Friday, November 21, 2025
Uncle Rich was a great man. I have so many wonderful memories of sharing drinks, time around the fire, and meals with the family. One memory that stands out to me was during university. We were having a family gathering at Auntie Colleen and Uncle Mo’s house. After explaining to me that he could cook over a fire no matter how big it was, he came closer and asked me how school was going.
I responded that it was great and that I was learning things that would help me grow in my life. It went quiet. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a $100 bill. It was the first one I had ever seen, to be honest. He handed it to me and said that he was proud of me and that I should use it to buy a book. I chuckled, was hesitant to take the money, but I could see in his eyes and hear in his voice that it was a genuine gesture.
I joked and said that books nowadays were even more expensive than $100, if you can believe it. He looked at me, took a drink of his Pilsner, and said, “Buy half of a book then.” I thought of that every time I purchased books over the next four years of school, and I’ve remembered it ever since.
Thank you for streaming the service, it was the only way I was able to attend today. Thinking of you, Auntie Sue and family.
