Dear Maureen, Peter, Jimmy, Nancy and Michael:

Your father's passing has brought a lot of good memories to mind and has caused me to pause and recall my Dad's passing as well.  I was thinking the other day of some of the good times, and funny times our fathers's spent together,  I guess mostly with Peter and I, and sometimes Jimmy.  Many times getting up at 4:00 am to trundle off to a duck blind to sit and wait for a lonely duck or two to fly by.  John and my Dad would occasionaly shoot off a shell at nothing in particualr just so Peter and I would keep engaged. (we were too young to shoot) Not sure if Peter recalls the duck hunting trip when it was pouring rain, a canoe flew off the car roof on the way out, and someone stole the tent and entire campsite contents while we were out hunting.  Milk in bags had just been introduced and both of our father's stressing out because they neglected to bring the pitcher for the bags - milk went everywhere but in the coffee, etc.  Murphy's Law in practice.  The time my Dad sank John's boat on a deadhead in Kenogamissi with MA, Dorothy and I on board!  I still remember the huge hole in the bottom and watchng it sink away.  John never missed an opportunity to give RM stick about that.  Pickerel fishing at Horwood Lake and Bromley in the days when fishing didn't seem fair to the fish, they were so easy to catch!  We visited your family once in Port Severn area when we had chartered a boat, and docked at the place you all were at.  John had kidney stones, and after about 6 scotches my dad tried to give him a shot of Demerol, and the exchange between the two of them that night still rings in my ears!  There were many times at various Kin & Kinette functions that I know our folks had a great time.  Your Dad and Mom always treated me well, and I know they were good friends to my family, even though we moved away to Alabama.

I hope you don't mind me sharing some of these stories, but I always thought of John and Marion fondly, and I know when my Dad, Mom and I talked, they did as well and missed some of the stuff they shared in Timmins. I enjoyed looking at the pictures.  I hadn't thought recently of our father's involvement in Kinsmen and the good times and friendships that came from that ! Great picture of all of you as well.

It's odd how remembering a loved one always makes you sad at first, but as time goes on, it also brings a smile to your face.  We will always miss our loved ones, but remembering them will always make us feel good.

Mike