Brother from a different mother

The Year was 1961 I was in my 13th year when I met Ray Boeckmann.
My sister Colleen had called the local Navel Base Mare Island and asked to speak to a submariner? ( Well thats the story I was told) When Ray showed up at our house the first thing that struck me was his smile it was radiant! So began many years of friendship with the man that would marry my sister and become a profound influence in my life. He was 19 and just starting out on what turned out to be an incredible Naval Career. For those who don't know it Ray was Admiral Hyman Rickover's ( Father of Nuclear Submarine Navy) right hand man. But in those days he was just a brilliant young man who was in love with my sister. Ray had many talents my favorite was he played guitar and sang. I loved to sing with him I still remember all the lyrics to " They called it that old mountain dew" For a few years Ray filled a great emptiness in my life. It was because of him that I joined the submarine service. He also helped me buy my first car. A 1954 Cadillac that we purchased for $140.00. It was a real Beauty and a great Buy. Ray was a shrewd wheeler dealer! Although Ray was just a few years older than me he influenced me more than my Father ever did and I had a sort of hero worship for him. I know even with my many faults I am better man because of the time I spent with him. I was so overjoyed to see him at Rachael's wedding! He still exuded so much charm and an amazing inner strength to say nothing of his stamina in the work that needed to be done. I will always be grateful for the time we had together. The world has lost something truly precious in his passing. But he will always live on in the wonderful memories we all hold in our hearts! I can close my eye's and still see him dancing and singing and making all those around just a little happier for having known him. "Well they called it that good old mountain dew and them that refused it are few, I'll shut up my mug if you'll fill up my jug with that good old mountain dew" God Bless and Good Journey Your Brother Tom