Recently, my great uncle, Adolph, passed away. He had lived a full life and was well respected. He was a stand-in grand father on many occasions. Since I am originally from South Texas and now living in the Northern Colorado area, as well as recently in-between jobs, timing is a bit tough to get down there for the memorial.

To add to the situation, he wanted to be cremated and have a simple memorial. So, instead of killing myself to get down there and beings that I come from a long line of “frugal” Germans, they simply asked that we all write some words about Adolph. Below is what was read at the memorial. Various family members had an opportunity to write some kind words and I heard it was a great service.

… I remember the most, about my Uncle Adolph

I may be 1,000 miles away, in my 40’s, busy with life, have kids of my own, but I often have reflected over the years about the times I spent with my Uncle Adolph.

- Fingers on ribs, counting until I laughed…
- Bouncing down dusty dirt country roads in an old green pickup truck…
- Long cane poles sticking in dirt with line draped in an arch hooked to a red & white float lazily drifting around in circles…
- Squishy, smelly mud oozing between toes after a good swim in a stock tank..
- Lots of minnows swimming in a large barrel just off the back porch…

These are the things I remember the most….

- Chickens and roosters, gathering eggs from nests, chasing lambs & goats, petting the Guernsey cow and drinking the freshest milk…
- Sweet corn, fresh okra, juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers….
- Drinking sweet red wine, even though I wasn’t 21…
- Soft hair being snipped with scissors and the buzzing sound of electric clippers…
- Smells of oils and after shave, old spice, I think…
- Slapping of cards and clinking of dominoes and words like shooting, moon and canasta…

No judgment, no respecter of persons, treating everyone the same, giving, fun, big kid himself, story teller, full of life, patience, laughter and easy to be around…

These are the things I remember the most about my Great Uncle Adolph!

In recent days on our own little suburban plot of land, we’ve attempted to grow cucumbers and melons, gotten a few and even had some pumpkins that were worth keeping and carving. I easily reflect and remember back to those days when I was a kid gathering fresh stuff from the garden, collecting eggs and being tickled as a youngster. Seeing a big smile and always with the story and a sly grin… pulling my leg I think.

I only hope that he knew what an impact he had on those around him…

Son & Nephew first…
Now, Husband, father and uncle myself
I’ll miss you, Uncle Adolph, but I have such great, fond memories….

Love Shane

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