Bruce Gay, 57, was called home on August 2, 2014 at his home in Woodward. Bruce Iril Gay was born on September 29, 1956 in Wichita, Kansas. He was united in marriage to Delilah Ann McFarland on July 15, 1979 in Woodward. They made their home in Wood-ward and were blessed with two children. Bruce was most recently employed at Weldon Parts as a manager where he had worked for the last 15 years. He was a member of the Woodward First Baptist

Church, where he served as a Deacon and was Chair-man of the Deacons several years. He sang in the choir and served as Choir President. He also participated in several Easter Pageants over the years. He enjoyed hunting, working on anything electronic, cars and motorcycles. If he couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed. Some of our employees wanted to send a goodbye to our very own

Bruce Gay.

In Memoriam: Bruce Iril Gay

The weldon gazette

Oct.Nov.Dec 2014

Volume 12, issue 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Special points of

interest:

Memoriam of Bruce Gay

Clinics

Open houses

2015

Winter tips

Wel don Parts Inc .

Clinics

Open Houses

Birthdays

Store News

Miscellaneous

From Daniel Gaston: Bruce, I thought I should tell you how much our relationship meant to me. You were a wonderful role model for anyone who worked under you. You loved and cared for your co-workers as much as you did for your own family. I respect you for never deviating from your beliefs. You taught me that a persons integrity is far more important than getting ahead in life. Your kind heart was felt not only by me and those that worked with you, but also by the customers that did business with you. You were always there when I needed someone to talk to, or get information from. I am so proud to have called you a friend. If I turn out be half the man you were then I will have accomplished something in this life. You will always at least in my book be one of the Godliest, greatest, kindest, and most loving men I knew. Thank you for being my

friend. You will be missed!

P. S. Bruce's life verse Romans 5:8 "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." NLT

From Bryan Matzek: I have known Bruce for approx. 30 years. When we were living out west of town he just lived around the corner from us. I knew Bruce when he was working in the TV repair industry. If I had a problem with a TV or electrical or back in the

early days of computers, floppy discs, etc.; I would take it to Bruce. I still remember visiting with Bruce about getting into the parts industry. We went to the quick

stop and talked things over sitting there in a booth. Bruce had GREAT character qualities. I told him that it might be easier to teach someone truck parts than to teach the character qualities that Bruce had.

He decided to go to work for Weldon's. He worked the counter , and worked outside sales for some time— moving to assist mgr., and then to manager. Many times we would talk not only about work but just the

things that each of us were going through. We prayed many times together about the struggles that each of us faced. He will be GREATLY missed not only as a co-worker but as a friend also.

From Tim Dawes: I worked with Bruce for 2-1/2 years and this stands out about Bruce; He was the most even tempered guy I know. He was just a great guy to work with and I know we will all miss him deeply.

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Below is some information that our very own Chuck Harwell explains at his brake clinics.

Brake Safety Week September 7-13, 2014

It’s that time of year again. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week ran

Sept. 7-13. During the week of Sept. 7, CMV inspectors checked brake systems on trucks

and buses across the country. From the CVSA press release, inspectors looked for loose or

missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums, rotors, and other faulty

brake-system components. In addition, inspectors checked the antilock braking system in-

dicator lights. Measurements of the pushrod stroke were taken as needed. Any trucks found

to have defective or out-of-adjustment brakes were placed out of service. Ten undisclosed

jurisdictions were also tested for overall braking efficiency using performance-based brake

testing equipment. All brake checks during the campaign were Level IV inspections. In some

cases, Level I inspections were conducted. Back in May of this year, the spring brake check

took 9.5 percent out of service for brakes out of adjustment; 8.5 percent out of service for

brake component violations; and 15.2 percent out of service for any type of brake violation,

according to the CVSA website.

Brake Safety Week

Angelo listening to Chuck at a brake clinic at Sumter, FL.

