May 26, 2021
Dear Glen
As we write this letter it is an overcast gloomy day. It well reflects our feelings as we try to come to terms with another brother leaving us. Although you are gone we will always have the memories.
Some saw you as a rebel. The hair, the beard. These became a trademark. When we visited you in the hospital we kidded you saying we didn't recognize you with your shave and cut. In reality, you weren't a rebel. You simply were down to earth. You had advice, "Don't try to be someone you're not. It will get you in the end."
You were named after Astronaut Glenn. For a time you even spelled your name with a double n. Soon other interests took over. Like cars. We remember you and your brothers disputing the merits of Ford versus Chev. You were a firm Ford supporter until Jesse convinced you to trade your big red machine for a much smaller car. A Chev! But still red. For a time you even had a motorbike. Bears on Wheels! That didn't last long. Maybe you couldn't eat on the go. Of course, this is a reference to your younger days when you consumed a can of creamed corn. Cold. Right out of the can.
We enjoyed your story telling. Like the one about the cat jumping on the counter and the meat there becoming kitty fare. Your roar was heard throughout the complex. That was a special many-toed cat but that day it was fortunate to escape with any toes! But, we all know you had a fondness for animals. There were dogs; Sam at the farm and later Kasper.
You cared about family. Your nieces and nephews and later great nieces and nephews. They were all special to you. The pink ball you gave Melanie is still around somewhere. And there you were, on the floor playing with her.
Did we say you cared about family? It was you that taught Kasper to attack on the command, "Family! Family!" Just another example of your sense of humour.
You had a gruffness which earned you the label Grizz. But beneath all that you had a softness. Nothing was more dear to you than your boys. When Jason took up woodworking you were so proud and you were proud of his conscientiousness in helping Shirley at the apartment. You bragged about Jesse's marks and work accomplishments.
When you talked of the night you spent alone with Victor in the hospital it still brought tears to your eyes. The four of us had many cherished conversations as we kept Victor company. You would return to Calgary in the wee hours of the morning. When we received the message, "Honey, I'm home", we knew we didm't have to worry any more. When we left for home we too had to let you know we arrived safely.
You, along with Jason, were so looking forward to coming to visit at our farm. However, covid has a cruel way of interfering with plans.
It's not gonna be the same without your late night and early morning texts....
We miss you
Mervin, Evelyn and family
