January 12, 1956 – November 24, 2021
Ed was predeceased by his parents; Adrian & Katarina Swart, his brother John, brother in law, Marvin Matusiak and mother in law, Leyta Ryan.
He will be very much missed by his wife Denise, son Matthew and daughter Hollie Bieber (Allan), along with his brother Paul and wife Terry, Adrienne & Patrick, Leo and Anthony Careen, Philip & Christina, Christian, Anna and Mary Swart, Shirley & Keith Scott, Darcy Swart, Brienna Swart & Alexis Reeve, Erika & Ryan and Nora Preston, Annie Matusiak, Zenon & Carissa Matusiak, Nicholas Matusiak, Stephen Matusiak & Katie MacDonald and Charlie Matusiak and brother in law Patrick Ryan. As per Ed’s request a private Mass is being held on Dec. 4/21.
Dear Eddy;
Remember how you first started writing to me at the farm in Sask. during the summer? I think it was when we started dating back in grade 8. I thought it was fitting for me to write this last letter, that’s all about your life, directly to you.
We were married for 39 years and throughout that time our home had love, joy, laughter, tolerance, patience, forgiveness, along with some anger and also yelling. We spent a portion of our marriage apart and perhaps that’s why we managed to be married so long. Now though, when I look back on our life and you’re no longer here with me, I realize how much you really meant to me and to our family and how much you gave of yourself.
When I sat beside your hospital bed at the Grace I played back in my mind our life together.
You truly were the Big Guy – bigger than life. Loud, boisterous, excitable and of course a charmer with that big warm smile of yours. You would give me that big smile and your eyes would light up and in turn I think that made mine do the same.
You recanted last week to me on how you fell in love with me in our homeroom, the first day of school back in grade 7. You said I had on a black jumper dress with a white shirt and I sat in the front row and did the bible reading for the class. Bet there aren’t many gals that can say a fella fell in love with them when they were reading the bible. As I typed that a memory just popped into my head. You used to ride the bus to St. Mary’s Cathedral and sit in the pews on the balcony level that looked over to the pews below. After we had started dating you told me about doing this and how you watched me in Mass. I think of that now and think how sweet but back then I thought it was a bit creepy.
Then I remembered how you would take the bus to pick me up from work at Salisbury House in Chateau 100 on Donald. I would come out smelling like burgers and the onions you hated so much. Didn’t bother you a bit and I suppose that’s a sign of true love. You were the only person I knew who could detect a dehydrated onion, even the most miniscule one.
That memory led me to your Mother’s amazing cooking and how she always made versions of everything for you. Eddy, you always had your own plate of your favourite rouladen and anything else that would have onions in it. Your Mom always ensured that you never lacked for her delicious cooking.
That memory led me to the first time I met your whole family. It was at your parent’s apartment and was after we had started dating again when you had moved back to Wpg.
There was a crew – Paul & Terry, John & Shirley, your Mom & Pap and of course us.
Seemed like everyone talked at once and I recall listening to your Mom and was amazed at how she could speak about so many things all at once. I had a zillion questions but didn’t ever have the opportunity to ask them. It certainly was not a boring dinner and was a very good introduction into your lively family.
Then came the memory of Name That Tune. Being at Paul & Terry’s and Paul started playing cuts of albums while everyone shouted out what the song was. I remember feeling a bit dumbfounded. Listening to music had not been a big part of my life growing up. Your family, though, embraced music and you knew all the lyrics to every song you owned. If I recall at last count you had 6 full milk crates of albums, plus the huge assortment of cassettes at the lake and then there’s all of the CD’s.
As you listened to music you also sang it and you had a really good voice. Since you’ve been gone I hear your rendition of Benny & The Jets playing off and on in my head. You weren’t a big Elton John fan, but boy did you belt out that song and quite frankly way better than Elton! You passed on that love of music to our kids and I love that they love our music too!
That memory led to you walking down the beach at Lester with our boombox playing in the kids’ Little Tyke wagon. Someone dubbed you the Music Man and you always were part of the beach entertainment. People would sit closer to take advantage of your selection. There definitely would have been some Beatles, Steely Dan, Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, Circle Jerks, Beach Boys, and others. Thankfully you kept the lake music light or else you had to listen to my wrath. You knew I wasn’t a fan of your full repertoire. Inside the wagon was also your beloved frisbee. Normally tucked under your arm or else under your seat in the Van. Your frizzbee was never far away from you and ever ready for a quick game absolutely anywhere; airports, streets, large rooms, big open parks, anywhere where there was air, you could make room and time for a game of frizz.
