A Loving Tribute to My Father-in-law, GREG

"Life is a journey of sweetness and sorrow,
Of yesterday's memories and hopes for tomorrow,
Of pathways we choose and detours we face
With patience and humour, courage and grace,
Of joys that we've shared and people we've met
Who have touched us in ways we will never forget."
- A verse in one of our many sympathy cards received

Last week I lost my father-in-law, Greg… and want to share some photos that represent him and his family…

This is the little card that was handed out at Greg's funeral.
The poem on the back sums up his life…
the photo on the front sums up him,
in front of one of the many churches he photographed,
here holding his camera. This photo was taken by a dear friend
of Greg's.

Greg and Blanche's wedding photo…
October, 1950.

I crafted many cards for Greg and Blanche over their past years.
This is the final anniversary card I made for their anniversary
last year… definitely a date to remember.

Here is a photo taken of Greg with his siblings…
he was the 3rd youngest of the nine of them and the last to pass away.
He is easily picked out in this photo second from right in back row!

The very last family photo of Greg and his 4 children
… this one was in our backyard in the summer of 2012.

This family photo was taken at the time of Bev's wedding…and is displayed
proudly on the wall in Greg and Blanche's dining room in their home.

Another photo collage proudly on display for the past 3 years or so…
with all of his grandkids as well as his 2 great grandkids.
Each one of these children shared so much love with their
dearly loved Grandpa and great Grandpa…
I know they were among his life's most treasured blessings. 

Another photo on display in his home is this lovely one
of him with his wife, Blanche.
I believe this was one taken through the church.

I captured Greg on his final Christmas…
December, 2013… looking so festive here in the Santa hat!

Here is Greg on his final birthday…
when he turned 89 years old on April 18th, 2014.
He always loved a celebration when the family
was gathered together… for what ever the occasion.

This photo has extra special meaning to me…
it is my dad with my father-in-law…
TWO of the BEST DADS EVER!
I know this photo is not really clear… but the memories of them sharing a
celebration drink together by the island of our kitchen at our annual
Boxing day family gatherings
is very clear and vivid in my mind.
I will now cherish those memories  even more and visualize them
together again in heaven.

I considered it a true honour to be part of the grand opening of the Elevator
exhibit on May 1st, 2014, in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.
Greg had a nice representation of family and friends present
for this special day…and he spoke with such enthusiasm and passion
about his love and knowledge of the prairie history.

This book is a project I will hold dear to my heart…
Greg and I put this barn book together on my computer…
Greg sat beside me and I typed in the info to each barn.
Greg could have made several volumes of BARN BOOKS
with all his amazing photos.  His memory blew my mind…
he knew each barn and where they were located and details
to go with each one… without a single note in hand!

This barn was of special importance to Greg…
it was north of St. Gregor, and was the barn he was on the roof shingling
when he got the news of his oldest son, Bruce being born, September 3rd, 1951.
Brian, Colin, Jana and I enjoyed visiting this with Greg last June, 2013…
here with new owner and his dogs.

Many wonderful family gatherings took place at Greg and Blanche's…
this is one just this summer in July.

Greg was often seen sitting out on his front deck… by his flowers.
His neighbours will recall him out there…and used to pop by for many a visit.
Here is my husband, Brian with his dad… just weeks ago.

The display of Greg's cherished life as seen at his funeral…
The bottom left photo is especially meaningful
beside the father and son ornament… it is a photo of Greg and Son, Bruce.
Bruce sadly passed away one year ago so he and Greg
 will now reunite in Heaven once again.

Only a few photos from the day of the celebration of Greg's life.

A last kiss…
Greg was proud to boast that he gave Blanche a goodnight kiss every night!
He was a very loving and loved man…
he will be fondly remembered and held so close in our hearts.





Just over a week ago… we said a very sad farewell to a man we all loved so dearly. There is never an easy way and or time to say good bye to some one who we all cherish so much.


Greg had a fall and broke his hip on August 16th. He was out trimming a tree, which was so typical of him. He loved to be in his yard…and if something needed doing, he was quick to get on it, always! He had hip surgery on August 18th, and his hip was repaired without a problem, however sadly there were complications following the surgery. He had his family by his side, and was able to not only say his final goodbyes to them, but being the classy guy that he was, he was busy thanking all the nurses and doctors on the RUH staff for taking such good care of him, too.


