Kenny Marston, who died too young this week, and I were the number three children in our large 1960s and 1970s families. Those were the best of times, weren't they? No internet to relegate ourselves to the couch, lots of kids in the neighborhood to pal around with, Pat’s Pond, the old grammar school on School Street ... Here are some of my remembrances.

The car accident. You broke your back and it was doubtful you would be able to walk again. But miraculously, you not only walked but we were Seahawk teammates on the 1972 football team which defeated the "crowned" champion, Dirigo, 6-0, on what would eventually be called Sherman Field. You and Smith – along with Glenn, Kim and Ronnie – did some wonderful blocking for me, Jeff, Randy, Pete and other running backs.

On to years after high school and college – during which some college mates, Dave B. and Rodney D. and I visited you and my brother Bruce in Florida for a week. We hooked up again through work.

First it was Fisherman's Wharf lounge with Bob, Kernan, Al, George and Donald behind the bar and you, your brother-in-law Tom, Jeffrey H., myself and others delivering drinks and that popular Lobster Club sandwich and other delights during those busy nights and afternoons. The best and brightest days of my "bar" years.

Then you went to work at Geppetto's (now the Bistro). I eventually followed your footsteps and worked there a few weeks.

Misty – your wonderful wife, Misty, who grew up on Townsend Avenue and Kenney Field Drive and was part of our neighborhood life – was one of our wedding attendants in 1982.

Then your Mom and Dad, Laurel and Ken, you and your brother Geoff opened the popular Everybody's Restaurant in the Meadow Mall (after a stint in a slot beside Finast/First National – Hannaford now).

What a happening place that was! I finally got to be behind the bar and you welcomed me with open arms. Your Mom, Penny, Corinne, Maude, Loretta, Bonnie, Meredith, Wendy, Karen and many others took care of most of the food orders while we kept the drinkers in check on Friday and Saturday nights. Darts, ball games on TV (where we saw the Sox lose the '86 Series) and tabletop video games were an additional draw.

We were teammates again during those years, on the Sandjiches – the adult softball team. Thanks, Milton (your brother from a different mother), for those wonderful shirts and support.

And wasn’t it wonderful that our parents got to witness the Burnhams vs. the Marstons basketball game at the YMCA. Five-on-five brothers but a gang of 10 who respected our friendships.

Then, 37 years ago, you gave me the blessing to move on to what would become my career at the Boothbay Register while you and Geoff ran a successful and popular restaurant for many years.

Of course, we remained friends and shared memories of the past via visits, phone calls, texts and, of course, instant messaging via Facebook. One of your best friends, Duey, also kept me informed of your life in Florida.

You will always be one of my special friends – you gathered hundreds of friends during your life.

My best and condolences to Misty, Kurt, Geoff, Frank and Matthew and families. Kenny Marston was the best.