Monday, April 19, 2021
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Judy and Wayne, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Billy was an amazing man, and will be greatly missed by us all.
Uncle Billy was the last of his generation, and with his passing I have spent the last few days lost in memory, chuckling at my childhood memories of all my aunts and uncles. This photo of the siblings was taken in 1986 on the occasion of Auntie Margie’s 80th birthday, with only Auntie Moogie absent from the picture (how on earth “Muriel” became “Moogie” has been an enduring question!).
It sits on my mantle piece, and I often gaze at them and say a silent hello. When I look at their faces, I see a wealth of life experience etched there, but when I look deeper I can also see the children they once were. I hear the tales of taking the horse and buggy to school in the midst of a cold Manitoba winter. I can only imagine the teasing that went back and forth between them all, but I can also imagine them working hard together and always being there for each other throughout their long lives.
When I see Uncle Alex, the family joker with a constant twinkle in his eye, I am reminded of the irrepressible Scott sense of humour. He could reduce us all to fits of giggles, and I always looked forward to his visits.
Seeing Auntie Kaye and mom (Helen) standing next to each other, I am reminded of proudly announcing to my teacher (who asked if anyone in my family spoke a foreign language), that yes indeed, my mom and Auntie Kaye were fluent in pig-Latin. Hey, it was a foreign language to me, and I’m guessing that was the point (what was it my tender young ears were not supposed to overhear, I wonder?).
Auntie Margie loved to play cards, but even more, she loved to cheat at cards! She always did it with a smile and a wink when she got caught, and it became an even better game to try and catch her at it than playing cards itself.
Auntie Jeanie, as the eldest of the siblings, exuded a passion for and joy of family that was always evident when in her presence. I always picture her as the embodiment of what it means to be a true prairie person, warm, inviting, and eminently capable and resourceful.
And then there’s Uncle Billy, my Gentle Giant. I will always remember his love of baseball, his dry wit, his gentleness, his warm heart, and his huge embrace - big enough for us all.
They are all together again now, but they haven’t really left us. Whenever our family gets together, you can hear echoes of them all in us; that Scott humour, sprinkled throughout the succeeding generations, which continually bubbles to the surface; the deep love of and dedication to family; the warm welcome whenever you show up, even unannounced, on another’s doorstep.
What a blessing they have been in our lives.
Judy and Wayne, may your memories of Uncle Billy bring you much joy and comfort as you look back on his 99 years and the special place you had in his heart, and he in yours.
All my love,
Tannis
