Farewell to friends

It's been a sad and somewhat traumatic week at the Eagle as we had to say goodbye to five colleagues and friends who were laid off as part of a company-wide reduction in staff.

About 45 of us gathered at Heroes for a farewell party. Sports columnist Bob Lutz was our master of ceremonies and he paid eloquent homage to the five, including photographer G. Marc Benavidez.

Copy editor Jennifer Comes, saying a few words of farewell to the gang.

Paul Soutar, a graphics designer and photo editor who has been at the Eagle for about 15 years.

News associate Carolyn Hytche had been at the Eagle about 22 years.

And news associate and librarian Deb Bagby also had been at the Eagle about 20 years.

Deb with photo editor Brian Corn.

Here's the newsroom crew that showed up for the party. It was sad, but also a heart-felt tribute to those who are leaving.

The drinks were flowing and the five who were leaving were obviously touched by the good wishes of those who were gathered. We all fear that these sort of farewell parties will be too frequent and common in the months and years ahead of us.