He had a wonderful phone visit with my son, Colin,(his oldest grandchild) on the phone the day before he passed away. Colin was the only grandchild unable to attend his funeral… so I know this conversation will hold a very lasting memory for Colin, of the love he and his dear Grandpa Greg shared . Colin was here just this past March from his home of Montreal, so he saw him then as well.


Where do I begin to sum up the life of a man so loved by so many?…. It is hard to know where to start. He was a wonderful family man, hard working, and full of passion and pride for all he was into. He was a brilliant man, and sharp as a tack always. A role model extraordinaire!



He was a left hander… which I have heard is a sign of being extra creative. He was definitely creative… from all his many items he built to his photography skills.  He was a carpenter by trade. So building was second nature to him.


He was into everything his family was into as well… from sports to dancing, and everything in between. He was a coach of hockey teams of his sons, Bruce and Brian growing up…and then went on to watch nearly every hockey game of our son as well as the other grandsons. He also attended football and soccer… and possibly other sports, too that his grandkids were involved in.



He was in attendance at most of the  dance recitals over the history of my "Diane Will Dance Studio"…
(from 1974-2002)
Not only was he there to see them… he likely built every single dance prop needed from stairs, to cages, chairs, stools, boxes… etc… and they were sturdy enough to dance on, too! I have a little chuckle, because when I recall asking for 10 small black benches once… 
the next day wanted to change the height to be higher, but he had them all made and painted already! 
He was always in a "RUSH"KOB
to get on each and every project he was asked to do…
and he did a fabulous job of it always, too!



He was so good to my two children growing up. My daughter Jana, went to school at the fine arts school located across the street from their home. She attended from grade 3-8, and had her lunches with her grandparents throughout those years. They always catered to her picky eating needs, and then some… doing theme days too… such as popcorn Fridays and fun things like that! Her friends all have fond memories of their times spent at Jana's 
Grandparents home over those years.


Later more of Greg's grandchildren attended that school, too and had the same treatment and special bond as Jana had.


Greg loved each and every one of his kids, grandkids and adored the two great children as well.
He will be fondly remembered by his children…
Bruce, Brian, Bev and Brenda.
their spouses…
Gail, Diane, Ralph and Mark.
Grandkids…
Colin(Caro), Jana (Nels),Sam, Luke(Kirsten),
Alec, Emily, Maxwell and Rowen…
And great grandkids… Mariah and Beau.



On Father's day just this year… Greg and Beau shared some precious moments looking through the book we gave him as a gift. Mariah idolized her great grandpa too ,and just this past week told me she would like to have a "barn" tattoo on her back in her Great Grandpa's honour! 
How cute is that?!!!
(I kind of think if she does… it might end up being a temporary one… but it is the thought that counts!!!)




I could go on and on to tell many fond stories of Greg… but will sum it all up by saying he was loved by all who knew him. He was a hard working man, very kind and generous, smart, creative, interesting, knowledgable, quick witted… and so passionate and proud.


Greg was born April 18th, 1925 and lived a very full life until August 18th, 2014. He was celebrated at his funeral mass ceremony which many family members and friends
 were a part of.
This was held on August 22nd, the 25th birthday of his second oldest grandson, Sam. Sam and Greg's oldest grand daughter, Jana, both did lovely tributes for their Grandpa 
at his funeral as well.


Greg had many nieces and nephews and special friends and neighbours who thought the world of him. He will hold a very special spot in the hearts of us all,
 as he now watches over us from the heavens above.


I just want to say how lucky I am to have married his son, Brian… because he has many of the wonderful traits 
that his dad had. Like father … like son!

I also want to say once again THANK YOU to all for all the love and support in the this past week during our loss.


