Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Truth, Duty, Valour and so much more


This is the motto for the Royal Military College in Kingston ON. Joe had the pleasure of spending 2 tours there. 1977 - 1982 and again in 1991 - 1993. It was during the latter period that Joe got to meet an outstanding cadet by the name of Phil Dawe. Years have past and the name slipped into the back of our memories only to be thrust to the forefront by that deadly Afghanistan blast. Phil's brother Capt Matt Dawe was one of the 6 casualties. Today the family held a press conference to talk about their loss. So as we celebrate the sacred union of Andrea & Charles this Saturday, they will be saying a final goodbye. Capt Dawe leaves a young widow and son behind.

Closer to home, Jeff lost his dear grandmother Lillian late this afternoon. I never had the chance to meet her, but Heather was always excited about a trip to see her, especially once Jonathan arrived. She sounded like a person I would have enjoyed knowing. We are fortunate though to have a photo of Grandma Lillian along with three generations of her descendants...Bob, Jeff and Jonathan!

I hope that this will be the last obituary I have to put in the family Bible this month...Art Godin, Capt. Matt Dawe and now Grandma Lillian. Gone but not forgotten.

4 comments:

Margaret said...

It was so sad to read about more losses of people near and dear to you Berta. Please accept my condolences. This has not been an easy time for you. I hope things will get better now.

Thank you so much for your anniversary wishes. The 32 years have flown by.

Pumpkin said...

Berta, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of these two very special people. HUGS!

Beatrice said...

So sorry to hear of your losses! the armed forces is very close to home for us as well. My prayers are with you.
Thank you for reading my new Blog ...this it so great. It makes it a small world.
Happy stitching

Rebel In Ontario said...

'Berta,
I'm always amazed at how people are connected...you know that I work out of Kingston ON and at one point (almost 12 years ago) I dated Matthews older brother James! SMALL WORLD. The service yesterday was beautiful, Matt would have been so honoured, it truely was a celebration of his life and not a sad, morbid affair. I am also connected to the Dawe family thru Peter Sr. He (and Reine) are avid patrons of all things related to the arts in Kingston and I have the honour of seeing them at many events in and around the city.