Brake class at Time Definite Services

“Norfolk had their brake class on Aug. 25th in Clearwater, NE. It’s

about 50 miles from Norfolk. We had 22 people from about 6 or 7

area towns. Chuck presented the class. Chuck was very pleased

at how the people responded & the questions they brought up.

My salesman Don had some good feedback when he handed out

the certificates. The following night Chuck put on the TT/AC cer-

tification class. We had 12 people including my salesman Don

that took the class. Everyone was very

pleased that they passed . I want to thank

Chuck for coming up to do the classes. I

know he enjoys coming to Nebraska. He

says its the only time he can swear, lol.

Next time Chuck, I will cook you a steak

on the grill and I will find you a place

where the cops won’t be around.” —Mark

Hunke, Norfolk manager

Vic listening to Chuck

Class in Tulsa, Ok.

Class in Gothenburg, Ne.

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On August 27th, the Grand Island store hosted a

fleet night brake clinic in Gothenburg, NE with the

help from Performance Truck. “They are our TSE in

out state Nebraska. Chris Claassen, our outside

sales person, did all the

ground and foot work that

it took to put in on. I

feel he did a first class

job. There where 14 that

attended the class from

the North Platte &

Gothenburg area. Both

Chuck & Chris felt it was

a good class.”—Jim Penwell, GRI Mgr.

To the left is a photo Chuck took at one of our customers shops in Orlando. This is why he does forklift certification for our

company!

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Tires International invited Chuck Harwell, our sales and training manager,

to promote brake shoes. Doing that, he immediately gained customers

and got orders as well. Pictured above are managers at the El Campo

open house, the Weldon product table, and Chuck getting ready for the

product show. Pictured below are two photos from the Texas Trucking

Show. Our product table accompanied by Wayne Arnspiger of NTN, Chuck

Harwell, Ron Mache, and Bob Shelton with Marathon Brake Systems.

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Customers visiting at Muskogee’s open house

Chuck at Tulsa’s open house

Loo

k-alike for R

and

y Rid

er in M

cAlester

Martin with B&B Truck Repair at Muskogee's open house

McAlester Tulsa

Muskoge

e

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Ron Inglish helping Chuck out at Clinton's open house

Budd serving food to our customers

Chase the grill sergeant

Sunrise in Clinton, Ok before the open house

Ron Inglish all smiles :D

Customers eating in Clinton

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Looking into the Future of 2015

New banner

Our new banner set up at our Elk City location

COMPATIBILITY, SAFETY, and ACCOUNTABILITY

It doesn’t matter what your position is in the transportation field, or

where it going to take you. What matters is that your

safety and the safety of your employees is always a top priority and up-to-date with the latest compliance

standards.

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What’s to come in 2015? Many new things are in store. Our new banners,

and upcoming training courses will be what you need to look forward to in

2015.

