CANCER SUCKS! It is a cruel, evil and miserable disease. It does not discriminate. It is ugly and vicious. We all know that, but perhaps we tend to not think about it…until it takes one of our own. George took one of our own. (For those who aren’t aware, “George” was what we named his liver cancer. It was so much easier to talk about George being a jerk (not necessarily the term that we used), rather than “The Cancer” growing and spreading and taking our loved one.)
Troy was a son, brother, uncle, cousin, honorary brother and just a damn good friend. Everyone who knew him was won over by his infectious smile and his fantastic bear hugs. He had an uncanny way of putting people instantly at ease.
Even when he was little, he loved to be with people. Mom (Charlotte Arnett) often tells the story about Troy, around age 2, peddling down the street on his little red tractor. She went chasing after him, asking where he was going. His response was, “I go play.”
He lived by that mantra all his life. He loved to play. Even at a young age, he knew how to make life-long connections. People that he met in kindergarten through high school and into college were still amongst his dearest friends.
Throughout his career in the commercial door industry, he touched people in Kansas City, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Canada.
Oh, Canada. Throughout his life, Troy always searched for “home.” Sure, Kansas City was where his family was and was “home” by that definition. As much as he loved the people here, in his heart, it never really felt like he was meant to be here. Through a series of events, he ended up in Ottawa, Canada…and found home. He met so many spectacular people who he loved as much as they loved him. His heart was content. They not only changed his life, but the lives of his entire family. We will be forever grateful for their full chapters in the book of his life.
It was in Canada where he met Shawn Dawson, who welcomed Troy to join the Fatboys Southern Smokehouse family. Oh, my…the joy that Troy felt can never be put into words! His life was changed forever. The Fatboys family allowed Troy’s love for cooking, especially smoking deliciousness on his beloved Traeger, to shine. He hosted fabulous parties, blending the cultures of Canada and America into his famous annual “CanAm” and “American Thanksgiving” celebrations. He made us all drool with his fabulous pictures of his creations. With his honorary brother, Don Penney, he competed in BBQ competitions and ultimately became a certified judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
And then there’s his motorcycle. He was so proud when he was finally able to join his HOG friends when he bought his Harley. Unfortunately, George robbed him of fully enjoying that moment, but his Harley sat in his garage, all shined up and ready to go. He had faith that he would once again be able to ride it this spring. There is no doubt that when he reached the Gates of Heaven, he was revving the engine, waiting for St. Peter to open them.
Troy is survived by his beloved step-father and mother, Charles and Charlotte Arnett. Everything happens for a reason, and it was in recent years that they, along with Troy, moved back to the Kansas City area from Durango, Colorado, where we were all able to spend Troy’s final couple of years as a family logistically rather than just emotionally. His sister, Traci Newlon, and her children, Nathan Newlon (Jolene), Ryan Newlon (Kristen) and Breanne Newlon will forever miss him. Troy had a great-nephew, Lucas, and a great-niece, Kaylee, who adored him. Another great-niece, Evelyn, will join our family soon and will meet him one day. Troy also leaves many, many heartbroken cousins and friends.
Troy’s father, Richard Haupert, left us seven years ago. His paternal grandparents (Aelred and Alice Haupert) and maternal grandparents (Virgil and Janice Stevens) also preceded his death many years ago.
Troy will be missed by many, but we can hopefully find comfort in the fact that he is no longer suffering. Until we all meet again, he will be kept busy by those who passed before him, whether it be riding his bike, fishing with his dad, grandpa Haupert and uncle Wally or playing on farm equipment with his grandpa Stevens.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 5, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Per Troy’s request, there will be no formal service. In death, as in life, Troy’s friends and family will gather as strangers, but will be forever bonded after this day.
Don couldn’t have said it better…You go on ahead, Troy. We’ll catch up.
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