In closing I will share this little poem
I wrote in Greg's honour…



Where do I begin to describe such a man?
I'll do my best, and say what I can.
I was so lucky to be a big part…
Of sharing with Greg… and his very kind heart.
He was a man of passion and pride,
He shared lots of that, and just couldn't hide…
His love for his family and also for friends,
His love for his work, his hobbies and trends!
A man of such brilliance, with all that he knew,
A prince of a man, so genuine, too.
Regardless of gender and /or of age…
A very warm chat, he could always engage!
As a father-in-law, he was second to none,
I felt like a winner… HE... was who I had won!
A husband, a father, a grandpa… all so great,
A friend and a relative, we must CELEBRATE!
Thoughtful and caring… that was his way…
There are so many things I could add and could say,
He was easy to love… right from the start,
Fondly remembered… he'll live on in my heart!

Lake Life vs Backyard Bliss!

I wrote this blog post on August 18th… hours before I lost my dear father-in-law, Greg, due to complications following a surgery he had that day, so therefore chose not to post this to Facebook until today… 

The photos and news in this post were our life events leading up to this past week before we anticipated the turn of events that proceeded. 

I want to thank everyone for their love and support during this past week of loss, Greg, was the best father-in-law I could have asked for… he will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Next week I hope to do my blog as a  
"Tribute to GREG".

  

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."
-Annonymous



"Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."
-Hans Christian Andersen

Here are Brian and I at the lake and in our own backyard…
both places make me smile…and the sun was shining brightly for both
of these pictures, too!

This is my friend Margo's backyard… I was invited there last Monday.
Her yard is filled with lots of bliss…and beautiful flowers, birds, and
her cute doggie, Lexi, too… we had a fabulous visit, as well.

A few shots from our little Waskesiu adventures last week.
Unfortunaltey the ice-cream outing photos were taken in the
evening and were dark and blurry… but the ice cream was yummy!

It was fun to watch the family loving their little vacay on the beach.

Standing by Jana makes me feel short!!!… She once looked up to me,
and now I look up to her!
I love the pics of the kids and their surf boards,
which they enjoyed so much!

Sunshine,… siblings, sand, surfing, swimsuits, and sundresses!

It became a bit overcast and windy the day we took the boat out,
but we did manage a quick little spin around the lake once while we were there.
Nels drove and we all enjoyed the view!

Brian and I took the kids for popsicles …
Brian ended up buying the kids each a surf board too.
He is such a softie and loves to spoil those grandkids… but they really
did get lots of fun and use out of their surf boards…
Mariah picked a dolphin one, and Beau got a shark one!

From yummy lattes to happy hours and everything between…
we did have some good family fun.

The kids were in their glory whether having a relaxing meal on the deck at the lake,
out for some sight seeing, or surfing or biking… fun fun times were had!

Brian and I enjoyed a fine dining experience at this fancy restaurant,
which is owned and run by one of Colin's buddys … Evan.
You'll notice it was more about presentation than amount of food!!!
We did enjoy our evening there and the food was tasty.

Brian and I stayed our two nights at this little cabin at Lost Creek.
they had a hot tub… but we chose to just have the kids for a jet tub!
Beau loved the bubbles and water shooting up all over our bathroom!!!

I was excited to see some red vine ripened tomatoes on our little tomato
plant on our deck when we returned home from the lake…
and these were extra yummy ones, too!

Shuffle was happy to have us back out on the deck again after she spent two days
at doggie daycare. I am loving the tomato sandwiches on our deck too.
Saturday morning after the gym, I went to my good friend, Ella's for
coffee in her beautiful back yard… her flowers are particularly lovely.

Saturdy night we had a nice evening out for dinner with good friends
Joan and Gerry at Mano's. It was a little cool to sit out that night
but we enjoyed our meal and great visit inside…
dessert was especially yummy!



Today I decided to bring the computer right out on the deck to write this edition of my blog… so I am writing it right from the bliss of my own backyard!


I am such a home body so I do love the comfort of my own home and yard…and the yard is cozy with our trees and plants and the deck is comfy to sit on… 
so I am in my happy place right here!


Last week we did escape the city life and go to Waskesiu Lake for a couple days where our family was on a little vacay. I have childhood memories of going there when I was a kid and then more memories of taking our kids there when they were small and now the tradition continues as our grandkids go there each summer. But none the less I have always preferred city life to lake life… maybe due to the fact we did not travel much when I was growing up and I learned from early on to just appreciate my own surroundings!


