Gary West, columnist, author and my good friend, writes in the column below, “I knew this day would come.”
He is informing us that it is his final column.
I was surprised when he sent us the column, because, by coincidence, this is my final month as publisher of this newspaper. I will still write columns when our new publisher, which I will reveal next week, asks me to write one.
In my 37 years and seven months as publisher of this newspaper, Gary West made possible some of the best memories that I will carry with me.
In 2013, I first met Gary when he approached me seeking information about the history of Corbin Redhound sports. He had already authored several books and this time, and at the urging of Rodger Bird, he was writing about the rich history of Corbin sports.
Gary had met Rodger earlier and became friends. He wanted to write a book about Rodger and his famous brothers, but Rodger would have no part of it. Instead, he took Rodger’s advice to include everybody and authored one of the best human-interest books I have ever read.
If you have never read “The Boys from Corbin, America’s Greatest Little Sports Town” then you should read it. There are copies available at the Corbin Public Library or you can contact Acclaim Press at www.acclaimpress.com about a copy.
It is more than just a book about sports, but rather it is a book about the heart of a small town that has produced many great athletes. I suggest that every person, coach, player, administrator, everybody associated with Corbin’s athletic program make it a “must” read.
The timing of publishing the book came just in time. In my personal copy of the book on the first two blank pages, I have the autographs and notes from 15 of the players mentioned in the book. Sadly, 11of the 15 have passed away.
We had a book signing as soon as the books arrived in 2013 on a Saturday at the Edwards Gym. The turnout was unbelievable. Most of the Selvy brothers and the Bird brothers were there along with many legends from the past.
Later, we had a banquet at which Gary spoke. This town adopted Gary and his wife Deborah even to the point that the late “Buddy” Martin was urging them to move to Corbin. The mayor gave them “Keys” to the city.
With this book, Gary brought Corbin to the mountaintop as a unique small town that has accomplished so much. He and I and our wives became best friends.
Shortly after the book was published my wife and I moved to Henderson, Ky. to be with our daughter and three grandchildren. This is where the late Rodger Bird had lived for many years running an insurance agency.
Instantly, Rodger and I bonded and he was like a brother to me. Along with our wives, we saw each other often. Also, we were close to Bowling Green where Gary and Deborah lived and that made it possible for all of us to get together.
Our friendship made possible some of the best days of my life. On one occasion at a restaurant in nearby Evansville, Gary and Rodger had us laughing constantly. The management finally told us it was closing time or else we would have stayed several more hours.
Gary West opened doors for me and the city of Corbin for which we are thankful. From the very first night when I stayed up late reading the book and finished it the next day, to more recently when I picked it up and read parts of it again, I am so thankful that Gary and Rodger brought us that gift.
He says today is his final column. I’m hoping I can talk him in to writing one more and once again share with us his feelings about those wonderful times spent here with his many friends.
It’s been great Gary, best to you and Deborah!