Thinking of the beach I recalled then how back on Father’s Day in 1991 we were staying with Rick and Charlene at their cottage in Lester Beach. We went for a walk with Matt in his stroller that day down Lester Blvd., farther than we had ever walked before. We passed the Creek and saw a for sale sign just after it. Remember how we started talking about cottages and I said why not just call the agent and take a look. I was about 4 months pregnant with Hollie and we had taken Matt with us to view the property. Then later that day, calling Mom asking her if she would like to go in on it and the next day we signed the contract.
We have so many good times and memories from Lester.
Mom spent her summers down there when she retired and our kids were lucky enough to be beach bums with her. We would go down on weekends and you would spend a good portion of it working, always repairing or building something. We always knew where you were though Eddy. We could either follow the music or else your booming voice. It was rarely quiet if you were around. We also knew when a certain time of day was, your call of “It’s Sunset” would ring out and we knew to head to the beach.
Memories of Oma enjoying the pool and lake with the kids and being away from the city.
Spending weekends in the winter there with friends and family. Playing outside in the snow and then warming up by the fire inside. The endless games and stories on rainy days. Your maniac fires out in the breezeway, roasting marshmallows and smores. Games of Bocce, man-made whirlpools, running, round and round in the pool. Rousing crazy ping pong games in the garage.
Brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, Moms & friends all at different times and together filling our cottage with laughter and love. We were really, really lucky Eddy.
Remember buying our first house on Sprague Street in ’82 and you moving in a couple months before we married? You took a leave of absence and went to RRCC and took your photography course. You really did have a talent you know and could have easily made that your profession. You wanted more for our future though, so you went back to the CPR and I think you were a Conductor then and not long after became an Engineer just before we bought our house on Portage in 1984. We had so much fun there. In the winter you built your famous Luge run down to the river. So many fun toboggan parties and frizz in that backyard!
Then I remembered all the other different hats you wore. You didn’t play many sports as you pretty much always had a job after school. You worked in shipping/receiving at the Bay downtown and then became the supervisor. After Gordon Bell you started working for CPR, joining Johnny, who also worked there. First you were a Brakeman, then Conductor and finally Engineer. The travelling of an Engineer, being on call 24/7 and never knowing how long you could be gone was hard when raising a family. So, you joined my sales agency Ryan-Swart Sales in the Cosmetics Industry. We quickly found out that you were absolutely made to sell. You had the gift of the gab and mostly everyone absolutely loved you and were quite happy to see you coming through the door in place of me. When I stepped away to have the kids you took the Agency over and you grew it to be very successful far more than I ever had or could. You picked up several companies and grew their products while travelling Manitoba and North Western ON. You loved the Chrysler Magic Wagon for your transportation and have never owned anything else since 1983 when they first came to Canada. You were proud to call yourself a Bagman and as a road warrior you determinedly flogged the products you represented.
You took on Del Labs and could talk endlessly to anyone about Nail Polish, Nail Treatment, Skin Bleaches and Depilatories. With Del Pharmaceutics you talked to people about their toothaches and the merits of Orajel. When you sold Bibicure, another wax depilatory line, you allowed the Beauty Advisors to use you for training. You would roll up your pant leg and let them smear wax on your hairy legs and then rip it off. You had the smoothest calves around!
I remember how sometimes people would stare at you with your bright red earlobes that were sometimes sporting stud earrings. This was long before it was fashionable for males to wear earrings, but you were the Beauty Advisors’ pin cushion as they trained on how to pierce ears with the Inverness Ear Piercing Gun. You were also happy to pierce any friend or family member who wanted to. With Tweezerman you talked about Nail Implements and all the different types you might need, or which tweezer would be best depending on the use and type of hair.
While with Prestilux, you became an expert on imported Fragrance & Skin Care, enthusiastically talking about fragrance notes and dry time. One of the best business decisions you made was to hire Karen. First as your Fragrance Demo, and she made those beautiful baskets for your Department Stores. Thankfully you made her your Sales Rep. and she was able to step in and take over for you while you battled for your life later in 2005.