We did enjoy seeing how much fun the grandkids were having though, and they couldn't have asked for a nicer week weather wise. They spent most of their days at the beach just enjoying the sand and water. They also used our family boat a few times, too, but the afternoon we chose to go on it… the weather turned sort of overcast and windy and even had a few drops of rain for the short time we were out .

This past week has been a week of reflections of people up in heaven. Last Monday we remembered my brother in law, Bruce on his one year anniversary of his passing. That same day the world was saddened to hear of the loss of the legendary, Robin Williams.  The next day legend, Lauren Becall also passed away. On the 14th of August, I recalled the 3rd anniversary of my dear Aunt Frances. Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of our dear friend, Jaime, who sadly died at the young age of 15.


When looking up to the sunshine,  I can't help but feel extra love and warmth from the losses of our special 
and dear loved ones.


Later this week my nephew Sam will turn 25 on the 22nd. Mom and Dad would have had their Wedding Anniversary on the 24th of August… they were married in 1949.


Summertime has reflections of many kinds… I used to always teach a little dance summer school in Lanigan back in the 90's…and it is still going strong. This year's camp began there today. I remember all the fun I had teaching at it back in the day and made some of my best pals there.
I am reminded how Jana was only 9 when I taught my first one there… and now her daughter, Mariah, who is 8 is at a camp, too. Her camp is not a dance one, but at the lake and she will be there all week with a little buddy of hers.
I hope they have a blast!


I am keeping my hopes high that all goes well for my father in law, Greg, who fell and broke his hip on the weekend.
He is in surgery as I type this blog post. I have been praying for him all day…

* Unfortunately he did pass away due to complications, only hours after I wrote this post but he will live on in our hearts forever.*


Soon it will be time to return to routine again when school starts up in the fall… and lake and deck life will be behind us again… so for now I am enjoying every minute of time outside I can while the weather is sunny!


On that note… here is my little rhyme of the day…

The lake is nice for a day or two,
But more than that is a lot for me to do!
I enjoy the sunshine out on my own deck,
It's bright and cheerful and comfy as heck!
When sitting on the beach, it's fun to see,
My grandkids just as happy as can be.
But given the choice, I'm happiest at home,
I love my own yard, and don't need to rome.
Summer time is best under the sun,
Where ever we are sun makes it more fun.
So whether on the deck or the grass or the sand,
When the sun is shining, my life is grand.
And given a choice, my choice would be this…
To be in my own yard in my life filled with bliss!
Reflecting on days that are good, makes me glad,
And loving the sunshine and memories we've had.

SuNsHiNe CeLeBrAtIoNs!

"Sunshine is a welcome thing. It brings a lot of brightness."
-Jimmie Davis

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway the good they do is inconceivable ."
-Joseph Addison

"It's always good remember where you come from and celebrate it. To remember where you come from is part of where you are going."
- Anthony Burgess

This photo is from over a week ago in my back yard…
but goes with today's theme….
and the SUNSHINE is especially bright today!

Here is a split pic of my cousin Gwen and me CELEBRATING her
Birthday on August 7th… 2013… with party glasses,
and on August 7th, 2014… with party hats…this year in the SUNSHINE!
We did birthday lunches to CELEBRATE GWEN both times,
but this year was even sunnier…
so we managed to stretch the birthday lunch out for over 3 hours
on the sunny patio at Taste Buds!

My doggie SHUFFLE celebrates all the time she can spend out in the
SUNSHINE!

My Edmonton Dance buddy, Shelley,  and a dance assistant of her's, Brody,
stayed over night here last week on route home from a dance camp
 they taught in Moose Jaw.
We had a fun and brief visit… and trip down memory lane together!
Shelley CELEBRATED her milestone 60th Birthday on the 9th.
We look forward to seeing her daughter, Stacey's
choreography week to week on the TV series…
" So You Think You Can Dance."

Friday was a nice celebration of friendship and sunshine
when my good friend, Ella and I were invited
 to share a yummy lemonade with our gym friend Valerie last week.
Her yard was so beautiful, and we had a lovely friendly visit. 

