Great place, good times and bad

To the editor:

Hello, Baker City. I'm writing from South Dakota to say I love you. You are a great city. How do I know? Well, I visit every once in a while. I enjoy walking along your sidewalks. People are just so friendly, I feel like I belong. I go into a store to shop, and everybody likes me. I can just feel it. And they like each other, too. Your people seem to like everybody.

Crossing a street is an adventure in Baker City. Drivers don't honk and try to run over me. They stop and wait. What's amazing is they don't just stop to let me pass, they stop way down the street. I have never seen that before, anywhere. And they smile and wave. Makes a visitor feel special.

Gary and Jo Marlette are the reason I come to Baker City. Gary and I have been best friends since high school. Our families grew up, tied together mostly by Christmas cards and phone calls and infrequent visits, but we have always been close.

I visited recently under tragic circumstances, to attend a memorial service for the Marlettes' son, Andy. The way you gathered around to support the family was heartwarming. The service at the Elks Club was standing room only. It seemed the whole town was there. The memories friends shared about Andy were funny and sad and wonderful. And the Drum & Bugle Corps made a real statement in music. "Amazing Grace." Amazing. The Oregon Trail Motel and Restaurant was kind and helpful beyond all reason.

You are wonderful, Baker City. God bless you.

Bill Green

Redfield, S.D.