I met Carl in March of 2005 when I was installing a new front door at his house. I told him that my fiancé Marie and I had just bought the house around the corner. He asked if we drank, I said yes and the party started. After we moved in he and Vicky were taking a walk after dinner one night and we were outside in the yard. We talked a bit and wound up at our tiki bar. After awhile their kids called and said where are you? Your cars are here but you’ve been gone for a long time. Carl said, “Don’t worry where we are, we’re at the Batcave”. The kids had no idea about Marie and I and were lost, so after that when ever Carl and Vicky needed an adult break, they would take a walk to the batcave.
We quickly became the best of friends over the next 16 years and spent a lot of time together. Many cook outs, seafood boils, parties, holidays, birthdays, boating days, fishing trips, good times, bad times, game nights, beer tastings and many other celebrations. We took vacations together to our condo and we laughed so hard and loved every minute of it. We once went to the pineapple festival while in Hutchinson Island, in the pouring rain. We were drinking these giant Cpt Morgan and cokes from plastic pineapples and saw The Pointer sisters perform and actually met and hung out with the band Atlanta Rhythm Section. We had a big time and got just a little drunk. lol It didn’t matter where we went, Carl would make you laugh. He always had a twist on a story and you knew it was gonna be a good one when he started with, “There I was, minding my own business …” 🤣 I’m going to miss my friend, my neighbor and my best drinking buddy. We shared a lot of life together and I consider him my best friend, as I’m sure many others do. He was that kind of guy and I’m gonna miss him everyday. He and his stories will live on for a long time and when I see or meet anyone after this, come up and tell me your Carl stories. I’d love to hear them. I’m sure most are hilarious. He was a good man. He loved Vicky with all his heart and worried about his kids and grand kids being ok and having what they needed.
You fought with all you had for a very long time and now it’s time for you to rest my friend. We will definitely tip a beer together again someday. We Love You Both.
Rest In Peace My Friend
Slainte 🍻
Kerry & Marie McLaughlin