WHAT THE FUCK?!?! Who the fuck takes pictures of something like that and then posts it to a website!?!?

Just fucked up, man.

Perhaps I did not make it clear that I am one of Becky's (and Gene's) good friends and this entire event saddens me very much. Becky is the mother of Minnesota Care and was the best politician in St Paul. I love her very much and loved Gene. The photo helps to convey what I believe to be true, that Gene died of a broken heart. I certainly did not mean to offend.
Carla

Well...I'm sorry. Seeing a photo of a greiving father and it being used as a way to memorialize him took me aback.

Danny--
Do you always cuss out those who mourn?

Since you have this thing about whether other peoples' behavior when they're grieving, maybe you should do take a hard look at your own.

Slinging eff bombs at another human being who is saddened by the loss of her friend? What were you thinking?

Danny, shut the fuck up already. You've written a lot of mean-spirited drivel on this blog, but this one takes the cake. Carla, just ignore Danny's assholey comment. I too love Becky, one of the very greatest politicians ever in the history of this state (not to mention with more integrity in her little finger than a lot of people have in their entire bodies). I think this photo is beautiful, so moving in its simple testament to the tragedy of two parents losing their son too soon in a senseless war. You did not, could not offend anyone with a heart and a sense of compassion. Rest in peace, Gene Lourey.

I've appolgized for my initial, admittedly knee-jerk reaction to the posting.

My condolences.

D

Becky is a wonderful woman who has spent countless hours working for the field of developmental disabilities and human services, among many other areas.
Her steadfast committment gave me hope that our politicians actually listen to what is right with the world.
Even in the private sector her heroism for the underserved is exemplary.
I am saddened to hear of her loss.

I knew Dell (Gene's nickname) through working on Becky's campaign in 2002. What a great man we've lost.

I had the privilege to get to know him when I worked on Becky Lourey's campaign for governor. He was quiet, but jovial; reserved, but passionate.

From my observations, Dell was the best sort of idealist -- someone who practiced his preaching and beliefs in business, in family life and in the community. He was a quiet man fiercely devoted to his family and bettering the lives of his employees and the natural environment. I know this description of him doesn't even come close to doing the man justice.

His is the sort of life that people should desire to reach -- a man who refused to give up his soul for material gain and a man who refused to leave a footprint on the earth if that material gain was accomplished.

Bless you, Dell. I know you wouldn't have wanted me to pray for you, so I won't do that today. Instead, I'll try to treat the earth and my fellow human beings a bit like you did.

Much love and respect,
Phil James
Des Moines, Iowa

All:
Our family is small, and yet I read the blog and realize it is actually quite large...although Dal is actually my father's cousin, I will always remember Dal for the depth of his conviction, the breadth of his knowledge, the truth of his wisdom, the radiance of his brilliance, and the extraordinary emotional intelligence he embodied. Moreover, I shall always remember his wry smile and twinkling eyes! He and Becky provided more toward the betterment of this world than we will ever know and appreciate during our lifetimes...from Idaho I and my daughters send our love~~~
Char

All:
Our family is small, and yet I read the blog and realize it is actually quite large...Cousin Dal, my grandmothers nephew and my father's cousin, will be remembered by my daughters and me for the depth of his conviction, the breadth of his knowledge, his wisdom, his creative brilliance, his conviction and dedication toward an improved world, and the extraordinary emotional intelligence he embodied. Moreover, I shall always remember his wry smile and twinkling eyes! He and Becky provided more toward the betterment of this world than we will ever know and appreciate during our lifetimes...from Idaho I and my daughters send our love~~~
Char

All:
Our family is small, and yet I read the blog and realize it is actually quite large...Cousin Dal, my grandmother's nephew and my father's cousin, will be remembered by my daughters and me for the depth of his conviction, the breadth of his knowledge, his wisdom, his creative brilliance, his conviction and dedication toward an improved world, and the extraordinary emotional intelligence he embodied. Moreover, I shall always remember his wry smile and twinkling eyes! He and Becky provided more toward the betterment of this world than we will ever know and appreciate during our lifetimes...from Idaho I and my daughters send our love~~~
Char

There will be an informal public memorial visitation for Gene at Nemadji Research Corporation (the former Bruno School) in Bruno, Minn., on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 from 3 to 7 PM. To sign the guestbook online or view the full obituary, go to www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake 218-485-4429.

Carla, Thank you for posting this. I read it in the Star Tribune this morning and was taken aback by the loss. I also worked on Becky's campaign and am humbled by the accomplishments of this family.

When you say "died in his sleep" would that be a heart attack? The paper said it was unexpected. I can't imagine how Becky is handling this. There has been too much loss in her lifetime.

Also would the moderator consider taking down the beginning post? It was a misunderstanding and I'd love to see less swearing on this string of comments.

With so much respect in this moment, my heart goes out to Becky Lourey and her family.

I met Becky and her husband, when they supported my family when we lost Sgt. Daniel Torres in the Iraq War (2/4/05), and we questioned the President about this war. Just like they lost their son Matt and we together wanted and want to end this War in Iraq.

To the person who wrote a comment about the picture in this website "Danny"--respectfully, there is no need for your language and most of all the picture reflects the great pain families feel when they are confronted with their loved one who has died in the Iraq War. So, please "Danny" respect others pain, and again stop your attacks.

Bea, I'd just ignore Danny's sad and pathetic attempts to get attention, even if it means insulting someone who's just lost a loved one.

I would just like to say again that I truly do apologise for my comment at the begining of this post. I truly regret that I not only posted that, but that I even thought that and to say it was insensitive and misguided would be an understatement. I wish I could take it back because I truly realize I was in the wrong 100% by posting my comments.

I did not want to apologize again for this, and in fact have done my best to ignore the comments that have made in this case about me. I have lost people dear to me as well and if I was to see somebody being so judgemental in those situations, I would be upset as well. I'm posting on this subject for the last time just to plead with anyone and everyone to please restrain from even mentioning me or my post in this thread. Not because I can't take it, not because I just want it to go away, but out of respect for the subject of the post.

Again...Carla and anyone else who may be close to Mr. Lourey, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences.

Thanks, Danny

a friend and I drove down to Bruno, Minn. to Gene Lourey's wake today. It was most gratifying, there were literally hundreds of people paying their respects. The line was out the door. Becky, as is to be expected, was the epitome of class and graciousness to all -- despite running a fever. She is my hero. And I must say, the drive there and back was SPECTACULAR. This area is so gorgeous in the autumn. So many red, golds, oranges.