Loss of a great geocacher

[+DavidMac]

Butrflybec and I were at home this evening when we got one of those phone calls that you hope you never have to receive. TrkDoc, her father and my soon-to-be father in-law, passed away sometime today while on a cache hunt in Louisiana.

 

TrkDoc was one of the top cachers in the state of Mississippi and over the past few months had completed many challenge caches across the southeast and central US, most recently the Oklahoma county and Delorme challenges. We know that he was in LA for the weekend finishing up the parish challenge. However, at this point we still don't know much, and are still awaiting more details.

 

He was a great asset to caching in our state and will definitely be missed.

 

Here's what Bec posted on the MSGA forums:

I have some very heartbreaking news to fill you guys in on. I got a call tonight from an officer in Assumption Parish, LA saying they found my dad, Billy Harding, aka TrkDoc in his truck deceased. So far they say it looks to be natural causes, but we'll know more tomorrow after the autopsy. The officer said that his jeans were wet up to his knees and he seemed to be playing some kind of "gps game".

 

I know he really enjoyed you guys and had so many wonderful adventures over the last few years while he was geocaching. I guess it only makes sense that he should depart while out on a great geocaching hunt. He was trying so hard to finish up that Louisiana Parish Challenge. The King of the Challenges...

 

I just ask that you guys lift me and my family up in prayer as I have to be the "adult" and get through this. He was a great man, and a wonderful daddy...I'm really going to miss him.

 

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

I am so sorry for your loss. You, your family and the family of geocachers whose lives he touched are in my prayers.

 

It is scant consolation but as Bec mentioned when it is time to go then being out doing something you love is the way it should happen.

 

What a great way to start the next part of his journey.

 

God bless,

Ed

[knowschad]

Sad news, David, but I think that most of us would at least be glad to hear that he went while doing what he apparently loved... being out in the wilderness, getting your pants wet up to the knees like your mother always told you not do do... I hope I am so lucky and don't end up in a nursing home or hospital bed when my time comes!

[Clan Riffster]

his jeans were wet up to his knees and he seemed to be playing some kind of "gps game".

Sounds like my kinda guy! Prayers for strength and emotional healing for you and your family going up.

[+Blue Blazes]

Dear Butrflybec and DavidMac,

I am shocked, saddened and quite upset to hear of the sudden loss of your dad, TrkDoc. You have my prayers and deepest sympathy.

 

He was, indeed, working on completing my Louisiana Parish Challenge. I had email contact with him on Saturday morning, and expected him to easily finish the challenge over the weekend. I was looking forward to meeting him for the first time in person at the final cache. I thought for sure this would happen on Sunday. I was puzzled that I hadn't heard from him again, or that he had not posted additional logs since Friday.

 

Bill was the most focused and determined geocacher that I have known. He had truly earned the "King of the Road" title for his many successes with my Interstate Highway Challenges. And, to be honest, I had even begun working on my written congratulations to him in anticipation of a FTF completion on the Louisiana Parish Challenge. I thought "Mississippi Man" would have been a fitting new title for him for crossing the state line once again and beating the rest of us to this challenge.

 

God bless you and your family.

[+DragonsWest]

Another tragic loss in the community.

 

Prayers and condolences to his friends and family.

 

Peace be with you.

[+DavidMac]

I know that very few MS folks read this forum, but for those who do I'd like to announce that the memorial service will be held on Friday, December 18 at 4:00 PM at Liberty Baptist Church in Flowood, MS. A short visitation will follow. All are invited to attend.

[+k123anderson]

I am sorry for your loss, as i had one myself resently. My prayers are with you and your family in the holiday season. remember he was doing what he loved. god bless

[+erik88l-r]

My condolences as well.

 

It's always sad to hear of the loss of a fellow geocacher, though it is some consolation to see that he went doing what he loved. May we all be so fortunate.

 

~erik~

[+Trekkin' and birdin']

Adding our condolences on your loss.

[+GrateBear]

So sorry to hear about your loss. I send my condolences to you and your family.

[+popokiiti]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is never easy - I lost my Mum and Dad within 18 months of each other. You are in my thoughts.

[+Jennifer&Dean]

I met him at an event once, so sorry to hear about his passing.

 

Our condolences on your loss,

Jennifer

[+JoGPS]

my condolences also, TrkDoc was one of the nice guys

 

Joe