You sold for Suntech and became an expert on Sunglasses and Reading Glasses.
Then you took on FishGillz Sunglasses and was ecstatic about how they would float if they fell off or went overboard. No more losing your glasses in the lake, the best feature ever!!!
During your sales career we had Matt & Hollie. They truly were your joy in life and the main reason you worked so hard. You always wanted the best for them and throughout your life you put your family first. Not sure I ever told you how much I appreciated it, but I really did Eddy. Your support and loyalty to your family knew no bounds and you never failed us.
Then the memories of your illness. The phone call when I was sitting on the plane leaving for Toronto in Jan. 2005 and you confirmed the Dr.had diagnosed you with colon cancer and they had slotted your surgery for the end of the month. The relief when all was over, and you made it through and later confirmation that they got all the cancer. You decided to have the chemo just to be sure and then having it cause where your surgery was to rupture, and you went into a severe sepsis state.
Then the operations to repair you. Cutting and grafting your colon together and cleaning up the dead areas, in the process removing parts that help your body absorb vitamins and nutrition. Remembering how then, I thought it may be the 2nd time we could lose you. Your long stay afterwards in the hospital from April 2005 till you walked out 5 months later in August. When you first came home you were no longer the Big Guy, more like the little Stooped One. You still had a hole in your stomach and went back later in December for Dr. Lee to pull your stomach together and stitch it up. You never once complained about any of the things that you endured, and you never allowed me to be your nursemaid, always caring for yourself. While your body would never become the size it was, everything else about you was still bigger than life. You made a miraculous recovery. Certainly, I give credit to Dr. Lee, but more than that I give credit to your positive attitude and the prayers that carried you throughout that time from friends and family.
Then you decided to make a career change and took on the Distributorship of MRLAMPSHOPS for Western Canada. You were very busy, setting up the retail shop on Portage as well as getting the warehouse established. You became an expert on Jigsaw Lamps and installing them in various places and events. While you never mastered all of the lamp making techniques you certainly could talk at length on their merits. Working different Shows, you were in your element talking and selling your products. After 5 years when your contract expired, you decided to make another career change.
You became a Handyman. Many would say a home renovator though, as you rarely said no and took on many different types of jobs. Working on roof tops, in attics, gutting bathrooms, kitchens and then rebuilding them. Insulating basements, ripping out sidewalks and re-pouring them. You were an expert at drywall and painting and could literally do it with your eyes closed. You shored up walls and basements, pruned trees and built fences. Way too many jobs for me even to recall Eddy. Of all of your careers this truly was your favourite. You got great satisfaction in helping people and many times you went out of your way to do extra things for your customers. They already miss you Eddy, and many have told me how they are wishing you the best on your new journey.
I remember when they diagnosed you with skin cancer on the top of your ear and prayed that they would not need to remove it all. You came back with the top portion gone but were very happy your glasses still sat good on your ear and only the top area was gone. From then on, your pet (hat) became an everyday accessory.
As time went on especially in this last year your body started to let you down and you could not keep up your nonstop pace. Not being able to gain weight was probably your worst enemy. At 6’1” and 132 lbs a strong wind could have probably blown you over. I know how frustrating you found it. Your mind was willing, but your body said – “Don’t think so.” Then your voice disappeared, and you could only whisper. Around the same time, you found the lump under your arm. Everything seemed to spiral after that Eddy.
Dropping you at Emergency on Nov. 12th. Your being admitted and then confirmation that the Monster was back, and that cancer had taken hold of your body and you would probably be gone by Christmas. Receiving radiation treatment to help you speak. After your final fifth treatment you had the widest grin you’ve ever had when you told me they let you ring the bell. You still could only speak in a whisper but the swelling in areas of your body went down, your colour became normal and you no longer needed oxygen. Things seemed better. Then the biopsy and the 2 weeks wait. Getting ready to bring you home while we waited for it. Confirmation that a bed and wheelchair would be delivered and right after, a call from the Dr. that you weren’t well, and we should come to the hospital right away. The kids and I spent time with you and once your pain was under control you were able to visit with us and listen to the Beatles. You even did some computer work with Matt. Truly amazing. By 9:00 the pain medication pretty much took over and I sat with you while you seemed to be sleeping.
