Wednesday, February 25, 2015
I have so many good memories of my brother in-law, Don. I can't think of a time when I could not be proud that he was married to my sister. Pleasant thoughts come to my mind of times we enjoyed together...... .. picnics with family at Darlington Provincial Park, camping trips to the Sandbanks, and the many sabbath meals we enjoyed at their home on King St.
His support and generosity to me will not be forgotten. Seemimgly small things often make a big difference in another's life. When I was a student at Kingsway he was my enabler when it came to school tuition, because of my employment with him. I would attend school in the morning and in the afternoon mix mud for his plastering company. This paid my school tuition and bought my first car, a '28 Chevrolet for $85. The work was hard, but it had many pluses. It made me physically strong, which helped me in many ways. I can recall the fun water fights during lunch times at the construction sites. And one memorable time how surprised he was, when I fell through the ceiling in a room he had just freshly plastered, and was just finishing up. He was applying fresh wet plaster, and I was in the attic putting up the insulation. I was kneeling between the rafters which supported my weight when the plaster was hard and dry. I was unhurt by the incident, but very embarassed. He quickly assured me that he could fix it, and not to worry. We did a lot of houses for Sam Jackson during those high school years.
His construction knowledge was very helpful because without his help my cottage would not be the great place it is today. I recall how patiently we worked together on the cedar tongue and groove ceiling, cutting all the boards by hand, since at that time hydro was on strike and electricity was unavailable. I look up at that ceiling today and remember the occasion of each nail and board that was fastened into place with great care and finesse, together.
I wiil remember Don as a good brother who was helpful, supportive and always available and willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Gail and his children can hold ther heads high, because he was a great dad, a good husband and indeed a fine brother-in-law. We will all miss him.
Bob
