Valedicere ( latin; to say goodbye)

My name is Shannon Sawyer. I am a friend of Tony and Pam Parscal. I have asked to make an entry in Tony’s blog. I know there are many who love Tony that read this, and that there are many that have never met Tony, but have been following his journey here.

Tony left this world on Sunday, November 16th at 12:51 p.m. He was at home with his family near him. His memorial service will be Sunday in Austin at 2:00.

Tony was one of the most unique and loving people I have ever known. He called me his love child - born of his love of fishing and Pam. We had several fishing trips together - some more successful than others - but we always had a GREAT time. Coming home from an overnight in Rockport where we froze and stood in vertical drizzle, we stopped for a train and got out of the car to dance around the vehicles. Such was his joy for life and fun. Tony was the kind of guy you could talk to about anything and have an interesting discussion. He always valued what you had to say, even if he did not agree with you.

Tony was blessed with an amazing family that he absolutely adored. His number one girl was Pam. What a love story! There was never a doubt about the devotion they both had for each other. They inspired others with their consideration, and I know I took a few notes about being a true partner. His number 2 girl is Erika. While not his daughter by birth, he told me over and over again how special she is to him. He loved her fiercely and I know she was able to give him comfort in his last days. Ryan, the amazing musician that is Tony’s stepson, was a rock for Tony. Tony spoke with such pride of all of his accomplishments, and Ryan was such a vital part of Tony’s last days on this earth.

Pam. You are stronger than you know. Thanks to you, Tony’s wishes were carried out. Tony stayed home. Tony had his family near him. Thank you for being so open with your journey and allowing others to be there. We are all still here for you.

I love Tony Parscal, and if you knew him, you would love him too.

He is missed deeply, but Pam says it perfectly when she describes time with Tony as a gift.
We were all blessed by knowing and loving him.
For that , I am grateful.

It very strange hearing the doctor tell me other day that instead of a couple years I probably have just a couple of months. I dont feel like someone that only has a couple of months left to live, I do not feel that way at all. Maybe the the drugs are better at this level. I feel more stable and clear, my appetite still sux But there is this terrficic natural substance that has improved my appetite. Shannon is coming tomorrow to visit for a couple of days and i am so looking forward to it. She is an amazingly speacial young woman to me. I can't but see some of this as a death watch. I have to remind myself of what kind of friends I have. we have a circle of friends that would show up at 3:00 in the morning if I needed that. I am sonstantly amazed by the fact they would really do most anything and have proven it a number of times. Shannon and I are going fishing if we we able
Always with love
Tony.