We’ve had so many blessings, while you’ve been in the hospital Eddy, and you mentioned all of them to me. You were so happy to be able to Zoom with all your family from Canada & Germany and you were able to talk to all of them using my voice. You were very grateful to all of the hospital staff and you shocked me when you said the food had improved a lot at Chateau Grace since you checked in there, back in 2005. You even went so far as to say you would even pay for it in a restaurant! Matthew, Hollie and I were able to spend time with you in the hospital and you and I loved our time reliving happy memories together.
For me your attitude was truly the biggest blessing. Every day you said more than once “I’m the luckiest guy in the world”, harkening back to when you beat the monster back in 2005.
Then you would usually follow that with your one liner “Life is Grand.”
I’m glad that you didn’t hang around Eddy. It wasn’t long after I told you to get going and that John was waiting for you, probably saying “What the heck is taking him so long!”
You took your last breath at 3:00am on 11/24. I wonder what it’s like where you are. I believe much better and that you’re exactly where you are supposed to be. It saddens me to know that you won’t be here to be part of our kids’ lives as they grow into even more amazing individuals. I know though that you’re able to help them do that and that you’ll always be there for them.
Love you Eddy,
DD
My condolences Denise
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
I have many great memories of time spent with you and Eddy.
Our family and friends were intertwined for many years.
The croquet tourneys, the luge parties, the hockey pools were great at the portage home.
Eddy loved to have friends around.
He will be missed by all
Take care
Dennis Drobot
Many thanks Denno for your kind words.
I recall how you toiled so hard on our kitchen cabinets on Portage. Eddy ended up recycling them at Lester in a different configuration and they’ve served us well.
I’m so sorry for your loss . I met Ed in grade 7 , truly a great friend , his brother Paul was a friend of my brothers as well. We had that connection from the start. He was like a brother , so kind and caring . Home St park was the gathering place for many years . In grade 11 my family moved to Crestview , i so missed the West End
I’ve searched for Ed for many years, not sure why I couldn’t find him . I always wanted to know how life was.
I also went to school with Your brother Patrick in elementary , you lived on Wolseley .
Rest In Peace my friend
Carla Rindahl Brezden
Thank you for your kind words Carla. I certainly do recall you. Eddy moved out to BC for a bit after he graduated and then moved to Wolsey Ave. when he returned.
Thank you for your memories Carla. I do recall you and I know Eddy had good memories from what is now called Vimy Ridge Park and was Home St. Park.
Dear Denise and family,
Just noticed Ed’s obituary in the paper this morning. I’m so sorry. I remember his beautiful smile too! He was definitely one of the good guys and I’m glad you had many happy years together. Sending you a big hug,
Susanne Magyar
Thanks Suzanne for your kind thoughts.
I’m at the age now where memories become treasures and I’m blessed to have many.
I first met Ed when I worked for Jack Austin drugs ( Woolco) as a department manager. He would always come in smiling and eager to present me with the greatest deal. We would often go to Pizza Hut for lunch and he would usually persuade me to buy just a little bit more than I thought I needed. I always enjoyed dealing with him and his enthusiasm was infectious. He also persuaded me to get my ears pearced in training my staff. It really shocked my wife when I got home. He was a very likeable, genuine person. I am truly sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Thank you Johnny for your memories.
You gave me a hardy laugh. I had forgotten how Eddy convinced some buyers to have their ears pierced to train their own staff.
You are a brave fellow.
My Condolences Denise
Thx Denno there are lots of great memories with you from Wolseley, Sprague & Portage. So many good times. .
Beautiful words Denise. I will always remember his big grin and booming voice. I remember his fight in 2005 – my mom was also in the Grace and I kept missing you in the emergency room. He set a record for the longest stay if I am not mistaken? Gone too soon but a life well lived. Condolences to you and all the family
Thank you Jocelyn. I’m not sure how Eddy ranked for his stay at Chateau Grace. He was in ICU for quite awhile before they finally moved him to a ward back in 2005.
Certainly seemed to be forever. The hospital memories are so different from others and ones that I tend not to dwell on. Thankfully there are memories of all kinds.
When I saw your name above I immediately thought of our recent reminiscing.