Bobby Bader ORL 10/04

Scott Hillen NBN-BRAKE 10/04

Brendon Kirtz OKC-HQ 10/06

LaDonna Hardimon OKC-HQ 10/07

Jessica Swinford PYT 10/07

Bill Boiling CLT 10/08

Linda Deramo OKC-CORP 10/11

John Kresl OMH 10/11

Sean Schuchart JAX 10/12

Mona Simpson CLT 10/13

Anna Thompson ORL 10/14

Miguel Espanial JAX 10/19

John Crist PENN-CORP 10/20

George Watkins MAC 10/20

Eddie Hansen HOU 10/22

James Dyer CLT 10/23

Tony Sargent JOP 10/23

Steve Alderman JOP 10/24

Mark Almon DAL 10/28

Jack Hill JAX 12/01

Bill Underwood JAX 12/01

Sidney Bole TUL 12/04

Marquis Carter PENN-BRAKE 12/06

Gordon Settles NBN-HQ 12/08

Jimmy Williams WWD 12/09

Amy Settles NBN-HQ 12/10

Dale Wenzel ORL 12/11

Jarod Hill JAX 12/12

Darwin Walla NBN 12/12

George Tillman OMH 12/18

Carroll Wiebold NBN 12/28

Ron Cockrill MUS 12/30

James Krebbs ELK 12/30

Joe Plaisted OKC 12/31

Tim White LRK 12/31

Ann Cowles TUL 11/01

Joseph Cruz ORL 11/03

Paul Deskin OKC 11/03

Richard West JOP 11/04

Zach Smith Transfer 11/11

Shawn Freerksen WWD 11/12

Mike Logan ELK 11/13

Norma Jo Quapaw TUL 11/13

Paul Phelps TUL 11/14

Joey Ward LRK 11/20

Justin Legate NFK 11/21

Chad Parkhurst ELK 11/21

Connie Kruger NBN-HQ 11/25

Denise Brichacek NBN 11/29

Mark Hunke NFK 11/29

Birthdays

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New Employees

Aaron Haney WWD 06/30/14

Don Zastrow NFK 06/30/14

David Lane ELK 07/07/14

Jessica Swinford PYT 07/31/14

Daniel Rodriguez ELK 08/12/14

Zach Wolfe TUL 08/14/14

Anthony Coursey WWD 09/04/14

Lynndole Mitchell WWD 09/08/14

Jay Robb NBN & GRI 09/29/14

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In Other News………... Scott Hillen (ZNBN) and Shonessi Tracy were married at Charlie's on the Lake in Omaha, NE on September 7th, 2014. Gathering were about 90 family members, close friends, and about 40 ducks and a few geese to help celebrate the event. “We could not have asked for a better day weather-wise, as it was sunny and 75 degrees, with just enough breeze that the air wasn't still. The colors were red, white, and black. Pastor Chris Alexander of Countryside Community Church (UCC), where Shonessi has been a member, officiated. Matron of Honor was Rachel Swales of Denver, Iowa, cousin of the bride, and the best man was Dave Hillen of Columbus, Nebraska, brother of the groom. Special music, a duet "The Prayer" was provided by Pastor Eric Grimes of Fremont Church of the Nazarene, and Abbie Sukut furnished a prerecorded voiceover as her part in the duet. Abbie was unable to attend, as she welcomed her first daughter into the world early Saturday morning. Scott is the drummer in the band "The Ministry", which is the praise and worship band at the Fremont Church of the Nazarene, where Pastor Eric is the worship pastor and lead vocalist, and Abbie serves as a backup vocal-ist. Shonessi and Scott would like to say thank you to all who wish us well in our lives together.” The couple will be making their home in Omaha, where Shonessi spends her time finding new homes for animals with Homeward Bound in the Heartland, a pet rescue group. Scott would like to give a special thanks to Ron and Mike from ZOKC

for covering him at the Nebraska plant while he was spending time with his bride... Your

help is greatly appreciated!

—Scott Hillen, North Bend Brake Facility

Amy and Steve Settles with

their number 12th grandchild

Dierksyn and number 5

daughter Brittany Thompson

on a recent trip to Sharon, Ok.

Rachel Swales, Shonessi, Scott, Dave Hillen Babs and Dennis Tracy of Omaha, parents of the bride, Shonessi, Scott, and his parents,

Erma and Merle Hillen of Creston, NE.

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Chuck catching speckled trout in Galveston Bay.. this is his stress relief :)

Some of Steve and Amy's 12 grandchildren taking time to pose

for a picture on top of horses Molly and Butch.

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THE WELDON GAZETTE

Elk City Salesman: Ron Sykes on the left and

Chad Parkhurst on the right.

Elk City Warehouse/ Drivers from left to right:

Daniel Rodriguez, David Lane, and James Krebbs.

Elk city counter from left to right, Steve Rodriguez, Manager Steve Myers,

Sonny Necesesary, Maxwell the puppy, and Assistant Manager Mike Logan.

Meet our Elk City Team!

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VOLUME 12 , ISSUE 12

Meet our Muskogee team!

