It only took a few hours to load up Christmas decorations into the backs of pickups, into trunks of cars, and even into their back seats, probably on a few laps as well. Fuzzy Rodgers will remain in the hearts of many of the folks in this ever-changing town of Oak Harbor. And even in a few places beyond our state’s border. It was heart warming the stories relayed to those of us at the sale of the items gifted to North Whidbey Little League for the raising of funds from the Rodgers family.

Many of us there had the opportunity to watch Fuzzy with our boys. To watch his firm yet gentle teaching style. Many of us there have also grown up in Oak Harbor, have made that yearly drive at least once down 6th Street to see the colorful display created with love by Coach Fuzzy. I’m happy to report that 6th Street will continue to hold Christmas decorating in Fuzzy’s honor. There will be bits and pieces of Fuzzy up and down 6th Street. His neighbors came to purchase decorations. His neighbors came to say, there has to be Fuzzy at Christmas.

We had mothers come and get pieces for their kids. Kids who live away from here now, kids who are grown, kids who remember Coach Fuzzy fondly, and asked their mothers to try and get something of his! Certainly a piece of Christmas spirit to display in their new lives is the best way to honor such a man. There will also be pieces on display at various locations in town. Several churches picked up pieces of his large Nativity display. Two families that have a very large holiday display at Taylor and Crescent Harbor will be sharing Coach Fuzzy too.

The day was bittersweet. But it was a wonderful day of sharing. That’s what it’s all about, sharing is the spirit of the season.

Terri Mebane

Oak Harbor