You and I both recalling how Ed was a bit of a rotter back in Grade 7 homeroom. He used to taunt poor Mr. Ransemeer (God bless him) and get him quite wound up. I used to be fairly timid and was terrified of Ed who would tease me mercilessly I had no inkling about his undying love and I tried to avoid him like the plague. Ed and I both had a good chuckle last week when we were on the subject of grade 7. Ralph Sacco his sidekick then, couldn’t understand what the attraction to me was. That however did not deter Ed one bit.
Denise
I was so sorry to hear of Ed s passing. As you mentioned in your letter he was truly Larger than life ! I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with him and have many fond memories. Keeping you and the kids in our Hearts this Christmas and always , take good care of each other as I know you will.
Mark
Thank you Mark. It really is amazing to see these comments and how they seem to push a button for me and in pops a memory. There are a few of those from the Furlan family. Lots of laughs with you, Carrie, Jessica & Grant. We were so lucky to have Eleanor Jackson care for our kids and be the conduit to our families meeting.
Lovely sentiments are the highest form of love and caring. Yes, Ed was larger than life. Birthday parties, Halloween parties, croquet after the wedding. He will be missed and now Johnny has his brother to keep him company. He fought the good fight during his illness, but sometimes our body decides enough is enough. He will be remembered by all who knew him.
Thanks Marsha,
I get great comfort in knowing that Eddy has joined family and friends who we have so dearly missed and I have no doubt there is some type of smasher happening.
Ed had lots of great times at the Drobot house on Lipton and of course from the total Drobot clan. It was never boring there! Then there are the later memories of birthday and Christmas party gatherings when our kids were young.
Dear Denise and family: Our deepest sympathy in the loss of a very kind and gentle giant. Ed was Ron’s boss at Hudson Bay when Ron came to Winnipeg. One of the best take care thinking of u with condolences and hugs from Ron and Margaret (DeLa Wyche) Howarth
Thanks Margaret, I didn’t know about Ron working with Ed. Ed really did like working at the Bay and enjoyed visiting all the departments and staff.
We talked early last week about the Bay and re recalled his favourite dish from the Paddlewheel – fries & gravy and always receiving a huge helping from the staff.
So sorry for your loss Denise. Our condolences to you and Your family.
Dennis and Bonnie Chambers
Thanks for your kind thoughts Dennis and Bonnie. You two are another Gordon Bell sweetheart couple and I’m sure have fond high school memories with each other.
They really are like gifts in our senior years.
You two were the cutest couple at Gordon Bell!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Denise!
Thanks Cathy. We broke up a couple times in school and once just after graduation. A magnet and fate drew us back together and there truly is a lifetime of memories.
Denise, what a beautiful letter expressing the love you all shared with Ed. When we think of Ed we see that great smile and hear his unique sense of humor. He was one of a kind, that’s for sure. Our deepest sympathy to you, Holly and Matt. Love, Diane and Terry
Thanks Diane, Ed always enjoyed popping in on you and Terry at your beautiful cottage when he travelled home from his ON road trips. Terry is quite the handyman and himself and Ed was always quite impressed with his work.
Denise, thank-you for that wonderful reliving of a life well lived. He loved you so much right to the end.
Ursula
Thanks Ursula, my intent was to write an OB that wasn’t dry. I was a bit shocked on how long it was. Words though flowed for me as there was no impediment. I am grateful to Interlake Crematorium and Memorial. I was able to put thoughts down and not be concerned about taking out a loan to pay for them.
Allowing me to tell others about Ed’s life is part of Interlake’s package.
I would highly recommend this company if you are needing their services. They take over and handle many things and the process is seamless.
This is the plug Eddy would have given them if we could hear him now and being the Salesman that he was he would have added – “Interlake gives you really good value and the cost is a steal!”
Thank you Rick and Bonnie for making the loss of Ed easier.
Denise & family,
So sorry to hear about Ed. Many good memories when I think back to summers at Home St. Park with Ed and his buddies. He let me drive a car for the first time and was always blasting Led Zeppelin! Lovely letter you wrote about your life together.
Thank you Heather for sharing your memories of Ed. It’s partly through these memories that Ed stays with us.
Denise…I’m so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Your tribute to your life together was so beautiful. Praying for grace and peace in the coming months and years as you adjust to your loss.
Thank you Darlene for your lovely words and your prayers.
