I was stationed in Germany in the Army with Tim. We both arrived in early 1984 as young lieutenants straight out of IOBC and Ranger School, and were assigned to the same infantry company. This was before he began dating Lori. During our time in Germany, Tim and I became very close friends, along with Brian Goeselt and Gene and Sandy Stockel. I remember Tim being so happy when he began dating Lori. She immediately was brought into our group as one of the gang. We traveled throughout Europe, and spent lazy evenings eating dinner and having great German beer. We went skiing and traveled on countless small trips to places like the Black Forest. I have attached a photo of Tim and Lori that I took when we were there. It was during this time that I got to know Lori so well, and to see that she was the perfect person to tolerate Tim!

One hallmark of our time in Germany (and since then) was that Tim, Brian, Gene and I were relentless in our humorous attacks on each other. All four of us made the others laugh, especially when it was at another's expense. We worked hard and we played hard -- sometimes too hard. But one vivid overall impression I have of Lori is the way she enjoyed being a part of that hilarious camaraderie. More than anything else, I will always remember Lori's laugh. It was deep and genuine. It was infectious and rewarded you for being funny. I know that towards the end of her life there may not have been that kind of laughter, and I feel lucky that all I have in my mind's eye is the memory of her laughing so hard and enjoying herself so much. That is the way I will remember her always, and for that I am grateful.

After we all left Germany, we stayed in touch. Not as well as we would have liked, but well enough to know that we are all good friends for life. In 1992, Tim and Lori, my wife, Jill, and I, and the Stockels with their kids, Andy and Katie, all met for the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia. Attached is a photo of us all. Lori is pregnant with Aaron in this photo. We have all tried to get together at other times as well. The Loucks' and Jill and I rented a small house in Ithaca for three days. It was nice to just spend quiet hours cooking, walking, talking and laughing, and seeing their kids. Kathryn and my daughter Kelsey were about a year apart. Jill and I visited Tim and Lori when Tim worked for International Paper, too.

But probably the best "reunion" we had was at the Jersey Shore. Lori called me to see if we could put together a 40th birthday celebration for Tim. I always thought that was so nice of her to do. All of us, the Goeselts, the Loucks, the Stockels and the Thropps, met for three days in September, I think 2001. I have attached a photo of all of us on the beach. I remember we had a bonfire on the beach, and all of us, including Lori, loved hearing all the old stories -- which have been told many times. Lori talked often of one day having a reunion in Germany. Although it is sad for me to think that she cannot be a part of that, I know in my heart that this was a special 3 days for her. It was for us all.

It was a time when all of our wives got to know Lori very well also. My wife, Jill, commented recently on how interested Lori was in her own children, and about learning about the different issues we all deal with in connection with children. She was fascinating to talk with because she was so passionate about the things that interested her.

I am also attaching a photo of Tim and Lori and the kids that we received for Christmas one year. I kept it because it was such a great photo. Jill and I will miss Lori terribly. There is a huge whole in my heart. But I know that while she was here she made a huge impact on me, on her family and friends, and on the world because she touched so many people in positive ways. Although I am overwhelmed with sadness in writing this, I am also proud to have served in the Army with her, and I am filled with great memories of the wonderful person that Lori was. We love you, Lori, more than words can say. And we will miss you.

Chris Thropp

Loucks-Thropp-Stockel: From left to right, Katie and Sandy Stockel, Tim and a pregnant Lori, Andy and Gene Stockel, Jill Aversa and Chris Thropp. At the Army Navy Game, 1992.

NJ Beach: The "Gang of Four" on the New Jersey Shore for a reunion and Tim's 40th birthday.


Loucks Xmas Card


Lori & Tim: Black Forest, 1986
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Posted by Chris Thropp