Monday, January 14, 2019
Dear Rob and Tracey Dick and I thank you so very much for taking the time to drop by the house and tell us personally that Cal had died. It was good to see both of you again even under such sad circumstances. I feel that I left alot unsaid and so I will try now to tell you what a very good friend Cal was to us for so many years. He was the caring and interesting neighbour that anyone would enjoy living just two doors away. When our children were young I could count on good advice from Cel ,and Dick picked up many good tips on home maintenance from Cal. We had even known Cal when we worked in the Bank and he made his regular trips for Brinks to our branch. Cal and Cel knew my beloved Aunt Ruth, and my Mom Dad and the exchange of conversations we had made us feel almost like family. Like my Dad Cal served in WW11. I admired his service to the country. The long time he fought and forged his way through Italy and Europe was a dirty, tough campaign. It was not often he would talk about it but, I know from my study of the history of that war, that his service deserves recognition. Cel and Cal grew the best vegetables in their large backyard garden. They shared their harvest with the neighbours and taught us how to plant a vegetable garden of our own. As the years passed the nice, friendly, neighbourly times endured. I always enjoyed my time spent on the porch here discussing politics, and world events with Cal. Dick could count on Cal standing close by whenever he noticed Dick c up a ladder, or on the roof, or triming the trees. When Cal's health started to fail we were pleased to assist Rob by standing in for him to help Cal and visit him daily, and to keep in touch with Rob. Dick and I have missed our friend and good neighbour for some time now, and we want your whole family to know you have our sympathy at this difficult time. Warm thoughts, Dick and Karen,and Kari and Toby.