Left to right: Our manager Daniel Gaston, assistant manager Ron Cockrill, & Salesman Matt Myers.

Meet our Dallas team!

From left to right Jason Wooten, Kim Dunsworth ,Rick Simpson, Mark Almon , & center, Adrienne Rodriguez

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Who’s Who?

Smoky Shrimp Sautee with Garlic

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 Tbsp. olive oil

4 sliced garlic cloves

1 pound large shrimp

(peeled and deveined)

1/2 tsp. salt plus two pinches

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 cups diced broccoli

1 sliced orange bell pepper

1 1/2 cups plus 2 Tbsp. water

3 cups cooked quinoa

Directions

Total time: 30 minutes

In a large skillet, heat 3 Tbsp. olive oil over low heat. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper, and cook, tossing, over medium

heat, 30 seconds. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. smoked paprika and cook over medium-high heat, 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Reduce white wine in skillet; pour over shrimp. To

skillet, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil, broccoli, bell pepper, 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt; toss. Add water and cook, covered, over low heat until tender, 3 minutes. Return

shrimp to skillet to reheat. Divide quinoa among four plates and top with shrimp sauté.

How to Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, 15 minutes.

Fluff with a fork; season with a pinch of salt. Makes 3 cups.

Recipe created by Marcia Kiesel

Cajun Recipe for All Deer Hunters!! Venison stew

2 lbs. lean venison

Salt and black pepper to taste

Red pepper to taste

1 cup flour

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped

3 garlic coves, chopped

1 cup water

Cut the venison into 4-inch cubes. Sprinkle salt, black pepper and red pepper. Coat the venison with flour.

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Brown the venison on all sides in the hot oil. Remove the venison to a bowl using a slotted spoon, reserving the pan drippings.

Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in the reserved pan drippings until light brown and tender. Return the venison to the Dutch oven and mix well. Stir in the water. Cook over medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve

over hot cooked rice. Serves 6.

— Joey & Jenny Ward

—Tammy Goddard, Penn

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VOLUME 12 , ISSUE 12

5 ears of fresh corn, shucked (*or you can substitute 2 15-ounce cans of whole kernel corn, OR a combination of 1 can each of

whole-kernel and creamed corn)

8 slices (about 1/2 pound) bacon, diced

1 small white onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups chicken stock

2 cups milk

1.5 pounds potatoes, diced into 1/4-inch cubes (I used Yukon

gold)

1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies

1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (add more/less to taste)

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon salt (add more/less to taste)

1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

optional garnish: extra shredded cheddar cheese, thinly-sliced

green onions, reserved bacon bits, sour cream

Bacon Corn Chowder

Heat a large stock pot over high heat. Add the corn kernels and let them dry-roast for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally,

until their edges begin to brown and caramelize. Transfer the corn to a plate to set aside.

In the same stock pot, fry the bacon pieces over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set

aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease in the pan, and discard the rest.

Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in

the flour until combined, then cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Add in the chicken stock, milk, potatoes, green chilies, Old Bay, and thyme, and stir to combine. Continue heating until the mix-ture reaches a simmer but not a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Add in the corn, cheese and most of the bacon bits, reserving a few to save as a garnish if desired. Stir to combine.

Taste test the broth, then season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. (I recommended the amounts that I used, but your sea-

soning preferences may vary.)

Serve warm, with additional garnishes if desired.

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Directions

Motorcycles seem to be a must have this Fall. Everyone enjoys a nice ride along with nice weather! Here we have out of Tulsa, Oklahoma,

Carol and Vic Benedict on their new Harley. Isn’t she a beauty?

