There wasn't a dry eye in the funeral home last Saturday when we said goodbye to Hal Shroyer. We weren't crying tears of sorrow; we were crying tears of joy for a guy that gave us so many stories to tell.

It was a "who's who" of political friends, mostly Republican because Hal was a rabid Republican. Already a half-hour before the service, folks had gathered and were renewing acquaintances.

The opening remarks by Mort Marks, Mr. Republican from Arapahoe County, told us that Ted Strickland, former senator from Westminster and Hal's closest political friend, was ill with pneumonia and unable to attend.

Mort then opened up the story telling and was it interesting. We all had stories to tell, some of them outrageous. But we all spoke of Hal's honesty, integrity and doing exactly what he said he would do.

Among the who's who were, along with the Marks; Freeda Pounstone; Bob Sweeney, newspaper publisher from southwest Denver; Bob Ewegen, Denver Post editorial writer and Jody Strogoff of the Colorado Statesman newspaper. Also speaking were Duane Woodard, former Attorney General, Dick Sargent from Jefferson County and numerous other Republicans.

But we Democrats were well represented by former Lt. Gov. Mark Hogan and Mike Stratton, chief strategist for former Gov. Roy Romer. They both spoke of what a terrific battle it was when Hal was on the Republican stump.

All politicians like to be seen and be heard and the discussions were lively and the hugs and well wishes abounded before and at the luncheon.

I'm sure I speak for all in attendance that it was a real blowout for Hal. He would have loved every minute of the two-hour service.

Weather takes toll

It wasn't nearly as much fun to go to Rock Creek Farm for our pumpkins this year as the fields lay strewn with orange beauties all frozen by that 10-degree cold the week before. The folks at Rock Creek told me they had to import pumpkins so they would have some to sell. We managed to find 15 nice big ones so our display is still complete. Farming, be it for corn, wheat or pumpkins, is always a crapshoot from planting to picking.

Still time

If you haven't turned in your election ballot there is still time to bring it to any city clerk's office or Adams County Motor Vehicle office by Tuesday.

This is an important election for city councils and school board offices. And don't forget the term limit expansion question. Please vote, it's both a privilege and a responsibility. Remember to vote "no" on the term limits issues. Also, I encourage you to cast your vote for District 50 school board candidates Marilyn Flachman and Sharon Whitehair.

Quote of the Week

"A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work." - Main Street Memories

P.S. Happy Halloween! And get well wishes to Ted Strickland.

Stay well, stay involved and stay tuned.

Vi June is past Democratic state representative for House District 35. She is a former mayor of Westminster and a former newspaper publisher.