It was an impromptu visit - and likely not even one he would "count" as a sociable - but given that Heath and Kelly will soon be moving north, and opportunities to get together with them will become rare indeed, I choose to recognize our spontaneous, half hour crossing-of-paths last week as my twenty-fifth cup of coffee. I enjoyed the five years I worked with Heath and the two years I worked with Kelly. Both great teachers and colleagues. As I didn't actually get to see Kelly last week, when I ran into her hubby after a year-end RJ event, I will focus this post mostly on Heath although it should be noted that I think Kelly is equally as fabulous (and that Derek had a bit of a crush on her when he first met her too. I can't begrudge that. She's a sweetheart.)
Check out this picture on the right and Heath is the "big boy", although in about 30 years I'll bet the little one, Hudson, looks pretty much the same as Dad. (I wonder if they'll still be dressing the same...) I love that Heath doesn't take himself too seriously. He has a great sense of humour and is quick to make himself the first target. A sports fanatic to the nth degree, Heath's friends even made him a mock-IPP in honour of his uncanny ability to remember numbers, facts and statistics related to sports. He shares this passion flawlessly with his students too. One can't help but feel inspired to cheer and commiserate with the athletic role models of today and yesterday, thanks to Heath's enthusiasm. While only having lived in the area for a few years, the Kleins were quick to integrate into their community, beyond just the walls of their schools. Active in their church, on various recreational sports teams, with parent groups and willing to help out any neighbour (or person, for that matter) in need. With a fridge (or two) always filled with beverages to share, Heath and Kelly's living rooms and decks were frequent venues for groups of friends large and small.
I have known Heath for five years and although we were work mates first I feel lucky to count he and Kelly as friends. Although, I can't imagine anyone not becoming friends with the Kleins. They are two of the most down-to-earth, easy to talk to, genuine people - and laid-back, amazing parents - one could meet. Airdrie's loss is sure to be Barrhead's gain. Barrhead picked up a couple of fantastic free agents.
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