Topic starter
24/03/2010 7:14 pm
Capt. Mike Williams just informed us that long-time DQSC crewmember Capt. Larry "Buford" Wilkinson has passed away this morning at a hospital in Vicksburg, MS. This is very sad news and our prayers are with Capt. Buford, but also with his relatives and friends. With Capt. Buford we're loosing a good friend, a dedicated riverman and a very special member of our steamboating family.
24/03/2010 7:26 pm
Such sad news. The river community has lost a dear friend, who will be long missed. My heart goes out to his family and all his river friends.
24/03/2010 10:50 pm
On behalf of my parents & I, we wish Buford eternal rest at His Hand and we know he is at a much greater place, in peace...
Requiescat in pace Larry...
25/03/2010 1:40 pm
thanks Franz, I am very sorry to hear this as I was one of the Mates on the MQ when Buford was hired and he worked for me for a couple years before I left. I remember when we gave him the name Buford. His dad was a Vicksburg Police Sgt. and asked us to give him a job. Well because his dad was a southern cop the boys nicknamed Larry Buford after the movie Walking Tall. I was always proud to know that he stayed and made it all the way to the top. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Another sad day in Steamboating.
Topic starter
28/03/2010 9:53 am
The Vicksburg Post has an article about Capt. Wilkinson online today: The Vicksburg Post > News > Family hits the street with loved one's story
28/03/2010 5:38 pm
Captain Buford's obituary is also in the paper today. Click on Franz's link, then click 'obituaries' at the top of the page.................
29/03/2010 7:38 pm
Buford - The " Go To Guy " !
Greetings From New Orleans !
I was really saddened to hear of the untimley demise and passing of Capt. Buford . I will also be the first to admit that I really did not know him that well but I can say with authority that from the times that I would go back to my old home , the Str. Delta Queen , to trip , it was Capt. Buford that everyone first called upon when an issue came up ! Capt. Buford really was the " Go To Guy " when there was a problem and not only that he always kept me company and entertained in the Pilot House on those lonely " Back Watch " nights !
Its been my observation as of late that there are now not only fewer steamboats on the Western Rivers but I believe that there are now fewer real steamboat men that once manned these same Western River steamers !
What a shame !
Yes , its true that anyone can be replaced but in Capt. Buford's situation he will be sorely missed !
Smooth Sailing , Buford !
Ted Davisson
Pat Traynor;20834 wrote: Captain Buford's obituary is also in the paper today. Click on Franz's link, then click 'obituaries' at the top of the page.................
30/03/2010 6:02 pm
Here's some pics of Bufords days on the MQ as a deckhand around1982-83 The first one is Buford throwing a lock line, second is the MQ tug of war team, and third is just the guys goofing off......better days. Via condios old friend
04/04/2010 11:06 am
Buford
I just returned from Captain Bufords funeral in Vicksburg, and I can report it was a beautiful ceremony.Our friend Buford looked at peace and was dressed in his Captains uniform, (with his ever-present sunglasses around his neck!)His father Hugh, mother Frankie, and sisters Christie and Angie, though heart broken, were very gracious. Quite a few family and friends were there, including many "Steamboaters". Myself, Captain Paul Thoeny and his wife Tara, engineer Marvin Williams and wife, Homer Ellis, Mikel York, Bill Bowie the painter,Jay Webster, Scott Fassler, Bob Stevens and Mike Gentry. It was great to see everyone again, and we all shared "Buford" stories and many laughs. I think he would have been proud to know so many of his friends were there. After a nice service, we formed a mile long procession to the cemetary. With Buford being the son of a retired police officer, every intersection and every street was blocked and traffic stopped by police officers standing at attention, hands on their hearts. Every car along the route pulled off to the side and stopped until the entire procession had passed, I thought it all very touching. Captain Buford, our friend and true Steamboat brother was laid to rest on a beautiful hillside, in a green field lined with budding trees...His passing is to me a signpost on the road of life, not a warning, but a reminder to cherish our family and friends as we journey through life. We can all take comfort that our friend and brother is not lost or forgotten, but will always remain, safety buried in our hearts.
05/04/2010 1:24 pm
Thank you Captain Mike. You words were so touching. Brings tears to my eyes yet again over the passing way too soon of our young Captain.
Thanks also for the reminder to cherish our family and friends. Also gives me renewed energy to fight for the DELTA QUEEN. It helps keeps those memories alive for those who have gone before us in their love of her.