Murphy’s lost his adoptive mother and best friend Jean Marie, who died the evening of November 29, 2007. Murphy was on her bed.
She found Murphy, a small Gund bear, alone and naked, in a Sonoma bed and breakfast in 2004, and immediately adopted him. His first race was just a week later at Laguna Seca, though he didn’t write his first column until July 2005. (Jeannie’s contributions to race coverage over many years is described here, at Last Turn Clubhouse.)
Murphy’s not sure what will become of him now, but he’s certain nothing ever again will be quite the same.
Farewell, Jeannie.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
It’s an Aggie tradition to call roll of the departed and have their friends answer “Here” signifying their memory will always be with us.
For Jeannie:
Here.
I am stunned at the magnitude of your loss. Words are inadequate to express my sincerest sympathy.
May God be with you.
Farewell Jeannie, you will be missed.
Godspeed Jeannie.
She will be missed by all. Jeanne you have made a difference in this world. We are all much better off because of you. God be with you and your family at this time.
Tom…so sorry to hear of your loss. She will definitely be missed by all. I hope to see you and Murphy at Sebring.
Tom, I am so sorry to hear the news of Jeannie’s passing. May the memory of her life and love give you comfort.
For those who would like to read more about this gentle woman, there is a moving tribute on The Last Turn Clubhouse:
http://lastturnclub.com/index.php
Tom, I’m sorry to learn of your loss. Godspeed Jeannie.
Tom, words can not express the sorrow I feel for you right now. I know how much you loved Jeannie and as a close friend I loved her too. It is rare to know people with such a kind heart and I am grateful to have known Jeannie.
Dear Murphy and Tom,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news about Jeannie’s passing.
I will always remember the last time I was with all three of you at Laguna Seca, sharing a story, a beverage and the company of our many racing friends. My lasting memory of Jeanie will be with Murphy tucked safely in her arms, and Tom by her side.
I am thinking about you during this difficult time and sending my heartfelt sympathy.
Words can’t do justice at a time like this, but remember that we are all thinking of you.
Hello Tom, I’m so very sorry at your loss, words will never be enough. I knew Jeannie was so ill at Petit, but she was being very strong. I hope you are as strong, because that is what she would have wanted, as you well know. I also hope that you remember that just because we dont tell you, we are your friends and you can always call on us.
Tom- I am shocked to hear of your loss.
May God bless and comfort you.
Kurt and Christine
Bobbi and I are both very sad to hear of Jeannie’s passing. We are glad we the opportunity to stop by earlier this week and see you both. I don’t think I know of two people who were more soul-mates than you and Jeannie. It was obvious every time we saw you two how much you shared life and love. She will be missed by many, but by none so much as you.
May God Bless.
Jim & Bobbi
Godspeed, Jeanne and hang in there, Tom…..
Tom and Murphy
I am deeply saddened by your loss. I missed you in PLM’s paddock this year, but at least had a chance to catch Jeannie in action taking pictures last season. God bless you guys.
Todd
Dear Tom and The Bear,
Im really sorry for your loss. I sadly never met Jeannie, but now afterwards hearing about her, I have truely missed something special. Im glad the two of you had that something special, something so special that the rest of us can only guess. I wish I could help you two right now.
Tom, all I can really say to help right now, is to remember all the good times she brought you. Remember her everytime you visit the track, everytime you see the brakes glow, everytime you see an Audi go zooming bye. Remember her and smile, she brought you the best days of your life. Smile and laugh, its what she would have wanted.
Murphy, my furry friend, Im glad Jeannie found you back in 2004. Im sure she was very proud of you, and still is. When you come to a hard decision, just think to yourself, what would Jeannie have sayed? Im sure you’ll make the right choice.
Its unfair that something so great has been taken away from your world. No one here has any idea of the magnatude of your loss, yet we’re all here for the both of you. Every day you wake up, smile, because shes looking down, watching, and smiling. She will never leave the both of you, she loved you both. May that comfort you in these difficult times.
God Bless Jeannie
JT
Tom, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Tom, you are in my prayers. May peace be with you in your time of need.
Tom
Sorry to hear about this, Tom.
A ball-busting jerk, but not a heartless one,
-EM
I’m new to this corner of the innerweb racing community. I enjoy the bear’s ramblings and commentary. So very sorry to hear of your loss.
Godspeed Jeannie.
I am very sorry about your loss. God speed to your wife. And god bless you through the grieving process.
Tom, while a part of you has gone with Jeannie, a part of Jeannie has stayed with you, so despite your painful loss you remain whole. Time will help you to heal but some pain will stay with you forever. This is the price we pay for falling in love. Focus on the great times you shared with your soul mate and keep moving forward as she undoubtedly wants you to.
Tom and Murphy,
Im very sorry for your loss. She will be missed by so many.
It was her that formed our introduction. My first memory of her and you will always be a great memory for me. Standing in an endless security line in ATL. Glad i was wearing that event shirt.
It was great to see you at Laguna and while i missed her not being there also, she certianly wasnt forgotten.
God Speed.
Chris Nelson
Tom,
Please accept my condolences, we will keep you in our prayers.
Barry