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Most of you reading this probably didn't know Brad Roach. If you play ultimate with me and our group, then you most likely know him, or have at least met him. To my other friends who happen to be reading this, know this: Brad was a fun, energetic young man whose constant smile and strange antics (the likes of which make even me appear at least remotely sane) would easily bring a smile, and even mirthful laughter much of the time, to anyone around.

I first met Brad back when I first started playing ultimate frisbee with the group that Nate, Kevin, Chris (Kevin's brother), etc. had gotten together. Brad was one of our regulars back then, and was a very good player - particularly on the defensive, as he was willing (to the frustration of his opposition) to do anything to make sure you didn't get the disc. He had heart and spirit, an effort the likes of which would last on even past when he stopped playing regularly with us, when he would only come to the occasional pick-up game. From being constantly rusty he wasn't nearly as good as he used to be, but he still had that same heart, that same spirit that drove him forward, and that drove his team mates on with extra vigor and determination.

Brad last played on Tuesday night, a game that I will now never forget. My last memory of him is of us colliding that night. I had sprinted and jumped across his path to catch the disc, and his jump for the disc knocked me out of the air; we landed in a heap on the ground (and, admittedly, my leg injury was worsened in the process.)

That is my last memory of our friend Brad Roach. His life was taken from him last night in a car accident. The world now seems to be a much darker place. It is unbelievable that a young man, only twenty years old, with such vitality, could be killed in such a twist of fate. I don't know Brad as well as others, such as my brother, did, but I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that he was one of the coolest people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. I feel for his family, I feel for my brother, and I feel for all of his other friends who have lost someone so incredible, so bright and fun. It is times like these that I wish I had a firmer belief in God and in Heaven, so that I could truly believe, without a doubt, that he has gone on to a better place. But know this: whatever your religion, whatever your beliefs, if there is some paradise awaiting us in the afterlife, then Brad Roach is there, and that paradise has been made a much better place in his presence. If there are angels, then I rejoice for them, that they may now meet such an incredible young man, such an incredible person... and such an incredible friend.

Let us remember the great times that we have had with our dear friend Brad, and let us add yet another memory: let us gather next weekend for a great game of frisbee, a memorial to Brad and the life that he lived.

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