Friday, February 19, 2010
We were sorry to hear of the passing of my Uncle Harold. Too bad he didn't make 100, but that's just a number. It's obvious he was ready to go. He was the closest to my Dad Lyle, the last of the siblings to survive, and lived the longest. I remember him relating the story of how my Dad broke his leg playing football at the Dillon home, and was brought back in a wagon. That's when he took up the violin, while his leg was healing. We have many old family photos from later on of the brothers and sisters and their husbands and wives and later the children. Judy Fritts put together a video of movies from that period which is wonderful to have. It's obvious that all were having a good time. When I was a child I got in on various family gatherings -- boating at the Harts, a weekend in a cabin along the river, and many other occasions. These times have been gone many years ago, but they will live on in our memories. It was a good heritage. Linda and I remember when we would visit Harold and Louise, and sit out in the patio or in the living room when David was a little boy. And the visits we had with Harold after Louise had passed, practically every time we went there, talking about things. I remember Harold telling us about playing football with Ronald Reagan when they were each the captain of their respective teams. Harold said Reagan thought he was better than he was (in football). And then Harold went on to Notre Dame at the same time as John Wooden (who now lives here in the San Fernando Valley and is 99). I've been proud of my uncle, what good health he was in (until the last 18 months or so), and told people about him whenever I got a chance. I am thankful for the Birthday Reunion planned by Anne and Jim in '06, and seeing cousins I had not seen for a very long time (some of their children never before). And when Harold was sitting at the head of the table at the Country Club, obviously enjoying himself. This was a great reunion. We send our condolences to all of the family. I know it's hard, especially for the grandchildren, but I'm sure that Harold is now in a better place, looking down on all of us and trying to tell us he's happy. Roger, Linda, and David Eshleman
