Johnny Wedell
I met Arran 1996. I was managing an auto repair shop in Amherst and Arran was a tire installer at the Lorain location for the same company. We quickly found out that we had several of the same interests. Music, Moto and BMX. I was rather new to the state and didn’t know too many people. All of his friends became my friends and we hung out daily. Working, riding, playing music and playing video games in my basement. When I moved back to California Arran followed and became my roommate. Arran loved California. He moved back to Ohio shortly after 9/11 but vowed to return one day. Although we hadn’t seen each other for several years we always kept in touch. On July 12, I was fortunate enough to spend the day with him where we went off-roading up his favorite mountain trail. We talked about his new job with Cannon, which he really liked and caught up on life. It was as if we had never been away from each other. He was an amazing friend. The evening ended with dinner and a long hug goodbye. We talked everyday after he visited. All he wanted was to get back to California. We would talk about how great that’d be. We had been planning a trip for me to go to Ohio in late September for a visit, to see the fellas and to catch up. I was lucky enough to chat with him the evening of August 7. He wanted to show me his brother’s new truck. I was able to tell him one last time that I loved him and that his friendship meant the world to me. I love you Arran. Until we meet again. - Johnny