Keep Calm and Ride A Harley

Stand Down for Veterans

“On Sept 20, 2014 Myron and I participated in what is called a Stand Down for Veterans. This was in Tulsa

downtown at the First Baptist Church, 424 S. Detroit. Clothing to include everyday items to wear were warm coats, sweat

shirts, as well as new footwear for all. Also they were treated to a free breakfast and medical assistance which are

just among the various services available to them. We were volunteers representing our Rolling Thunder Oklahoma Chapter

with what is known as the Coffee Bunker. It was a great opportunity to serve coffee and fresh popcorn to the vets as

well as a chance to visit and share their stories with them. Some just need to be listened to. Others wanted more. The

Coffee Bunker is in Tulsa on 41st & Sheridan and is known for a safe place for all veterans and their families to seek

information and just hang out with others that think alike. Many services are offered both at the Coffee Bunker and at

the Stand Downs for Veterans. Needless to say, we were blessed.”

—Norma Jo Quapaw, Tulsa

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Before photo in North Bend, Nebraska

After photo in North Bend, Nebraska

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Check it out! Our North Bend location got a makeover. From paint chippings to a

fresh clean coat of paint!

The Lab/Border Collie mix is Ana. The English Shepherd is

Nisha. Both are 7 years old. The kitty is Crip, estimated to

be about 12 years old. This special needs diabetic kitty was

born without most of his back legs, but this hasn't stopped

him. He was found abandoned a few years ago. Ana and

Nisha are both rescue dogs as well.

—Scott Hillen, ZNBN

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A Football Game

Cliff’s Corner

19

20

The old man left the car with his cane

His war wounds now flared up more often His dog tag jingled underneath his t-shirt.

It was a familiar sound as he had never taken them off

He waited for his daughter, parking the car

She had called and bought the tickets for his birthday He thought about what a wonderful person she had become

Primarily from her mother

It had been many years since he had seen a game in person

Content on the old farm to listen to it on the radio Now remembering the vivid colors and smells of baseball

And hopping the fence to watch the Yanks and Giants

He began to lose himself in those memories

“Dad” she said to awaken him from his thought

And held his arm through the ticket gate

And only a few steps to make it to those wonderful seats

It was Memorial Day And thought he would normally join his buddies from the VFW

In the cemetery to pay respect to the unfortunate victims of war, This year would be different

The beautifully cared for field reminded him of something It was the trip he had taken for the 50th reunion of his unit

Flanders Field with endless white crosses… The grass kept perfect just like the field of play.

Soon the line-ups were announced and he knew every name And the announcer asked the crowd to stand and remove hats

And stand at attention for the National Anthem

He recalled learning the position of attention in basic training.

His hat would not be removed… it bore his unit insignia…

And instead a 95 year old right hand formed a perfect salute. The same one he had practiced so many times in the barracks

So long ago

Jets came over the stadium in perfect formation

He could not help to remember seeing the bombers Heading in to soften the beach at Normandy…

While sitting in a gut wagon wondering what really awaited

The naval guns began to hit and sand flew as he got closer

The back gate lowered and immediately there was carnage Men fell in shallow water, dead in a pool of blood

Guts on others faces

Funny… he had always been tough enough to forget

These cruel images. He had never shed a tear at the cemetery

But now his eyes stung and that lump of emotion in his throat…

The same one he had felt there at Normandy was back.

He was relieved the song was over and broke the salute And was ready to sit down when a line of players from both teams

Formed a line to his first row seat... reaching up one by one To shake his hand and call him “sir”

The announcer came on and suddenly his picture was on the megatron

It had never really occurred to him that he was the last…

Happy tears now rolled freely down his cheeks as he met his heroes too Those tickets had not been bought…

The last player came, but before he sat down again… He found the beaded chain on the back of his neck

He removed his dog tags and gently placed them over his daughters neck

As he now knew where they belonged.

Subm

itted b

y Bobby C

reech

, OK

C m

gr. Su

bm

itted b

y Dean

Clin

ton,

21

Because of the Customer

Submitted by Bobby Creech, OKC mgr.

22

Winter is Near….Time to Winterize your Vehicle!

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The Weldon Gazette

Volume 12, Issue 12

Oct. Nov. Dec. 2014

Edited by: McKayla Johnson

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