rob for leadership every game. We looked to him for scoring too. I learned right away that if he skated the puck down the right wing, took the a slapshot from the top of the circle, you would hear the ping on the far left post everytime...goal. Soon after I realized he could score from anywhere, anytime.
Nearly two years ago my family went through a tragedy which forced me to quit playing. I needed the extra time to attend to those closest to me. I called Rob, told him about the situation and he immediately responded with compassion.
"Take all the time you need, you always have a spot on our team."
OK, that's nice, I figured I'd see him when I was ready to play again. Things got more serious at home and hockey was delayed for a long time. Rob still called me just to check in. He wasn't looking to me to sub for a game. He wasn't calling for any other reason than to check on my family and me. I won't forget that.
I've been to funerals before but it's always been for elderly family members who were slowly passing. That left me time to prepare, to understand my feelings. Once, a close friend of the family had an accident and we lost him. It was a shock, but he was my brother's friend who I didn't know closely. This is the first time I have lost a friend... one of MY friends. Rob was just a few months younger than me. He had young children. It was too soon. I pray that his last moments weren't filled with pain, fear and cold. One of my worst fears was how Rob died. Such a tragic way to leave us. My heart sinks everytime I think of it.
If there is something I am learning through all this, it is a failure on my part. Ever since I stopped playing, I always said I'd go to the rink, I'd call up the guys, have a beer or two with them. Every weekend saw me procrastinate. Every weekend I was too busy, too tired, too lazy. I have an empty feeling inside because I feel like I failed those around me. Never again will I let an excuse come between myself and those I care about. Nobody had a chance to say goodbye to Rob, but I never had a chance to be the same friend to him that he was to me. I won't let that happen again.
Rob, we will miss you. I know you are up there skating with the greats now. You will not be forgotten.
Robert Ratliff #77
1972-2006