My mom was one of 7 brothers and sisters born to Frank and Anna Granger. She was the oldest. This week her youngest brother, my Uncle Dick passed away from heart failure. He was 74.
For more than 20 yrs he was a merchant marine working for Socony Mobile and traveled all over the world.
He collected elephants from places he visited and I remember spending summers in NY as a kid, always being fascinated by his collection and even starting my own.. He once brought me back a pink onyx elephant from Mexico. It is one of my prized possessions.
He had the best laugh ever. It was deep and right from the heart. I can still hear it. He also told the best scary stories ever. I can still remember him telling all us little kids the story of the tell-tale heart. He would go all out with sound effects and everything. We were always scared but we always wanted more.
He never had children of his own but between his 18 nieces and nephews (and even more great nieces/nephews) ~ he was always adored.
He was also a very giving man. You had to be very careful when you were with him cause if he caught you admiring something, chances were it would show up at some point. He wasn't just generous with family (which he was) he gave to many organizations as well.
The picture above is My Uncle Dick (me and then boyfriend Robert) in 1972 when the ship he was working on came in to the port in Ft. Lauderdale.
This picture of us is from the last time I saw my uncle. It was in March of 2000 when I went to Jersey for my Uncle Frank's funeral.
Now there is only 1 sibling left. My darling Aunt Peggy and she is not taking this well. My mom passed away in 1982 (age 54). We lost my moms other two sisters just 3 months apart in 2006. Honey was 66 and Carol was 59. My Uncle Jimmy passed away in 72 at the very early age of 39 and Uncle Frank was 72.
Even though I didn't see him often, he was someone very special in my life and I'm going to miss him so much and will always regret not getting up there to see him when I had the chance.
4 comments:
I'm sorry for your loss... This is a nice way to remember your uncle.
Sorry to hear of your uncle's passing. It's a weird feeling when a whole generation is gone.
I'm sorry about your uncle. But, yes, your post was a lovely way to remember him.
Also, that dress is a bit short, Missy!
Barb, I'm so sorry for your loss--your uncle sounded like he was quite a wonderful guy. :)
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