Stewart Nestor

Posted on: Dec 31, 2022 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Dec 31, 2019 at 4:35 AM

Posted on: Dec 31, 2018 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Dec 31, 2017 at 4:33 AM

In high school, I had two kinds of friends: those that got me in trouble (Ed Harvey) and those whose company you enjoyed, Ken Barrett. Ken and I got along because we could both walk the halls of Vandalia Butler without notice. He never broke out of his shyness, though if you got enough beer in him, his tongue loosened like a standup comedian. Before I get to that story, let me tell you about gentle Ken.

Ken was way more shy than most of us boys at school, though he had a sense of humour. I'd kid him about his last name, which probably annoyed him more than I realized. When I'd come over to visit him, he and I would ride bikes, walk to Parkmore or find a board game to play. HIs mother was very welcoming and enjoyed my visits and always encouraged me to come back. She knew Ken's shyness was a barrier to friendships. 

After graduation, we went different directions until we both ended up in Germany in 1967. He was a short-timer when I was just getting started. Before he left we took a trip to Austria and there I became Ed Harvey and got him drunk. We got so drunk we couldn't find our way back to the train station. When we did find it, our train had left. At the time the consequences of missing that train had not penetrated our inebriated brains. Later I was able to sneak into my unguarded compound while Ken had no such luck. The MP's got him at the gate.  

After the Army, I left the state and Ken was off working for AT&T.  Every so often during my trips home, I'd stop by his parents to get the latest family news about Ken. 

I am sorry to hear of his passing. I would have liked to have one more visit. 

Posted on: Dec 31, 2016 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Dec 31, 2014 at 4:33 AM