I wrote this in memory of my Uncle Jimmy, recorded it with the assistance of my friend Don Bray and emailed the recording to my aunt in Alberta in time for the funeral.

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Beds and Boots
(Decent Bed, Good Boots)
©S. McGaughey Sept. 12, 2003
In Memory of Jim Gosko (1926-2003)

Well I'd lost touch for many years but he was always there
Mom said he'd watched me as a babe, and I always knew he cared
His hearty smile and twinkling eyes spoke volumes of the man
I can't recall the words he said, but this I understand

Always look out for your family
Be kind to everyone you meet
Buy lemonade from kids on the street
And finish what you've started

As you work each day from dawn to dusk
treat your neighbour as a brother.
And buy a decent bed and a good pair of boots
You're in one or the other.

From his youth he was a dairy man, selling milk to everyone
Making butter, none was better, Canadian champion,
But I recall with fondness at a family reunion
He was the hero of us youngsters, bringing ice cream for the children

Well they say he was a picker too, but I never heard him play
As a young man he'd sit in with the band at the end of his working day.
Playing sax and guitar while the country folk all danced.
And I bet he's up in there playing in Johnny Cash's Band.