Bruce Sharp

My friend, Bruce Sharp, died last Sunday as he had lost his struggle with cancer.

I've known Bruce for over 20 years, when he was a fellow YCS driver and then a YCS road supervisor.  He was more than just a road supervisor, he was the drivers living Guardian Angel!  Like a Guardian Angel, Bruce was assigned to protect and guide the drivers at YCS.

Bruce would be extremely strict with the rules of the road as he wanted every driver to return home safely.  A few drivers thought he was too strict, but didn't deny his dedication to protecting the drivers from themselves.

I don't know if many people remembered the old television show, "Hill Street Blues,"  It was a police show in which each episode would begin with a station briefing by the Sargent. Just before they would all leave the station he would remind them of this thought..."Hey, be safe out there." Bruce's later gruff voice, the professional demeanor, the stress on safety, had made me think of him as that veteran Sargent.

The nature of Bruce's and my friendship was a joking one...we would tease each other mercilessly.  I recall one afternoon not long ago when I had a radio call to take an elderly lady to Walgreens.  I parked the cab in a assigned spot close to Walgreens door and proceeded to open the rear passenger door for her (normally I would just pause the cab long enough for the passenger being half out of the door before I sped off...just joking Mr. Shranko).   When I returned to my driver's seat noticed that I had a message on the onboard computer from Bruce, it said, "Drivers are not allowed to back up the cab per company policy." I immediately called Bruce's cell phone and requested a tow truck.  Bruce said, "...did the cab break down?"  I replied, "Nope I'm not allowed to back out of the Walgreen's parking spot."  He said in that gruff voice, "Get your diseased butt back to work." (Note: I also have cancer.)  I was a little surprised that I wasn't later written up.

I'm sure when Bruce drives to the Pearly Gates that Saint Paul will not allow Bruce to back out of Heaven.  Bruce is probably up there now whispering down to every cabbies ear, "Hey, be safe out there!"

--Bruce Robison
Checker Cab 3605
#3123

No Marathon Experience

Daily Quote:  "Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. NO EXCEPTIONS. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your race number to anyone else, and you may not transfer your entry fee to future races. If you attempt to sell your race number, you may be banned from future Competitor Group events for three years." --2011 Las Vegas Marathon website.

Sadly, I won't be able to run the Las Vegas Marathon this year as I'm undertrained due to my cancer fight this year.  Unfortunately, I registered for the marathon back in January before I discovered I had cancer, and according to the Competitor Group I won't be able to get my entry fee returned.  Oh well, I'll go down and get my goodie bag with the race t-shirt anyways.

I'll have a somewhat frustrating marathon experience as I'm scheduled to work Sunday night and with the Strip closed from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. it's going to be a crazy night!  Many hotels and casinos don't have back entrances, but I'll try to drop off my passengers as close to the hotel as I can.

Needless to say, I'll be depressed Sunday night as I wish to run the marathon too!!  During my work shift I plan on wearing my 2008 Boston Marathon cap as to identify with my brothers and sisters in running shoes.