Just Friday night I mentioned his name to some friends. Prior to him becoming our governor he was Pierce County Executor. I was only 14 years of age petting their horses at a fenced pasture when he walked up to me and proposed a deal to take care of their thoroughbreds Betsy-Looking Glass and Dennis-Jaywalker while Gail was off to college. I am and will be forever grateful of this time I had spent working with his horses and knowing the family. He never knew that working for his horses brought purpose and meaning in my life. Such a simple thing but so profound! His trust in me to care for such beautiful and expensive animals spoke volumes to me that I was of worth and of importance. During this time of my life I was dealing with abuse and thoughts of suicide. The care for Betsy and Dennis... the nature and beauty of them brought substantial meaning and healing to me. My love for horses will always be in connection to healing in my life as a young child. I only wish now I had the chance to extend my gratitude of this to Booth personally. So... to his dearest family and friends "Thank You!" for letting me have the chance to know Booth, the care I had for Betsy and Dennis and the opportunity to share this story of mine. My sincerest condolences to you all. I send my love and prayers to the Gardner and extended family members. May God strengthen and give you peace. God bless! Pastor Johanna R. Burkhardt - Olympia, WA