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Family

Dad’s Newspaper Article

I’ve been meaning to post this article for such a long time. Prior to our Dad’s death, the local newspaper ran a story about Dad, as there were now five living generations in our family (in early 2015). The article is a testament to our Dad’s true farming roots.

Remembering Jake

I was digging through our filing cabinet yesterday in search of some receipt or other, when I came across the funeral memorabilia I had filed when Dad died in 2015. In the file I found Dad’s graveside eulogy delivered on May 13, 2015 by Tom Peters, a warm, wonderful, kind, intelligent man who was the funeral home Director at that time. Sadly, Tom passed in July, 2018, but he left… 

Remembering Sophie

Dearest Sophie: it’s been a year today since we had to say goodbye. We love and miss you so much, more than I’m capable of putting into words. You were wonderful and special, and will never be forgotten. Never. We’ll meet you under the Rainbow Bridge someday, but until then you’re always in our hearts.

In Memoriam

Rick MagaApril 13, 1966 – June 1, 2021 Farewell my dear nephew. You fought the good fight. You will forever be in my thoughts. Much love,from your Uncle Marv

Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day. I’d like to pay my deep respects once more to the uncle I never knew who gave his life in WWII, along with so many others, so that we could all be free. Thank you, Uncle George. George Clifford Quartly Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), R.C.I.C., Company C Killed in action near Monte Cassino, ItalyMay 23, 1944 Uncle George is buried in Cassino War CemeteryCassino,… 

Goodbye, Sweet Girl

SOPHIE March 13, 2008 – July 10, 2020 The Bustle in a House (1108) The Bustle in a HouseThe Morning after DeathIs solemnest of industriesEnacted upon Earth – The Sweeping up the HeartAnd putting Love awayWe shall not want to use againUntil Eternity – Emily Dickinson Our beloved Sophie has left us. Words cannot express how much we miss her; our home is so quiet and still now without her.… 

Ulysses (excerpt)

This small excerpt is the last few lines of Tennyson’s Ulysses. It is significant to me because I included it in the eulogy I delivered at my Dad’s funeral. I feel this segment of the poem is all about looking back over a life of hard work and even though it’s now time to rest, we must keep going and keep seeking as the will remains strong. Tho’ much is taken, much abides;… 

My Grandparents

This is a special post. Today I’d like to write about the grandparents I never knew: my paternal grandparents, John and Christina Job, who both died before I was born. When they immigrated to Canada, they brought with them a rich heritage. My grandparents were some of the “Germans from Russia”. Prior to a unified Germany, countless Germans were demoralized by years of religious strife, political chaos and economic hardship.… 

Never Forget

Today is Remembrance Day, and I’d like to pay tribute to my uncle George Quartly (my mother’s brother), killed in World War II. I never knew my uncle George as he died many years before I was born, but I had heard a lot about him over the years. I understand he was quite young when he was sent overseas to fight in the war. George was in Princess Patricia’s…