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It's the 25th of September. Today I received the message from UK, that Margaret Barnes - this great old lady of "Suntop" Setters and in former times "Suntop" Cockers - has passed away. I'm very sad, but also thankful, that our ways had crossed. I received wonderful letters and old pictures from Margaret. Due to this letters I could take part of her memories and the story about the Cockers which had lived with her decades away.


Margaret Barnes died in her sleep in the early hours of Friday morning, 17th of September 2010, but Margaret would not wish us to be sad for she died in her own bed surrounded by her familiar objects. It was her wish to go into a better world. Margaret was 89 years of age and it seems strange that some of the newer people in the breed did not know of her. Her mother had bred the famous white Suntop Cockers - like the pur white "Suntop White Treasure" or Margaret's nearly white "Suntop Ivory". It took my breath as I saw these pictures the first time. Well-boned, cobby dogs with wonderful necks and an unbelievable, unreal colour.


The furneral for Margaret will be held on Tuesday, 28th of September. I'll ligth a candle for her on this day.


I will miss her letters, but I'm thankful for all the precious informations I've received from her. Her patience was endless to answer my questions about the history of Suntop kennels and the white Cockers. In August I had a last telephon call to Margaret. It was very personally and I will never forget what she told me in this special call. It was unbelievable what she had told me and was the expression of her great knowledge about the Cocker breed. Future will tell me wether she was right.


I will never forget her.