Kim Casey
| Page updated on 12/1/07 |
| Tributes |
| This page is being dedicated to those who are in some way responsible for Classy Quarters Appaloosa Farm's existence. All those involved have had one common interest: A Love For Horses. |
| "Kerry" |
| Kerry Elizabeth Laston (Burke). October 3, 1954 - January 21, 1981. Kerry was my sister. She is the person most responsible for my love of horses. In fact, she persuaded our father into purchasing my first horse, "Bam Bel", a 9 year old Thoroughbred gelding fresh off Narragansett Race Track in Rhode Island, when I was thirteen years old. Kerry taught me how to ride, starting when I was three years old. She was a very good rider herself! This farm that Gil and I share, is something that I just know Kerry would be proud of. In fact, I think she'd be here visiting quite often if she was still with us, if she didn't move here herself, with her husband, Jeff. Kerry... It is now 2005, and it has been 24 very long years since you've been gone, and I love and miss you more than words could ever express. I've never quite gotten over what I experienced that awful night, and probably never will, either. Thank-you for all you have been to me, and for helping to make me the person I am today. You've been a silent strength inside of me, but somehow, I think you already know that. You'll never be out of my thoughts. I love you... |
| Me on my first horse, "Bam Bel". Kerry talked Dad into this wonderful Thoroughbred gelding for me! Thank-you, Kerry. |
| Kerry on "Pine's Capital", a chestnut Tennessee Walking Horse stallion. Original photo taken approx. 1972. |
| "Roman" |
| Mr. Roman "Nat" Natyniak... A man I grew extremely fond of... I met Roman at a physical rehabilitation hospital that I worked at back in Rhode Island. The hospital that Roman came to us from had been unsuccessful at getting him "weaned" from a ventilator after a major operation he had undergone. The moment Roman arrived and I met both him and his lovely wife, Charlotte, I made it my business to make him my own personal project. He had a look in his eye that gave me a different feeling. It was a look of trust. I think we both got that feeling immediately. Well... Both Roman and Charlotte had thanked me several times for doing what they said "I" did. It wasn't me. It was Roman's own efforts that turned what I did to help him into a success! To keep a very long story short, Roman is responsible for our interest in the Appaloosa breed! About a year after his return home from the hospital, he admitted to himself that he was no longer able to care for the Appaloosa mare that he owned... Our oldest mare, "Jackie". Roman asked if I would take care of his horse for him, as he had only re-gained 40% of his original strength from prior to his surgery. I guess he figured that I'd take good care of her for him... Well, the work that Roman and I did together at that hospital made it possible for Roman to be able to take a few trips up here to Maine to see his girl, Jackie, and her baby, our stallion, "JB Roman Tarbask". He was tickled to think that I actually used his name in JB's registered name! I did it for him! He also made it out to see Jackie's next foal, a pretty filly named "Tarbask's Lolita". After that point, both Roman and Charlotte were in and out of Dr's appointments and hospital stays, so he was unable to return any more. We did keep in touch by phone, and exchanged Christmas cards, too! Unfortunately, in what I believe was July of 2002, Charlotte called me, explaining that my "friend", Roman, had passed away. My heart was broken with this news. My condolences to Roman's family. A wonderful man had left this world. Roman had a beautiful, close-knit family who all adored him. I'm sure he had many, many friends that felt the same way! I know I did! I miss you, Roman... |
| "Gil" |
| Gil... What can I say about the man that I love and share this farm... our home... with? Gil means the world to me! He's everything a woman should look for in a man... gentle, hard-working, caring, thoughtful, and respectful. As a matter of fact... September 21, 2004 makes thirteen years that he and I have been together! Wow! Does time fly, or what? He's done so much around our farm, starting inside the house before we moved in. He hasn't stopped yet, and seeing as it's now 2004, he's been steady going for six straight years! He always finds work to be done. I have to talk him into actually "stopping" now and then. Gil was born in Maine, in the small town of Minot. He was one of four, being third in line, along with his brother and two sisters. They, too, are truly nice people. Gil has been a great support person. I love this man, and he'd better know it! He took very nicely to the horse thing! He's come a l-o-n-g way when it comes to understanding and handling them, too! "Good job there, Honey!" He's a fantastic person with the foals, too! He is constantly handling them during his busy days, so they are all very well adapted to being handled. In fact, they follow him around like a pack of puppy-dogs!! He is in there right from the very start... helping the Mom's to dry their babies by rubbing them down with a soft towel, and later petting them all over their bodies. He has been their actual "first touch" on several occassions. In a few instances, he's had to be handling them before they were even fully delivered! There's no hesitation at all when there's a problem, whether it be a problem delivery or an injury that needs tending. He is always willing to get his hands dirty, so to speak, and help out! Gil, "Thank-you" for all you have done and still are doing... We wouldn't be where we are "getting to" if you were not the ambitious, hard-working man you are! I want you to know that I honestly appreciate all you do... playing all the roles you do: "Plow Guy"... "Stable Hand"... "Veterinarian: Dr. Gil"... "Fence Builder"... "Repair Man"... "Wood Cutter"... "Addition Builder"... etc, etc... I love you, Honeys! And I always will! Love, ~Me!~ |
Mom & Dad
| I owe an awful lot to my Mom & Dad for everything they've ever done. They raised three children very well, and guided each in the right direction. Where we go with our lives from there is up to us. I would like to say that my parents are the most loving, caring, and the most patient and understanding people I've ever known. Throughout our lives, Mom and Dad have always been there to help. It seems that by now, "we" should be lending "them" a hand, but they are still going strong and helping out however they can! Their encouragement and wonderful up-bringing has helped me to become the person I am today... Charles T. and Marlene A. Burke... "53-Plus" short years together... May you enjoy many, many more! I love you both... ~Kim!~ |
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