an email conversation: Bob Bowes & friends

From: Betty and Martin Taylor
To: 'Colleen Taylor'
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 2:47 PM
Subject: FW: A sad day

Hi Colleen,

As you notice, I’m forwarding a few emails which I thought might be of interest on the blog. It might be good to just put in the applicable dialogue in reverse order (first message first) instead of the way it appears on an email reply.

I thought this dialogue between Bob and Lee F. was full of nostalgia. She and her brother Rod were friends of Bob’s from school days. Mom and dad were very good friends of their parents. They even took a trip together to the states, as the one email mentioned.

Colleen's note:
Uncle Bob lives in Australia.
As per Mom's suggestion, the emails occur in chronological order.

From: Bob Bowes
Sent: Friday, May 26, 2006 6:47 PM
To: various friends
Subject: A sad day

Dear friends

After all my bragging about not ever having lost anyone close I get hit with the big one first.

My wonderful Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep between 2 and 3 am
Friday morning at the Seniors lodge in Spiritwood.

He had just watched the Oiler game in Mom's room at the lodge, kissed her goodnight and headed off to his own room in the respite section where he was staying while my sister Betty and husband Martin were out of town.

Dad was 90 and we thank God for the wonderful time we had just 5 weeks ago when we celebrated that birthday. He sang and danced with the Grand kids and made a wonderful speech. We couldn't slow him down and he stayed up late relishing the day while most of us had gone to bed. He was the baby of the family and the last to go. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral arrangements haven't been finalized yet but I am guessing early next week. Having just been home 5 weeks ago, Lorrie and I sadly won't be able to make it back and we ask for your prayers for our family.

Bye for now, Bob

From: Lee
To: Bob Bowes
Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2006 2:17 PM
Subject: Re: A sad day

Bless him! Sounds like he went quickly. Will your mom understand?? Hard to be left behind. I immediately thought of the time Rod, Donna and I went to Spiritwood a few years ago, dropped in on your mom and dad in their old house, we were made to feel as welcome as celebrities and the talk was easy and abundant, he felt we should stay much longer of course and we had such a good visit. Losing him will be tough for you, I am so glad you were with him recently - he would have loved that!! And the occasion of his birthday would have given you all opportunity to look back on his good life of loving his family and serving his community. Take care, I'm thinking about you....

From: Bob Bowes
To: Lee
Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2006 4:15 PM
Subject: Re: A sad day

Hi Lee. Thanks for that. What a sad time. I was a basket case for a couple of nights and sure looked my age in the morning. We are sure thankful for the last visit. What better Wake than a 90th birthday party. Luckily someone took movies of the whole thing, copies of which will be in high demand now.

Our next trip home will for sure have an Edmonton stop in it. For some reason we didn't want to stray too far from Spiritwood last April but did get to see all the kids at the party.

I haven't heard from Rod so if you're talking to him, give him our best. Take care, Bob

From: Lee
To: Bob Bowes
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 8:38 AM
Subject: Re: A sad day

Have been thinking about your dad and I know if my mom were alive she would want me to remind you of the two stories that she often told about your mom and dad. the first was about the trip that your folks took to the states with my folks (a VERY BIG deal in those days) and one of the stops they made was I think at your mom's sister's place in the States and she and her family didn't know anything about curling so my dad and yours set up a "rink" scenario on a rectangular glass covered coffee table and used salt and pepper shakers for rocks and did a whole demo! including whole ends, scoring and everything! Can't you just see them in your mind's eye??

The second was around the time when your mom was very pregnant with one of the younger girls, almost due to deliver. Your mom was ticked off cause your dad once again forgot to do some household chore (I think it was to take the garbage out) and she decided to teach him a lesson so she called the elevator and in a very breathless voice said, "Elmer, come home quick!" and hung up and then phoned my mom laughing to tell her what she had done. So your dad tore home thinking the baby was coming fast and when he walked in, your mom reminded him of the chore he forgot to do. My mom and yours had many laughs about that story. They knew how to have fun, didn't they? Hope you're doing OK and using this time to enjoy good memories. (Bob, will your mom understand what has happened?) Take care.....

From: Bob Bowes
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 3:51 PM
To: [siblings]
Subject: Fw: A sad day

Hi Guys. Just got this email from Lee Folliott (Hope) It might be useful in the Eulogy if the girls need some more input. The story about the garbage has changed a bit over the years but the gist is the same. Calling soon. Bob

Colleen's note:
I didn't notice if Uncle Bob answered Lee's question about Grandma understanding Grandpa's passing. The short answer is yes, she seemed quite aware of what was happening -- before, during, and after the funeral. She kept repeating, "I just can't believe it."

At the viewing the day before the funeral, my mother said to her, "Imagine, Mom, you were married 68 years." Grandma thought a moment and replied, "That's a long time. But not too long."