BEAU was well celebrated for his 4th Birthday on August 8th
 while staying at his Edmonton
grandparent's house last week … his NANA did a wonderful job
of prepping his party for him!

More celebration photos texted from Grandma Nancy(NANA) in Edmonton.
They had a little party friend invited to make it even more fun for
Mariah and Beau at the party!

Saturday when the kids returned home from their little vacay to
Edmonton, we had an impromptu
B-lated B-day supper for the little B-man, too!
It is almost like a celebration when I get around to crafting  a card
now, too… as I haven't done as many lately.

These photos are somewhat blurry… but the memories were
cute… when the kids got on the party hats and glasses
and did a little birthday celebration posing!

This little HOT DOG adds so much SUNSHINE to our lives always,
he enjoyed his little B-day Celebration here on Saturday.

Sumer has been filled with many sunshine celebrations around here.
Yesterday in addition to a nice visit from sister-in-law,
 Bev in the afternoon (no photo)…
we were joined by our friend Ella and Vern
along with my dance buddy, Brenda's hubby, Vern,
 while she is in England at the world baton competitions.
Today she is CELEBRATING the fact that her Jr. Pair placed 5th in the world's!
Ella brought me these beautiful flowers as well… so cheerful and summery.




Once again it is my blog writing day. The last few weeks it hasn't always been written on a Monday, but hope to get back on track again!!!


As I sit to write today's edition of my blog the SUNSHINE is very bright and well worth CELEBRATING for many reasons. Just one year ago on this very date I lost my brother-in-law, Bruce, after his courageous
battle with cancer.
Now he continues to watch over us in the form of the SUNSHINE from the HEAVENS above.
Bruce will remain in our hearts forever and is CELEBRATED in many ways not only today, but always.


We have been so fortunate to have so much SUNSHINE this last couple of weeks… it is amazing just how much better everyone's spirits are when the sun is shining!


Last week our grandkids were in Edmonton visiting their other Grandparents, Nancy and Arvid. They babysat them for 6 days and nights…and I am quite sure they had much to CELEBRATE upon their arrival as well as when they went home again. I know how many fun memories they must have added to their lives and also know from experience how tiring babysitting can be over a period of time. I commend the other grandparents on their dedication and love they shared while the kiddies were there in their care.


I would have to say these two grandkids are so very lucky to have two very loving sets of grandparents who love them so dearly. We are also lucky to have them as well. Not only do they add so much SUNSHINE to our lives… they are worth CELEBRATING for many reasons. Just last week, BEAU CELEBRATED his 4th Birthday on August 8th… hard to believe how fast the time is going.


We continue to spend much time with friends 
and family in and out doors in the awesome sunshine this past bit. I do take many photos, but do not capture every event a long the way… even though it does appear like I do!


We enjoyed a nice visit with in-laws, Blanche and Greg on Friday. We had a nice visit with sister-in-law, Bev yesterday, too. Family times are so important and special to me always. Family itself is something to be CELEBRATED 
and valued always.


Today I am invited to a high school buddy's place for coffee in the SUNSHINE of her beautiful back yard later. I am so fortunate to have so many wide circles of friends near and far and am lucky to be able to CELEBRATE my life with them whether it is a special occasion or not. To me… every day is really a special occasion… and I am all about a CELEBRATION when and where ever I get the chance!


This week the grandkids are off to the lake for more fun adventures in the SUNSHINE… and their parents just called and invited us to join in for a day… so we plan to head to the lake for a little more FUN in the SUN this week, too.


I am forever grateful for 
 SUNSHINE and CELEBRATIONS
…and on that note,
here is my little poem of the day…


The summer has been filled with so much fun…
Also time spent in the warmth of the SUN!
Many thoughts and CELEBRATIONS…
Revolving around some very special relations.
Summer time is just filled with lots…
Many things and many thoughts,
Today we CELEBRATE that special someone…
As we look to the sky and the bright shining SUN!

HaPpY Summer … FuN Times!

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."
-Dalai Lama

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."
-Dr. Seuss

"I have found if you love life, life will love you back."
-Arthur Rubinstein

I had the grandkids here for the better part of last week…
and we did lots of fun things…
played in the yard had many freezes to cool off… and so much more!

