Us.. The diversity of "Our Group" is seriously what we are all about. Most of us (Me) poke a little fun at the various makes of our "rides" Its NOT what you drive, its where you are going, who you will see, and the memories you will make. Yesterday, January 11, I attended a farewell service for a friend, Jeremy Martin who's life was taken from us all. Senseless stupidity from his neighbor, (who recently had firearm charges pending.) Resulted in a drastic life change for a family, that will NEVER, EVER BE THE SAME. Our lives can be turned upside down, and never the same, in a single second. I was, shocked, amazed, and blown away with the LOVE and support from so many people from various walks of life. The attendance and SUPPORT from U.T.A, was stunning.. It has been years since we have had an escort of any kind, let alone a U.T.A Buss, U.T.A officers and various departments block intersections.. I impressed and humbled with the turnout of friends, to say farewell to a friend! AS it is usually said, "you should have been there", literally hundreds were ! I am sure, Stories will be told, and passed on forever ! Its also said "never judge a book by its cover", I know "others" in his/our community attended and had thoughts.. who are these people? Everyone dressed in different attire, dresses, suits, pants, jackets, and Car Club jackets of all kinds! The line of waiting was out the door, around the front of the building.. in and around all halls and then to every room in the funeral home. I love when speakers focus on the person and family. We all know sometimes at these events some tend to speak about the beginning of time, and a vacation they had, that didn't have anything to do with the current situation. Well, not this time! Everything focused on Jeremy and his family and related experiences and fun everyone had with him. Jeremy's sister told of fond and funny memories; everything was exactly what we all needed to hear. The next speaker was his closest friend Byron Diamond I am so sure as he approached the pulpit, some thought .. oh boy!?? Dressed in his club jacket just as all their club, you have to admit, there are always those in our outside community that have various opinions and thoughts of . "Us Car Club People" Remember, we are all taught, never judge a book by its cover?, well, everyone was blown away by all Byron spoke of. He started by relating fun and "unique" events that had together. And then, told of outstanding faith and religion. Related an experience of giving a needed blessing, but before he began, told his club, what he was about to do and if they had different views or opinions, they could walk outside during the blessing. NONE LEFT, they all bowed their heads in respect, listed and learned. A book and its cover ?, is all of us !, we are all in every walk of life, we all have different thoughts and opinions.. And should be respected for that diversity! As the services concluded, the progression the cemetery was very impressive, escorted by U.T.A Busses, U.T.A Police, Riverton Police, and various other agencies. Intersections were blocked, most traffic pulled over. Letting the procession go by. As I said IMPRESSIVE. This used to be a standard practice, but somehow has gone away. I guess this is part of me/us being "old School" I believe it should be an everyday practice, no one is in that big of a hurry to get anywhere, That they can't show respect and reverence to a family and friends in mourning. The casket was transported by a beautiful 1956 Chev wagon owned by Jeremy and Mindy Kovatch. Loaded, and expertly ratchet-strapped in by the "Unlucky ones Car Club, (as the funeral directors and staff watched in amazement!) I'm sure this was far from a "normal" service they are all so used to! Led by a normal Hurst, a limousine, a '56 Chev wagon, and a line of cars that literally stretched back for a mile or so! When we reached the cemetery, of course a Hot-Rod tradition was upheld. A BURN-OUT! Normally it is more than a few vintage "rides" in attendance. But this time, it was the '56 Wagon, driven by Jeremy Kovatch with Jeremy Martin, "Little Jay" all strapped in.. (ratchet strapped in for his farewell ride) IMPRESSED is an understatement.. It is an honor to be called his friend. Memories of him and his fun, will keep him with us forever. We are who "they are" We are who makes a difference. We are we, We are Us, We are THEM ! BY the way.. Does anyone recall a Car Show in Wells Nevada and unique use of Coconuts? I sincerely apologize for those families who's Services I have been unable to attend or pass along in my "Hacketts Chatter" emails. Sometimes, there just isn't sufficient time, or we have been out of town. As I say. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES Sincerely, and Respectfully. J.C Hackett