This posting is not from the sunny side, but such is life.

Last Saturday, we got one of the horrible phone calls you never want to get. Pat Byrne called from Maine and told me that Sarah Warner (his first wife and mother of his son Brendan) had passed away suddenly in St. Louis, just days shy of her 38th birthday.

I hadn't seen Sarah in many years but she often comes up in the story of our lives, because Sarah was quite literally the conceptual matchmaker for Kari and I. I have always wanted just call and sorta thank her during STL visits and regretfully never did. Coulda shoulda woulda strikes again.

I took this photo of Sarah and Pat at a Grateful Dead show on the 4th of July near Kansas City in 1990. That was one big happy summer! I'm so glad I was able to scrounge this image out of the archives. A lot of people are going to miss Sarah.

This came fast on the heals another tragic loss with a girl in her very same class -- Maria Payne. Maria was an integral part of our hugely talented backstage crew, and I don't mean to brag here but we were top rate! (some of those guys have turned up to be world class, ie one of them is a main guy w/ Blue Man Group) Memories of late-night carpentry, obscure classic rock, and climbing through the rafters to adjust lighting gels are flooding back!! I remember Maria as being the hammer of work ethic around there. She was like Miss Missouri: "Show me."

I'm still trying to digest all of this. Brendan was an only child and is at this moment moving to Portland, Maine to live w/ his dad, stepmom, and 1/2 sister Skye. Imagine that. Maria leaves behind 3 kids. Totally heartbreaking. She was one of the strongest and nicest characters I've ever known.

Following are some of the comments on Legacy.com for Sarah (as posted through STLnet.com). Since those will disappear I thought I'd snag them for later posterity. Thinking about setting up a little fund for Brendan.... contribute to sailing lessons or something like that to help him adjust to coastal living.

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Mrs. Warner my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I have wonderful memories of all the great times Sarah and I had together. I will miss her very much. -- Carolyn Ripp (Chesterfield, MO)

Brendan, I have prayed for you and I will continue to pray for you. Your mother loved you dearly and she was so proud of you! With deepest sympathy. -- Christine Newton (Washington, MO)

My deapest sympathies to all who knew and loved Sarah. She and I grew up together and were good friends. Her smile brightened every room she entered and her heart was golden. I will always have the fondest of memories of Sarah and miss her dearly.
-- Mindy Engel-Lutke (ST Louis, MO)

So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to friends and family.
-- Melanie Mollman Hancock (Winghaven, MO)

I wold like to extend my hearfealt condolences to the Warner family, Brendon, the Byrne family and my good friend Billy Griesedieck. I, like Jack Boeger, was introduced to my wife (Mary Brennan)by Sarah. That is what Sarah did, she brought people together. She will hold a special place in the hearts of our family. Once again, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this most difficult time. -- Michael McCarthy (Hot Springs, AR)

Dear Warner Family, Brendon, and Billy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. -- Roy, Christa, and Will Rehme (Lake St. Louis, MO)

Brendon, we are so very sorry to hear about your mom. She was a beautiful woman that loved you dearly, and will forever live on in your heart. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with you and your grandma. We wish you strength and hope in every new day. We care about you... -- Terri and Keviin Rea (Chesterfield, MO)

Sarah,
I will never forget your smile!!!! I will see you again someday. I love you!
-- Jennifer Cross (Wildwood, MO)

To Sarahs family- I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Her life was much too short. I will cherish the memories I have of her- she was always so kind and outgoing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. -- Reid Staley Thompson (Denver, CO)

I am so sorry to hear about Sarah and with deep sorrow I extend my sympathy to the Warner family. May God bless you and may you always remeber the sweet person she was.
-- Terri Rosen-Voss (St. Peters, MO)

Please accept my deepest sympathies. May God bless your family during this difficult time. -- Kathy Macaulay (St. Louis, MO)

Dear Mrs. Warner, Brendan and All --
We want to express our deepest sympathy to each of you. Sarah was a very sweet person taken way too soon. We will be unable to pay our respects in person as we began our Summer vacation in Destin just as we heard the news. Sarah will remain in our prayers. God bless Brendan. -- Love Dan, Mary, Danny, Henry, Brendan and Courtney Byrne (Webster Groves, MO)

My deepest sympathy to the Warner family, Brendon, Billy, and the many many friends of Sarah's. Sarah was a tremendous friend who truly showed she cared about the people in her life through her actions, not just her words. To gain such a friend is a gift. Words can't express how much she is missed. -- Heidi Oakley (Kirkwood, MO)

I am very sorry to hear about Sarah. I have not seen her in many years but she introduced me to my wife, and for that, we will always cherish her memory.
-- Jack Boeger (Alameda, CA)

I was a high school classmate of Sarah's. I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. -- Debbie Sexton Johnston (Ballwin, MO)

We have many wonderful memories of Sarah. She was a longtime friend and we'll miss her terribly. Special prayers to Brendon and Mrs. Warner. -- Donnelly and Tom Caestecker/Devereaux (Wilmette, IL)

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. Sarah was a very kindhearted person. She always met me with a warm smile. It was funny, we would always seem to run into one another while running our errands etc.. I ran into her several weeks ago while at Old Navy, and I feel so grateful I got the chance to catch up with her one more time. Please know that I am praying for your family. May you all find comfort in your memories and in God's love.
-- Jennifer Ketzner (St. Louis, MO)

I am still reeling from the shock of Sarah's death and promise to join all of you who knew and loved her in prayer. May the Lord fulfill her hope as only He can do and may all of you know the closeness of the Lord in this very hard time of closing a chapter of family history. I cannot be in St. Louis with you 5-31, but will be there in spirit and prayer.
-- Father Luke Byrne S.J. (Kansas City, MO)

Sarah was a friend to all who met her. She made it easy to love her. Her beautiful smile and sweet personality will be sadly missed. Our sympathy and blessings go to her family, her mother who was her best friend and her son, who was her pride and joy. And to Billy, you gave her what every woman would want before GOD takes you back home, TRUE LOVE. Much peace to you all during this devestating time. -- Love, The Caravaggi Family (Wentzville, MO)

My heart and prayers go out to all of you. Sarah was an amazing person, she will live in my heart forever. All my love, Mary Brennan McCarthy
-- Mary McCarthy (Hot Springs, AR)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this diffcult time.
-- Janet Lillis (Kansas City, MO)

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy.
-- Elizabeth Levis Chance (Wayne, PA)

We send our deepest sympathies, love and support to the Warner Family.
-- Scott, Wati and Peggy Peterson (Chesterfield, MO)