Darcey Busse: 1961-2008

If you're from Outlook, Conquest or the surrounding area, then you probably know it by now - Darcey Lee Busse, a beloved teacher, coach and human being passed away last Sunday, after a brief but brave fight with cancer. He leaves behind numerous family and friends, including wife Cindy and sons Matthew and Eric.

Mr. Busse came to this community in 2000, and after a short feeling-out process, quickly became a friend to many people. I myself had him as a teacher for three classes - study hall, Psychology and Work Experience. He was an amazing guy and I know there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of former students, colleagues and friends who will miss him.

I felt a need to write a tribute to his memory, as well as his life. So, in this week's issue of The Outlook, Darcey has taken his rightful and much-deserved place on page one, as well as page three. My story was emotionally draining to write, but at the same time incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. I truly feel it may be my best work, though it didn't feel like "a job" at all.

I was honored to know him, and honored to have been so involved with the football program in my senior high school years. Mr. Busse's encouragement and words of praise lifted my spirits and made me strive for perfection in everything I did.

We mourn his loss, but celebrate his life.

Goodbye, Coach...
- Derek

Riding With The King...

So I broke down and finally bought a new vehicle, after being in limbo for the past 6-7 months and driving the old diesel truck pretty much everywhere. I'm very happy with my purchase and believe I've made the right choice.

As you can see, my car is a 2008 Ford Fusion SE. Light grey, looks almost white at first glance. I got it from Jubilee Ford in the Saskatoon Auto Mall last Friday, and I'm very satisfied. I did my research on the Fusion model over the past few weeks, and I knew it was what I wanted - I wasn't gonna settle for anything else. Too often in my life, I've settled. "Oh, this is good for now." "We'll see what happens down the road." "I'll see where I'm at in a few months."

NO MORE!

Some cool features, too. CD player, front and back speakers, and six months of free Sirius satellite radio. Right now I've got my dials turned on Howard Stern, so there's no doubt that by the end of the six-month period, I'll be hooked and have no problem paying the $14-15 a month to keep it. As well, its got a 2.3 litre, 4 cylinder engine, and gets 28MPG in the city, and 40MPG on the highway.

So I'm happy. Pumped is rather the best word. I'll be getting plenty of use out of it this spring and summer. When the boys and I hit up Pratt Lake again (our third year), I'll gladly drive, seeing how my trunk space is big enough to fit a small army.

Keep 'em laughin',
Derek