Goodbye, Aaron

I am very sad today because I learned of the death of a friend. Aaron Foster was one of the faces behind the meat counter at the Fareway grocery store where I have shopped sinced it first opened. We never exchanged last names, I knew his because it was written on his hat in his own handwriting. He was polite and funny and one of the best examples of good customer service I have ever had the pleasure to see. He was the guy who first told me about "Cushion meat" - a cut of pork that I use each year for the Beers 'n Ears menu. It's better than pork loin for making pulled pork because it is more moist.

When I visited the meat counter, it wasn't just a business visit - it was a social call. We would chat about Bacon Wrapped Asparagus in May, Beers 'n Ears in July and then just the weather for the rest of the year. He was of an age where he could have been my son, or son-in-law, because if he hadn't been married, I would have given him permission to marry any of my daughters.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to his parents and siblings, his wife and daughters and to all of the folks who shopped at or worked with Aaron at the Fareway store. He will most definitely be missed by all of us.