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I don't think of myself as that old, so when I read in the company newsletter, which I still get, about the deaths of former co workers, I feel so odd. I mean it is hard to imagine that some of them have died, especially since I have not seen most of these people in so many years I can't picture them as old enough to die.
How do you feel when you find out someone you worked with died?
It makes me feel strange, and I am suddenly aware that someone will read my name in the future and know that I have died.
I keep a list of former co-workers and friends that have died. I now have 35 people on the list, next to their name is the cause of death and their age when they died. Most were younger then me and died of medical causes. Several would be at work and then over night get sick and die within days, a few even died at work. Some died in their 30's, and 40's but most in their 50's and 60's. Only a few have survived past that age.
It's very depressing because I knew these people well and enjoyed their company. A few were much more then friends.
I don't think of myself as that old, so when I read in the company newsletter, which I still get, about the deaths of former co workers, I feel so odd. I mean it is hard to imagine that some of them have died, especially since I have not seen most of these people in so many years I can't picture them as old enough to die.
How do you feel when you find out someone you worked with died?
It makes me feel strange, and I am suddenly aware that someone will read my name in the future and know that I have died.
I keep up with my fellow coworkers too and it seems like there's a new obituary everyday. I worked in 3 different fields with many employees so I had a lot of coworkers.
I keep up with old school friends on Facebook so there's that, too.
Over the years, I've come to terms with it. But every now and then something surprises me, and it's interesting that just today a former coworker was buried. She was probably the most vibrant, lively person I ever worked with, in 45+ years. My husband knew her all her life, and I worked with her 1992-2002, we both agree she was a force of nature, seized life by the horns, and kept everyone around her laughing and on their toes. She was only 2 years older than me and her death was sudden and unexpected.
Once the shock had passed, all I could think was that I hope I go like she does, i.e. quickly, without any pain or diminishment. I'm very sure she would have chosen that type death too. RIP, dear M, see you on the other side!
I also get our company's internal news magazine. It lists short "obits" about retirees or employees that pass away. I used to read them with awe at the number of years they were employed and the ripe old ages they lived to. Now I read them cautiously, really with a sense of dread, because I hate to see that they aren't some "really old guy" they are often people I worked with more recently. The "retirements" section is filled with my co-workers, and the "promotions" section I'm thinking "who are these people?" and I only retired 4 years ago!
I keep a list of former co-workers and friends that have died. I now have 35 people on the list, next to their name is the cause of death and their age when they died. Most were younger then me and died of medical causes. Several would be at work and then over night get sick and die within days, a few even died at work. Some died in their 30's, and 40's but most in their 50's and 60's. Only a few have survived past that age.
It's very depressing because I knew these people well and enjoyed their company. A few were much more then friends.
Very interesting. Most of my former colleagues who have died were in their 80's at the time of death. I have attended some of the services. It seems like an odd cluster that so many of yours are dying so young. Do you think something about your line of work contributed to the many early deaths? Breathing toxic fumes, or anything like that? Did a large number of your co-workers smoke? Unusual and persistent stress?
To the OP: Yes, it is an odd feeling to note the passing of former co-workers, especially when they are not much older than we are. It is an inescapable part of aging, I think, to start losing one's friends and relatives. I had 25 first cousins, four of whom are gone, three of the four younger than I. There are a number of us clustered in the 67 to 72 age group, including the ones I am close to, and it will be odd and upsetting to lose them when that time comes.
Last edited by Escort Rider; 02-11-2015 at 07:08 AM..
I had two pass last summer and they are only in their late 20s-mid 30s. One was sick, the other in a traffic accident. It does seem odd that these people are gone, but not much different than older relatives we were familiar with who died.
I don't think of myself as that old, so when I read in the company newsletter, which I still get, about the deaths of former co workers, I feel so odd. I mean it is hard to imagine that some of them have died, especially since I have not seen most of these people in so many years I can't picture them as old enough to die.
How do you feel when you find out someone you worked with died?
It makes me feel strange, and I am suddenly aware that someone will read my name in the future and know that I have died.
I just had two die; one my age; one several years younger. They were both smokers and died of related diseases. One two years ago most shocking who was 62. He; I would have bet ; would out lived myself and all my friends because he was physically healthy otherwise and same weight as when in high school and could work like a 30 year old. He didn't even take any prescription drugs and had checkups regularly. He had sudden pains; they checked and found pancreatic cancer and he died two months later. No cancer history in family either. Then knowing most people I worked with; hearing the number of from 50-65 year olds who have developed heart problems ;makes you realize that all you can do is live a healthy life style to effect what you can.
I'm one of those who reads the obits in the largest newspaper in the region where I grew up. Every so often there's a name I remember from my youth or work, and usually a recent picture of that person, I'm sad to know that so many are gone in my age group. My parents and their siblings are all gone now and my generation is beginning to die off at a faster rate than ever. It really makes me feel my age but also serves as a grim reminder that life is short and gives me the feeling that every day is a gift of time to be happy and content..
I also get our company's internal news magazine. It lists short "obits" about retirees or employees that pass away. I used to read them with awe at the number of years they were employed and the ripe old ages they lived to. Now I read them cautiously, really with a sense of dread, because I hate to see that they aren't some "really old guy" they are often people I worked with more recently. The "retirements" section is filled with my co-workers, and the "promotions" section I'm thinking "who are these people?" and I only retired 4 years ago!
I could have written this. My thoughts and feelings exactly!
What also "shocks" me is that in my early years here at work, a lot of us played in the company softball league. (This coming Saturday, I'll have been employed here at the Lab for 32 years.) Lately, I've noticed that a good percentage of those who I played with, (running, batting, throwing, catching), don't move so fast or easily anymore. Some of them look like Hades. "Boy, he sure has aged!" . . . while wondering if they think the same of me.
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