To the editor:

Not surprisingly Rod Barnes’ obituary in the Journal-World is short. Matter of fact, Rod never said much about himself, at least to me. He was, however, voluble about things he cared about. Voltaire had Candide end his tragic/comedic adventure by saying “but first we must cultivate our garden.” Rod did just that.

Together with his nurse partner, Joni, he cared for us, his patients, our children and children’s children. There was never a call not answered. Never were we rushed through a visit. Rod always had all the time needed to meet the person he was treating. He was the best of healers and never missed an opportunity to burn off some piece of unnecessary skin.

And Rod was also the prince of pickers. He knew everything about everything. Particularly old cars, more particularly old Porsches, and toys. But taking him to my surrogate mother’s 11 storage sheds in Oklahoma City, and her hoarded condo was a joy. Stuff that meant nothing to me, carrying few messages, was fully explained by him.

I’m just one of many who will miss Rod. His voice, the very sound of it, the slight pause as he formulated the words he needed to speak his thoughts, is remembered. And not just by me.

William Skepnek,

Lawrence