Roll with the punches

We take many pictures of our flock, never knowing when you get "just the right one" to post.  I had to go back into camera to find this photo to share.  This picture is one that I took probably a month ago of all of the adult rams that we have here.  I wanted to share the last photo I have of my treasured WhistleStop Ram.
On our Shearing day I lost this wonderful guy (the black full horned, not coated ram). He would have been 4 years old this spring and I had sparingly used him until this past fall.
We always shear the rams first, as we halter them all, walking them to the shearing area then take them back to their pen.  When we've secured them back into their pen we move on to the rest of the flock.
Well this year they decided that they didn't recognize each other and commenced to beating on each other (the horned rams that is).  The other two full horned rams in the photo are his sons.
I didn't see this happen, I just know that is what had to happen.
At the end of the shearing day when I began to feed the sheep he was lying down not alert has he would normally be at the sound of grain being handled.  At first I thought that he might be in shock from the days events even though everything went smoothly.  Reaching through the gate I rubbed and patted his rump to try and get a response from him.  After a short time he did get up and then laid back down.  Thinking he was in shock, I mixed up some molasses and water to drench him, hoping to give him a little pick-me-up.
While administering the drench he was listless and beginning to feel cold.  I couldn't believe this was happening.  I called my Vet to let her know of my situation, she told me I was doing everything right.  She had me check his eyelids and they were pale.  I made a dash to the house for a heating pad, blanket, thermometer and a warm drench. Once back with him, I tried warming him and rubbing him to stimulate him and giving him a warm drench to try and warm him up.  Not knowing the full extent of his injuries.  While holding him he stretched out and I knew he was gone. Checking his eyelids again he had no color.  I called my Vet to let her know he passed.  This happened so fast it was like it wasn't real.
I can't say that their is really a bright spot in any of this, but I did put him to seven ewes that will be delivering soon and all of his lambs will be prized for their genetics.