From sidewalk chalk to water balloons… we did lots of summer fun stuff.

We took Shuffle for walks… made smurfin' set ups,
visited Swank shoe lounge after dance camp...

Mariah had fun at the two day dance camp at Dance Ink…
Beau enjoyed the sitting outside to wait for her,
Mariah met a new friend, Payton.

We went to the Zoo…
 

We fed ducks… hung on monkey bars and ate ice cream snacks, too!

Grandpa's pockets were always filled with money
for whatever the kiddies wanted!

Beau out front… just enjoying the scenery from there!

Ice cream tastes better with sprinkles on top and  in the ice cream dishes!

A belated appie/happy hour night with the girls….
at Original Joes, to celebrate Bev's Birthday.
A supper out with my nephew Alec and his friend, Rachel at Manos.

Family fun on our deck with Jana, Gail, Alec and Rachel.

3 nights in a row of suppers with friend, Vern…
Shuffle enjoyed the times on the deck, too!

A road trip to Regina… Shuffle travelled so well, too.
On way home we stopped for ice cream at Twisted Sisters in Chamberlain.

From Happy hour to Appie hour… delicious meals created by
the guys… to card games… so much fun with friends…
Mike and Lynne.

Always fun with our former neighbours from years ago…
good friendships last forever!

More food, drinks and fun with friends in Regina…
We enjoy the times we can share together.


The last week or so has been so full of fun it is hard to even begin on what we did… but hopefully the photos will speak for themselves.


My sister-in-law, Gail and her son, Alec and his friend Rachel were in town from Vancouver for a week. We enjoyed many visits and meals etc with them
while they were here.


We celebrated my sister-in-law, Bev over drinks and appies… with sisters-in-law, Brenda and Gail as well as Bev's sister-in-law, Dianne...(also from Vancouver). It was a lovely evening out after a busy babysitting day. Thanks to Gail for her generosity and treating us all.


Mariah went to a two day summer dance camp and loved it. It was run by Ashley (studio owner)… and a former student of mine back in my studio days, Another former student of mine, Kelly, also taught at it. And Mariah met a new friend, Payton, who is the daughter of a former dance student of mine… so the generations of dancers just continue to
Rock On!


Beau was all about trips to Dollarama, and target as well as playing in our yard on the slip and slide and making many smurf set ups, parades, etc.


With both kids here… there were occasional sibling rivalries… but we managed to survive the week. The kid's daycare is cancelled due to holidays for 2 weeks… so this week I am thinking of their other Grandparents, Nancy and Arvid who have them all week day and night… I know they will have fun… but from experience… I know they too will be tired!

We enjoyed a visit to Regina this past weekend o see our good friends who used to live next door when our kids were small. We have remained such good friends over time.
I will be thinking of them this coming week when they will be having memories of 20 years ago when they lost their eldest daughter, Jaime. They will also be celebrating grandkid's birthdays as well… so many things to be grateful for as well.


Tonight I will have a couple house guests. My friend Shelley from Edmonton and her class assistant will stop in for a sleepover on their way home from teaching some dancing at a camp in Moose Jaw. We will likely enjoy So You Think You Can Dance on TV when Shelley's oldest daughter, Stacey will have some choreography performing on the show will be fun to watch that show together.


We have done so much eating, and sharing happy hours and trips to Dairy Queen, and Strawberry Ranch for their delicious pies over this summer… and it does catch up with the waistline!!! Luckily I have made a few gym classes here and there… but life is short… one needs to just enjoy the summer while it is here. I find food always tastes better out in the sunshine, too!


Tomorrow is my dear cousin Gwen's birthday. The next day Beau will celebrate his 4th birthday in Edmonton.
I wish them both very HAPPY CELEBRATIONS and hope to celebrate them too at some point!


I am also thinking of my sister-in-law Arleen who lost her dad last week. He would have been ninety at the end of this month.


There is always something going on around here it seems…
whether sharing meals with friends and or family or babysitting the grandkids… there is very few dull moments, that is for sure!!!


On that thought… here is my rhyme of the day…


Summer time has been filled with fun,
Lots of people and food… a ton!
Time spent with family and also with friends…
The fun and happiness just never ends!