My Dad’s younger brother Bob (by the stove, in the white shirt) passed away Monday night, in his sleep. It was a surprise, I guess. He apparently had an enlarged heart. He was 61. I hadn’t seen him in years. I always imagined him as a strong man. He worked as a longshoreman. I bought one of my first cars from him, oh, about 20 years ago. It was a 1975 Malibu. It was roller-painted white with a black stripe. Seats that didn’t match, no floors and barely ran. I called it the Bobmobile! 
So long, Uncle Bob. Say hi to Da for us…
gary
September 6, 2006 at 10:37 am
It was sad to hear about uncle Bob’s passing. I never really saw much of him while I was in Newfoundland and none of him since I left about 25 years ago. I also remember him as a strong guy and a someone who liked to have a good time, maybe too much and too often,at least that’s what I recall from the times that I had seen him. My condolences to his family .
Steve
September 6, 2006 at 11:05 am
The picture shows him (and Uncle Frank) having one of those good times. The same could be said for us too, sometimes, eh?
Jody
September 6, 2006 at 9:59 pm
I have a cousin in the Health Center in St. John’s who may die tonight. She’s about 10 years younger than me. A few days ago her first baby died 30 minutes after he was born.
I have about six million cousins on my mom’s side of the family, most of who I don’t know, but my cousin mentioned above is on my dad’s side; his brother’s only daughter. I think she was my parent’s pseudo-daughter before my daughter was born. There’s just her and her brother for cousions on that side of the family.
I don’t know her well, but I saw her when were on vacation a few weeks ago. She didn’t look well, but she seemed to enjoy the party that was going on at the time.
I don’t know why I’m writing this here. Just seemed a little apropo, I guess.
I hope I don’t get a phone call in the middle of the night, although I’ll probably be restless now, dreading it.
Steve
September 7, 2006 at 8:32 am
Oh my God.
I hope and pray she pulls through. Let us know, eh?
Pender
September 7, 2006 at 10:39 am
Oh me nerves, everyone’s dying.
Jody
September 8, 2006 at 8:00 am
She died last night. My dad’s flying to Newfieland this morning. My mom will probably go too, once the funeral arrangements are made.
I don’t know if I’ll post about this on my site. I only commented about it here as a knee-jerk need to “let it out” after I first heard the dire news.
I don’t have much grief over her death myself. It’s the horror her parents are experiencing that chokes me up, now that I have children and can sympathize.
Please don’t feel the need to reply to this. I’m just rambling. It’s what I do, which Steve can attest to.
“ohmenerves.com”, your virtual psychiatrist couch.
Phillip
September 8, 2006 at 11:25 am
I’m here in St. John’s, so I’ll be involved in all the funeral stuff in some regard. I feel sympathy for the family. I went to the hosptial while my cousin was still alive, and man it was a heavy room to be in. They’ve all known she was in poor health for awhile, and they seemed very calm, like they were dealing with it alright. But it felt like they were waiting for her to die, like it was inevitable.
Like Jody, I’m not close to my father’s side of the family (or most of my relatives, to be honest), and I barely knew me cousin. I don’t think I’ve spoken a word to her since she was 10. I just don’t know her. So I feel kind of weird, because it’s not hitting me hard — though I’m not insensitive to what’s happening. First the baby dies, and then my cousin dies a week later. They’re daughter. I can’t even go there.
I doubt anyone in our family will read this blog, so it’s probably safe to keep these comments up. And I’m pretty sure they’d understand anyway. We don’t know them very well, so we’re naturally more detached, but we’re also symapathetic to what they’re going through. It’s horrible.
gary
September 8, 2006 at 11:30 am
Yea I thought about that as i was writng it.I just hope we last longer than 61 that’s way to young.It definatly makes you think about things you’d rather not. Again, my thoughts are with his family.
Bill
September 8, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Like wise for me. Come to think of it, in years to come when my time is up, I have a couple of nieces or nephews that will say I remember uncle Bill he was a strong guy who liked to have a good time, maybe to much and to often. I guess it a cross we all have to “beer”. But, When i think of it I have alot of great memories from those times I’ve had too good a time. I think I’d rather live life,than just exist in it. I work, a wife who love’s me, a great family and people who love me. I can’t have done to much wrong.
So Uncle Bob where ever you are have beer for me I’ll see you when I get there. But don’t wait up it may be awhile.
Steve
September 8, 2006 at 1:34 pm
I’ll drink to that!
Shelly and Mom
September 10, 2006 at 4:39 pm
So long Uncle Bob (Bob). We were at the funeral and it was a very nice send off. Many of his friends and family were there and many many people from “da hill” (Shea Heights). Margie and daughter Linda invited everyone back to their family home afterwards – they are VERY nice people. We too are sorry to lose a family member, again as my brothers have stated, we didn’t see him often – but loved him none-the-less. May he rest in peace – we will party again with you one day Uncle Bob… hoefully long into the future. Say hi to Pop (Da) and Nan (Grace) – Look out for us.