What's your favorite memory of Buck?

[TinysMom]

I wasn't a member of the forum that long before Buck died....I think we exchanged 2 or 3 pms and he was such a wonderful person...

What is your favorite memory of something he said or did?

For me - I think it was when he talked about being the "big kahuna"...(or was that JimD who said that??)....with Tiny being a flemish who was totally unsocialized...I needed to hear that so I wouldn't be afraid of him biting me or something.

Peg

 

[naturestee]

I'll always remember how the night before he died, he was on RO helping Freddysmom find an emergency vet. Even when he was deathly sick he was so caring.

I loved when he talked about being the Big Kahuna Bunny. It's helped me a lot with my buns!

 

[JimD]

everything

...but this stands out for me....

http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=6104&forum_id=6

 

[seniorcats]

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=6104&forum_id=6

i just loved this story.

 

[Stephanie]

I remember him telling someone who was asking questions about bonding to talk to me, that I was the "expert" or something because I had three rabbits bonded. Such a high compliment from a man I really respected.

 

[MyBabyBunnies]

I just love how Buck made everyone feel like they were a valuable part of the 'family' and that we all had something we could teach one another, regardless of age. That was a big thing for me because many, many forums have discriminated against me because I disclosed my age. Buck (but that's not to discount all those other members who were just as open) is one of the reason's I've stayed around this forum for so long.

 

[pamnock]

I was always awed byCarl's wisdom.

Pam

 

[Carolyn]

His wisdom - no doubt!!

I miss the sound of his voice, the great bear hug he'd give, the way he'd write, the words he used, his ability to laugh at himself, his forgiving ways, the way he'd see right through people, the way he could calm a roaring flame, the way that he broke things down and understood people, the way he didn't judge people no matter what age, color, years experience with rabbits were, etc., loved the old sayings he would come up with, loved the way he loved his rabbits and was proud of them, his honesty, sincerity, generosity, the way he made the Night of the Lepus sound like it was the most frightening film ever made, the way he helped me figure out what to ask the woman that had Flopsy, the Guiness Book of World Records oldest living rabbit, how distinguished he was, how humble he was, how much he appreciated the small things, how he believed in you, how he loved all rabbits and animals.

There's just so much to miss about Carl J. Lewis. I wish he was cloned.

 

[mambo101]

I miss his Buckness. It just really seemed that any crisis that anyone had about rabbits, he had the answers for. I'm still bummed out that he had to go to the :rainbow:Bridge before I got to meet him in person at Carolyn's picnic.

 

[m.e.]

Carolyn put it so perfectly

Buck never wasted a word - his sincerity and wisdom came through in every post, even when he was joking (and I just love re-reading the Night of the Lepus thread )

It struck me that Buck didn't just love his rabbits, he deeply respected them and took his role as a caregiver very seriously. I was always so impressed by his level of knowledge and how he was never afraid to admit he didn't know something and go searching for the answer. His commitment to improving the lives of bunnies in whatever way he could made him a vital member of this board :hearts

 

[Bassetluv]

Is that Night Of The Lepus thread still available? I'd love to read it sometime, as unfortunately, I don't have very many memories of Buck at all, other than recalling this wonderfully strong, gentle voice of reason who was posting in the forum, who left far too soon for me to get to know him. I learned more about him through what others have written than anything, and it would be such a pleasure to be able to go back and read some of his posts.

 

[Bassetluv]

everything

...but this stands out for me....

http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=6104&forum_id=6

Thanks so much for posting that, Jim...I recall reading it once, quite some time ago, but had forgotten it until now. What a gentle heart Buck had!

And for some reason, I was so touched by his closing words of the story:

Ya never can tell where the day's gonna go!
Buck

:inlove:

 

[JimD]

Bassetluv wrote:

Is that Night Of The Lepus thread still available? I'd love to read it sometime, as unfortunately, I don't have very many memories of Buck at all, other than recalling this wonderfully strong, gentle voice of reason who was posting in the forum, who left far too soon for me to get to know him. I learned more about him through what others have written than anything, and it would be such a pleasure to be able to go back and read some of his posts.

Your wish is my command...

:magicwand:


http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=2297&forum_id=5&page=1

 

[Bassetluv]

aaawww .... Thank you!!! :kiss:

*Hurries off to read*

 

[Bassetluv]

LOL! I just read the first few lines of Buck's post and he mentions that Night of the Lepus had appeared in The Matrix...that's something I had wondered about and had mentioned in one of the threads a week or two ago. So Buck answered my question for me!

 

[Carolyn]

mambo101 wrote:

I miss his Buckness. It just really seemed that any crisis that anyone had about rabbits, he had the answers for. I'm still bummed out that he had to go to the :rainbow:Bridge before I got to meet him in person at Carolyn's picnic.

Actually, my having that party was Buck's idea. I had mentioned the Beach Bunny party the year before and when Iwas touring our campus prior to the Boathouse Party, when Buck saw the place, he said, "This would be a great place to have the next bunny party." He really was looking forward to that party. It was obvious from Easter on, though, after he took his fall, that he wouldn't be strong enough for it. I do believe Gypsy and her sister, though, saying that she felt his presence there very strongly. I think they asked you if you had lit a cigar or pipe, Mambo, because they smelt one burning.

By the way, I LOVE your avatar. That's hysterical! :laugh:

Bassetluv, Buck would be very happy to learn he's still teaching! I'm certain he's smiling down at that with Raph at his side. As a matter of fact, I know it!

Buck would be starting his talks about the Night of the Lepus now since it's October. He loved the Fall, especially loved visiting the country this time of year. This was also his birthdaymonth as well.

m.e., no question Buck never acted or felt like a Know-it-All. He had a extensive rabbit library - from the simpliest of care to extremely advanced care. I just pulled books I've read or wouldn't get to and gave half of his collection to Gypsy last weekend when we went to pick up Darla from a show. She's loving it as Buck continues his legacy of helping others learn.

He loved this board, the friendships he made, the feeling of warmth, love, and learning new tricks of the trade when it came to rabbits. He'd always carry a rabbit book or two in his van in case he got stuck waiting for the Missus as she got her hair done or was shopping. Any moment he had available to learn, he took advantage of.

I wish you all met him. His love, patience, warmth, and acceptance was felt immediately upon being in his company - even moreso than in the written notes, but you can still get a sense of it in his writings.

:energizerbunny:

 

[LuvaBun]

I always remember seeing the pic of him with Max in his 'frontpack', and thinking how awesome that a man loved bunnies so much he'd carry them around for all to see .

I always remember not only his wisdom, but his wit, and his way of difusing awkward situations.

And I am thankful to him for recommending The Polar Express film at Christmas - it has become a favourite

Jan

 

[Carolyn]

Having to call on Buck today because I'm just learning of Marshmellow and Peanut. People just don't seem to get it when they catch me crying over the loss of a rabbit I've never met. Sometimes the only thing that comforts me is knowing that the babies that cross the bridge are with Buck. God knows, they're in good care with his loving ways.

Another thing I miss about Buck was how he pointed out to men that havinga rabbit didn't threaten his masculinity - as a matter of fact, he'd note that rabbits attracted women to men. Buck was wiser than his years.

 

[JimD]

LuvaBun wrote:

I always remember seeing the pic of him with Max in his 'frontpack', and thinking how awesome that a man loved bunnies so much he'd carry them around for all to see .

 

[LuvaBun]

Thanks for posting that pic, Jim .

Yeah, Carolyn, I remember Buck saying how the ladies would crowd around to see Max when he had him out

Jan