Saturday, August 10, 2013

A Funeral

We went to a funeral in nearby Courtney yesterday. Norma's cousin Charley died a few days ago. He was 90 and just a few short months ago had beaten both his sons in a round of golf (I'm not sure if it was 9 or 18 holes, but still...). He was in good health until suddenly he wasn't and passed very quickly. This is the way I want to go!

It was not a sad affair, more of a family, friends and neighbors get together. All those people you tell, "We have to get together more often", but somehow don't. There was no religion except for a short, half-hearted attempt by the funeral director that met with few bowed heads. We Canadians are not much for religion. Charley's son gave the eulogy, telling many stories of his dad's life - his service as a signalman in the Canadian navy during the second world war, his career as an engineer on the coastal tugboats, his love of their waterfront home and his close connection with his only grandchild. We all chuckled when his son reminded us of Charley's propensity to "Make a short story long".

Norma got me dressed up, at least as much as I ever get dressed up, in my white Mexican guayabera shirt and my only pair of black slacks. I fit right in with that crowd where the only ties were worn by the funeral staff.

There was coffee, juice and sandwiches served after but we sneaked out after talking to everyone and headed to George's, a favorite hamburger and fish and chips stand a few blocks away where we clogged up our arteries a little more.

We got home around five and were happy to discover the deer had not taken advantage of our absence and broken through the fence. Norma's flowers survived the six or so hours without her playing security guard.

Our granddaughter Sierrah is coming up on Sunday and is bringing a friend. LindaLee is driving them up and I will return them to Victoria when they get tired of us. How do you keep 14 year old girls entertained? Hopefully the deer fence will also serve to keep them in and any stray boys out.

11 comments:

  1. We also very recently lost an aunt who was two months shy of age 90. Also in great health till a few months prior to death, her funeral was a celebration of her wonderful life.

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  2. Sounds like he was a pretty cool guy. That's a good funeral. Make it light, make it fun. BTW, cool outfit you wore! My style (black is good for everything, even a funeral!)

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    1. I love those guayabera shirts Chris. Suitable for every occasion. Viva Mexico!

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  3. 14 year old boys are the simplest way but also the most dangerous way to keep them entertained. ;)

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    1. 14 year old boys were not as dangerous when you and I were 14, Don. Things have changed!

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    2. That's for sure Croft. I wasn't dangerous at all. I was quite timid and harmless.

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  4. Sorry for your loss and yes we all should be allowed to go that way you have been reading Chris's blog too much talking of food!!!!!!! NOW about those deer try apples...I have no idea about advice re the girls but I will need the same advice in a couple of years cheers les

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  5. Just wondering if Norma has tried using Bobbex for the deer problem. We are caretaking a 5 acre property in Courtenay and the 5 resident deer check out my flowers and then just walk away. You only have to spray about once a month and so far it has worked great. They carry it at Home Hardware and Art Knapps.

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    1. We have tried everything up to and including electric fences when they discovered if you charge them hard enough, it only hurts for a little while. We have bought bottled blood, wolf fur clippings from our son's dog, human urine (that gave the neighbours a thrill), electric flowers that give a shock, water spraying motion detectors (they enjoyed the shower) and many other things. None worked.

      The current method of a deer fence and gate seems to work, as long as we remember to close the gate.

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  6. It's so strange sometimes, we learn so much about the person deceased at their funeral. I remember at my Uncle's funeral there were many stories of him in the war, I didn't even know he was in the war! (second world).
    I agree that short and painless seems the best way to go. No long term drag out illness to become a burden on your loved ones.

    Good about the roses, hope the deer find another rose garden to get their lunch on!

    Cheers!

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  7. Stray guys are more invasive than stray deer. Good luck with all that.

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