Happy Birthday Norma!

Calgary, 1949

London 1949, Coronation of Queen Elizabeth

 

parents first home, Alupurum, Alwaye, Travancore, India, 1943

Dad and Susan

postcard of Raffles Hotel, Singapore

 

parents with Aunt Jennie and Uncle Charlie: living it up in 1946, Au Lutin Qui Bouffe, Montreal

India, early 1950's, parents & sister Jane: leaving Alwaye to move to Calcutta

Briana & Travis October 7 2006

 

Uncle Sam died

My uncle Sam died on Friday & the funeral was this morning in High River. 95 years old is quite an accomplishment & his life should be celebrated. Although not related by blood, his longevity is an inspiration to me as I am half-way there!
There was a really nice service for him in the town community hall with several hundred in attendance. Son James' eulogy was excellent, a beautiful tribute.
Mom wanted to go to the cemetary for the graveside service so we took Belf Quon who was an honorary pallbearer & another hp with us. It was freezing cold standing in the cemetary in the pouring rain. I'm glad I had a raincoat on since I no longer own an umbrella.I have never been to a graveside service before. I guess having one gives the family a sense of closure. Maybe more so than being handed a box of ashes.
It is interesting to see the circle of life. As Uncle Sam departs, his descendants carry on, new ones being born every year. There is a family wedding next Saturday which will be a joyful event, but still with a tinge of sadness at the recent passing of their father & grandfather & great grandfather.