Thursday, February 4, 2016
Dear Janet ,
Doug and I were sorry to see the notice of your Father's death.It is always sad to hear of a friend's loss of a loved one,and as our generation move forward in this demographic so many of us are loosing parents and older mentors and friends,and our memories become ever more important .It is an amazing life your Father lived and a wonderful obituary notice your family posted for others to share.
I believe we only met your father once ,at your wedding ,but what you wrote,together with his picture,allowed readers to learn of his intelligence, industry,steadiness,kindness ,humour,warmth and spirit ,and so know a little of a man who undoubtedly cared deeply for those around him and put effort into making their world a happier ,better,place.How amazing is it to ''approach retirement" by accepting a position teaching fourth year Engineering students ! Most people are more likely to just go fishing or read the papers ! He is sure to be an inspiration to his sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and what a legacy that is.
Doug and I missed you and Clarence at the Forty - fifth reunion . It was very nice to see so many there and mostly in good shape and happy .A lot are still practicing —nice for Doug as we have several friends who,happily retired from various jobs themselves ,often query "and when do you plan to quit" ? Some of the class gave papers on what advances their specialties had seen,or volunteer work they did within their specialties ,but mostly it was just a relaxed atmosphere of glad to see each other, and remember and catch up. There is already talk of a fiftieth ,and even suggestions of a possible cruise. Class of 70 is aging well.
Doug is away teaching at the moment but I have saved your father's obituary for him to see. This note comes with all best wishes to you and Clarence for the coming year,with love,Doug and Kim.
P.S. Kim tried to send this earlier but tried an email to the website (which would not go) and I have just returned from India (teaching). Although I cannot write as elequently as Kim, I would add my condolences and hope that memories of many happy times with your father will help ease the pain of his loss from this world. It is at times like this when I wonder of there are a group of departed parents who get together and talk about their children, grandchildren and more!
Best wishes,
Doug
