TEPS are tops ...

 

This weekend, I had the honor and privilege of attending a Celebration of Life for my dear friend, Karl Laundy: aka PartyMan. This is a DEEP cut to so many of us - Karl's family, friends and a unique rag-tag bunch of us who came together as a special family: Fraternity Brothers.

The USC Brotherhood of Tau Epsilon Phi has a very special place, forever in my heart. Not knowing any better, I pledged, lived in the house as an Active, and now relish countless memories as an alum. "The House" was my home for much of my formative years of that era. It was an evolutionary time of learning and growth. Many of my experiences contributed to form who I am today.  So many cherished memories are etched into my psyche. This was one of the first places that I learned the value of loyalty and brotherhood. Bonds of eternal friendship that endure time. 

Karl meant a lot to SO MANY people, but this is my blog so I get to write about my memories and connections. Even so, I'm doomed to shallowly share only some of who Karl was to me. 

Karl was one of the very first people I met when I walked into The House during Rush week. I almost instantly felt at home. The place was a sty (but a charming sty) and reminded me SO MUCH of "Animal House" it was uncanny. It didn't take long for the down-to-earth diversity of brothers and the giant Chevron sign to make me feel welcome. I was hooked. 

Early on, Karl and I bought motorcycles together. He with a black Yamaha cruiser and me with a bright red sport bike. We rode up to San Francisco that year having to buy rain suits in Santa Barbara for the inclement weather. Riding down Lombard street was a highlight. Karl introduced me to Sushi for the FIRST time in Carmel. A passion of mine that persists to this day. I fondly remember many rides up Angeles Crest to Newcomb's Ranch in La Canada Flintridge, carving the twisties and enjoying the Southern California breezes. 

I remember countless nights of D&D or Cosmic Encounters, the sound of the Defender machine when spare quarters (that weren't needed for laundry) were found. Karl introduced me to the Renaissance Faire and the importance of wine with good friends. 

There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3) and I eventually left the village of West 28th Street in search of adventures and experiences that would define my future self. Proximity and mundane life played a role to not being as in-touch as we had been. I remember visiting LA to watch him play Team Handball and grab a Tommy's Burger (Karl taught be how to properly eat the cheese off the wrapper like a true gentleman.). I remember bumping into him (and Walter) at a Comic Con down here in San Diego. 

I will always remember his optimistic, positive outlook on life. 

I wish I could've spent more time with him. 

We had a secret handshake, just he and I alone. Only a few people knew that. Ask me and I'll show you someday. I miss that. 

One thing many people will agree about Karl: "There’s a frood who really knows where his towel is."

There's simply too much to mention, too much to remember. 

Vino et Bueno my Brother. You will be missed.

TEPS are tops ...

A photoset: https://photos.app.goo.gl/97C5U61qA7UeBSxW7





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