R. Truman Ingalsbe

Terry,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you often since you called to let me know of Truman's death. It's hard to accept that someone so full of life could be gone. I regret not calling occasionally when I first would think of it instead of putting it off until later. Although it was over 22 years ago we met on the trail, our conversations would pick up right where we left off. I think of our many nights in front of a campfire, longing for good food and a cold beer. I will miss...

The moon was awesome rising in the East coming over the mountains into Bethlehem the evening of the 17th from Ohio. It was orange, and full, lighing the valleys and trails. December 18th was bright and crisp, a glorious winter day. And Terry, your Memorial service was superb. Trum was smiling.

Truman was a cat. I may have only spoken with him five or six times in my life, but after the first, I could understand why my dad liked him so very much. We would simply trade tales of music and the outdoors (seems like he did much the same with others) and make wispy talk of doing something together someday - yeah, Appalachian Trail I think! Melissa and Terry (our wives) would of course be welcome. It's too bad we never traded music, or that I never tapped into his radio show (until now...

We are immensely saddened that Truman is no longer meandering this planet. We have such wonderful memories of our times with him and of his passion for nature, hiking, photography, books, and music. He touched our lives and made his mark -- with his geniune laugh, his mellow voice on the radio, his warm hugs, and his distinctive handwriting on the tapes he created for us. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you, Terry.

Truman's passing has left a hole in the fabric of our lives. We will miss his spring flower photos, whacky salads, interesting musical choices, trail tales, Meanderings, and hand-made birthday cards. He was truly one-of-a-kind and we were blessed by his friendship. Terry and his family are in our thoughts.