I put off writing this because it was difficult to find the right words. I've discovered there are no words that accurately conveys my grief. Walt was a man who valued family and faith above all else. I worked with Walt both at CMA and BUR. He was caring boss who watched out for his a majority of his employees. Even when he was ridiculed, he stood firm...a testament to his character. But when I think of Walt, I'll remeber Walt the man, not Walt the boss. I'll remember the man he took the time to take a scawny twenty-two year old kid under his wing and help him mature both as a controller and as a man. I'll remember the many conversations we had not about air traffic, but about life in general and family in particular. When I found out I was going to be a father, one of the first people I saught out for parenting advice was Walt because I wanted to try to emulate his parenting style. If I could be half as good as Walt at being a father, I would be well satisfied. I am a better person for having known him. My only regret is not taking more time to converse with him becasue I foolishly thought I would have many more years with which to do so. Walt, wherever you are, take care and know that you have touched and enriched many lives, not just mine. In the words of Edward Stanton, Walt "now belongs to the Angels".

My heart goes out to the Long family. God bless.

Dear Liz,
So sorry to hear about your loss. You babysat our boys, Steve and Greg in the Palisades. In fact, Matt was born while you worked for us. Greg and Steve both remembered you and send you their condolences as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family

I did not know Maria but watching her mother on the news desperately searching for her tore at my heart. Being a mom myself I can't even begin to imagine the pain in her heart. May God bless you and your family in this time of need and may he surround your family with angels to let them know you are ok.

Regrettable I have known Chris for a short period of time, but knowing him has been a positve experience for me. It is easy to see why he had so many friends who really cared for him. I could see how much he loved his family and how important they were to him.

He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten by all those who were influenced by his presence and caring personality.

Stephanie, Gutierrez Family and Hefter Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Jacob was a fine young man and will be missed. God Bless you all.

I will always miss you my little jackie wakie. You were the little brother i never had and a smile that never ended. I know you will always be there watching over and still joking around. From your Jose... love ya kid.

Julia

Gabby,

My wife and I were touched by the genuine love, fear and hope expressed in your eyes as you waited for you sister. We are deeply sorry for your loss. I share a close bond with my baby sister and can't imagine what it would be like to lose her in such a needless and tragic manner. I can see you are a close and determined family which is why I know you and your family will prevail during these difficult times.

Keep the faith because light will shine through.

God's peace and love be with Rob's family and friends -- I agree with a previous posting -- God must have needed all of those whose lives departed this earth on Friday. Before moving back to the east coast, I rode that train countless times for years from work to home in Burbank. We all knew each of the Metrolink Engineers who carried us safely to and from work and home each day. Rob was a professional, and extremely safety conscious, which is why I know this had to be a need that God had for each of the souls that were taken from both Train 111 and the freight train engine; there can be no other explanation. You will all be missed -- see you on the other side!

Buck was one of a kind. Tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it more than him. I remember spending many days at the Buckley's and Buck always made us laugh. He helped me work on my car and always gave me a hard time for the music I listened to. He never missed our basketball games, and he always wanted us to hang out at the house before games. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. I am so sorry for Tish, Jeff, Diane, and the rest of the family.

Please let me know if there is anything you guys need.