My Dad’s older brother, Eddie, past away a couple of days ago. He was only 75. It is always a sad day when a family member dies and Uncle Eddie is the first family member to pass that I have known my entire life. My family has been very blessed as far as our family health. Although my Mom has lost family members, I admittedly never knew her side of the family very well. They’re scattered all over the country. But my Dad’s family has always been around. I remember playing with my cousins when I was a young boy, riding bikes, reading comics and hanging with all of my Dad’s family and their kids. There are quite a few of them and I have so many memories of those “good old days” when I would visit them and stay a week or two in the summertime.
My Uncle was such a good man. A caring man. And I remember him being larger than life. He & my Dad are the spitting image of their father. Same hair, same facial features. They were almost identical, except I do believe Ed is a little taller than my Dad and my Dad would argue that he was better looking. Either way…when they were together, you could tell that they were brothers. Eddie had a voice you couldn’t forget, raspy yet authoritative and he had this grin whenever he was being mischievous or joking with you.
Through the years, I have not been a good family member. Time and distance and work responsibilities have taken me away from my family and I haven’t been able to make reunions or birthdays. It happens during life and it’s unfortunate. But I will always remember Uncle Eddie as he was…a strong, fun-loving and gentle giant who was always there with a witty comment or a quick smile. My Aunt Dee is a very lucky lady for having him in her life (53 years they were married) and I can’t wait to see her and hug her and tell her how much love I have always had for her and my uncle.
I can’t believe such an important part of my life has gone but his life was one to celebrate. He was a great man and a great uncle and he will be missed.
