Gary Peterson wrote his final sports column — it ran yesterday and I read it in the Oakland Tribune, although Gary writes for the Contra Costa Times, which is a subdivision of the San Jose Merc. I get a little confused by that group of papers.

In his column Gary explained he is moving over to news side to be a general assignment reporter. He wants new challenges and I can understand that.

But I can’t let him move to the other side of the room without saying goodbye. One of my professional pleasures has been spending time in press boxes all over America with Gary — for about 30 years. Oh, it’s more than press boxes. We covered the Sydney Olympics together and visited the opera house one night. We toured Ground Zero three weeks after 911. We’ve been together in  just about every American city with an NFL team.

Gary is pleasant, funny, normal, unassuming. And, gosh, can he write. Absolutely a riot. A scream. Funny. And a good friend.

I just want you to know that. To read Gary’s farewell column click here.