I lost my uncle on Saturday
I got a note from my aunt (his sister) that my uncle Tom was declining rather rapidly. He hadn't eaten in 3 days, and was refusing food, water, and any help. He'd given up the will to live after his wife left him. They had a crazy marriage but I don't want to get into that. Suffice to say, he loved her very, very much.
Anyway, he was super kind. We were best buddies. He taught me how to shoot a gun. He took me hiking in the summers and taught me how to ski (both downhill and Telemark) in the winter. He also introduced me to rock climbing. My love for the mountains absolutely comes from him. We biked, played racquet ball, and had ping pong tournaments, while I was growing up. He taught me how to drive a stick shift. I would visit my grandparents but stay at his house for weeks in the summer. He even gave me a nice nest egg for college.
He was a banker, an avid reader, and super intelligent and he was a true outdoorsman. He loved horses and farming (even though he had bad allergies and asthma). He has summited Mt. Hood 14 times. He would challenge me to do crosswords. He made the best pancake syrup you can imagine.
He and his wife never had any kids, but basically adopted me as theirs, so essentially, outside of my own parents and sisters he was the single biggest influence on my life while I was growing up. I am going to miss him so much. I have so many good memories and honestly exactly zero bad ones where he is concerned. Not too many people you can say that about.
I really don't want your condolences here. Instead, I want you to pledge to teach someone something: about shooting/guns, survival skills, cooking, or any skill or hobby you have. I know most of you do that already. Keep doing it. Invest in someone. It's impactful beyond words.
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Very nice sentiments Mr. P. I'll try to honor your request.
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I pledge.
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Great post Randy.
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I will honor your wish, Mr. P. That being said, sounds like your uncle was a great American, and a stand-up guy. This country needs more uncles like that.
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Over the years I have tried to be that guy to a few of my sons friends who grew up without a dad in their home
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Awesome tribute and a worthy challenge.
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A very nice homage to your uncle Mr. P. All of my uncles are gone now. My last aunt is closing in on 90 but still quite with it. I can honestly say that I have reached the top of the generation scale. I hope to do my best to honor your uncle by passing on some of my life's experiences to others.
You are an inspiration yourself with this post sir and I salute you with a promotion.
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Sounds like he was an incredible man! That was an inspiring eulogy!
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Horse Plains Drifter: 30496114947867/comments/30496087458203
I will honor your wish, Mr. P. That being said, sounds like your uncle was a great American, and a stand-up guy. This country needs more uncles like that.
+1
Mule
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Sure sounds like he was great guy and he lives on with all he taught you to pass along to others
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I had 2 uncles that were very special to me among all the uncles I had. Sadly all my aunts and uncles are long gone. Like you, all I have left are fond memories.
Joe
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Sorry for your loss. Give me a shout if you need anything.
I will pledge to do as you have asked.
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I have two very special nephews. I hope they remember me like you remember your uncle.
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Good post and thanks.
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Thank you for posting this......I will do as you requested...
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My 4yo niece already has a better firearms collection than most adults. This summer she is going flying with me. I am making sure she has more opportunities and experiences than I ever had growing up.
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I offer my unsolicited condolences. Your posts have had a bearing on my way of thinking and by extention, the character of your uncle has done so, as well.
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It sounds as if your uncle was a real "man's man". He clearly helped to instill some of those qualities in you as well.
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Sounds like he had a good life that he passed down to you.
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Sorry for your loss.
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