It's with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim Wilson, webmaster for the GCFA, and long-time member and supporter of the Greater Chicago Ferret Association. Jim died as the result of a heart attack on Saturday, December 18th, 1999. Gone much too soon, Jim was in his mid-forties. Jim leaves behind his two teenage children, daughter Amanda and son Rich. Jim's light continues to shine through them, in their kindness and compassion. Anyone that met Jim quickly understood his capacity for unlimited generosity. He often visited the shelter and asked which ferrets were the oldest, or had been there the longest, and adopted them. He took home several at a time, and usually had a head count of 30 to 50 at home. Jim, Amanda and Rich cared for the herd as a family. Adopting the old and ill ferrets often meant that their time together was short, but each ferret was loved, cared for, cherished, and finally grieved for. We grieve, too. The GCFA shelter has been overcrowded for some time, and tonight many club members are transporting Jim's ferrets to the shelter as well. If you have room in your heart and home, please consider adopting or fostering in memory of Jim. I think of Jim approaching the Rainbow Bridge, and of the multitude of heads that will be lifted, and the eyes that will shine, and the little legs that will be running towards him. I think of Jim smiling. Peace, friend. Wilhelmina Greater Chicago Ferret Association P.O. Box 7093 Westchester, IL 60154-7093 708-442-8650 www.gcfa.com [Posted in FML issue 2904]