He was born same place as me. The building's since been replaced.
He died with my hand on his hand, another on his forehead.
Forty or so people came to the Alumni House on the UC Berkeley campus to pay their respects. Family, including my 3rd cousin who went to my high school, both his wives, an assortment of descendants. Members of the Cal Men's Octet, including a few young men who are in it now, and a fellow founder (1948). Coworkers, though he retired in the 1980s. Other friends who weren't too old and frail to make it.
I spoke and set a cheerful tone. Others spoke as the inspiration hit them. We had a slideshow I made from old photo albums. Light luncheon food, soft drinks. One of his second wife's daughters had a cake made.
I worried like a mofo beforehand because I felt thoroughly unprepared but it went well and at the end of the afternoon could relax as after a job well done.
I really only wanted to post today because it's his birthday. Not as a message to him -- he's gone. Just for me.
3 comments:
Nice. I hated the way my mom's ending went, but that's what she wanted, I guess. I have no feelings at all about the fact that my dad's will be the same.
-Paula
Renata was there? Very nice. I hope she's doing well. Glad this event turned out so well. You shoulda told me, I would've tried to make it.
That would have been fab. Don't know how I got the impression you couldn't, but I regret not making sure.
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