Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wendy and my middle daughter were classmates and good friends all through school in King City. They enjoyed each others birthday parties from kindergarten on. I first met Dick, when he came to retrieve Wendy after one of Leona's parties. We gradually got to know each other at various functions that our daughters attended.
One summer (1986, I think) my family rented a cottage for a week at Wasaga Beach. We had an after lunch check-in time, which was the time for the previous renter to depart. What a surprise. The departing family was the Garlands. No one could believe the coincidence. Edith made a ton of sandwiches which we ate together, at the cottage, and then the whole bunch of us; headed to the beach.
Everyone was thrilled. Wendy and my three daughters had playmates they knew. Edith and my wife had a gabfest, and Dick and I became buddies. Dick, Edith and Wendy headed back home around dinner time, after a great spontaneous afternoon that was special to us all. That opened the doors to lots of family visits between us, and lasting friendships.
All of our kids have grown to responsible young adults and have their own lives, which is a great reward for any parent. Sadly, Dick and I both lost our wives to illness but we got together for coffee or breakfast every now and then.
I respected Dick greatly, and received sage advice from him on lots of issues. We used to enjoy talking politics and vilifying many of the incumbents. I'll miss you, Dick