Denise. We are extremely saddened by the news of Ed’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family. That is a beautiful story about a fabulous guy. After being best friends in school Ed and I kind of lost touch and went off in our own directions. Two years ago Ed unexpectedly showed up at our house and stayed for a visit. We spent about 2 hours talking and reliving the old days and catching up on what was going on in our lives. It was a visit I’ll never forget and I will cherish that time with him for the rest of my life . We have texted back and forth since then and I am so glad we made contact. Rest In Peace Ed. The world has lost a gem.
Nigel & Teresa Foyle
What a great tribute! I am so sorry to hear about your loss! Denise, your history writing is so livid. I only have memories of Ed from high school, but those were of him being an amazing person who was always willing to be friends with everyone he met!
Denise. We are deeply saddened by the news of Ed’s passing. That is a beautiful story about a fabulous guy. I am so glad that we recently managed to reconnect after so many years. Ed unexpectedly showed up at my house two years ago and we had a great visit. We have kept up texting each other. I will cherish the memory of that visit. Rest In Peace Ed . The world has lost a gem. Nigel & Teresa Foyle
A beautiful letter, Denise. I haven’t seen Ed since high school so it was was wonderful to read about your lives together after Gordon Bell. Ed’s smile and laugh were the best and one could definitely hear him coming down the hall! He wrote in my year book many years ago that I was the “most likely to succeed”. I felt so special until I realized he wrote that in many year books! He indeed had a great sense of humour. Rest In Peace, Ed.
Denise, my thoughts and prayers are with you , Holly, and Matt during this difficult time. Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Eddy and your life together. My life crossed paths with Ed so many times over the years. First at Gordon Bell in the early 70s , then as a sales rep at Shoppers Drug Mart. Omg. I bought so much merchandise the store probably didn’t need , just because it was Ed! The most convincing rep I ever had. 💕I was one of those girls that pierced his ear as he was convincing me we needed to buy the system . I was fortunate to again spend a few days with him in Sept when he came to paint out house. He had his boom box and sang as he worked. Hadn’t heard Steely Dan in a lot of years. He will always be looking after you and the kids with a big smile and live in his heart! 🤗💕💕
Lovely tribute Denise. So sorry to hear this news. Sandra McCrea
I was so very saddened to read of Eddy’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of time spent with your Mom and your family. The most precious memory was Christmas 23 years ago this year. My Mom was not well but so enjoyed the kids and Eddy sure made her smile that day. It was her last Christmas. I was fortunate to have Eddy do many repairs fir me in my Condo over the past several years and during our many talks he said how he loved what he was doing and wishing he would of done it years ago. My sincerest sympathizes to you Denise, Matt and Hollie. He truly was a bright light. Much love and hugs Sharron Amy
Dearest DD, Matthew Hollie and Allan,
My most heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband and father Eddy, my baby brother. I remember when mom and pap brought him home from the hospital after he was born. I was so happy to have a real live dolly to play with. Mom would find him missing from his crib many a time. There are so many memories to hold in our hearts. I will miss our daily bantering on WhatsApp where he always signed off with ” Life is Grand ” He never complained and was ever thankful to Dr. Lee for saving his life 16 years ago. Happy to be alive. I know we were all thankful for Dr. Lee. Thankful for the extra years we had Eddy in our lives.
May Eddy rest in eternal peace and may the memories of Eddy bring you comfort and peace. With love always, Annie xoxoxoxo
Denise, Matthew & Hollie, we are so sorry for your loss. Your letter was such a beautiful tribute to Eddy and your lives together. We have been neighbours at the lake since you bought the cottage in 1991 and have many memories of Eddy and family. Lester Beach won’t be the same without Eddy and his music, infectious smile, and trusty frizz! Our thoughts are with all of your during this difficult time.
Denise, I am saddened by the loss of Ed. My condolences to you and the entire Swart, Ryan families. I hope you are doing well.
Hello Denise. I just heard about Ed’s passing this morning. Very saddened to hear this. Ed did some work for me at my rental property and came out with me last summer to the Neepawa area to help me prepare an old farmhouse to be moved to our family lot in Petersfield. He talked about you and your family a lot and I could tell you were his pride and joy. I will be praying that God brings comfort and healing to you and your family and wish you all the best.