Monday, November 30, 2009

Good Night Sweet Prince

Our dear friend Will Brown lost his battle with cancer early this morning. He is survived by his parents and loving wife, a dear sister, his wonderful so and daughter-in-law, a beautiful grand-daughter, and countless friends.

Will was a cabinet maker by trade, an incredible artist with wood. He built his home and much of the furniture inside it. It's truly a work of art. Never one for pleasure reading, the man was a tyrannical punster. No matter the subject he would always interject with an amusing and awful pun.

He loved to Rendezvous and reenact the Colonial American period. He'd don his tri-corn hat and visit with tourists and explain whatever he had an answer for. His camp was always an attraction because he built real beds, tables, and benches to use.

Will loved his family very much. He and his wife were still as smitten with each other today as they were went they met at a disco years ago. His son worked with him as a finisher at the shop. His father was often there as well. When his son married his high-school sweet-heart he gained the daughter he'd never had.

When his first grandchild came into this world in January of this year, Will seemed to fall in love all over again. The feeling from that tiny baby was mutual. She always had smile on her face when she saw him walk in the room, even after the chemotherapy took his hair and the cancer started eating away the years of toned muscle.

There are at least a dozen people my age who have called him "Uncle Willy" for years. That's where FH and I fit in. We were just two more of the "kids" and were made to feel like part of the family. So much so that we were there with Will when he celebrated his last Thanksgiving at home last week.

The world is a slightly dimmer place right now. I'm off to go let a new flood of tears have their way before I head out to meet up with everyone.

17 comments:

Ara said...

So sorry to hear of your loss Kat. He sounds like a wonderful man. I will be praying for his family and yours. Hugs, Ara

Eva said...

I am so so so sorry.
My thoughts will be with him and his family and friends.
A big hug

Eva

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. ((hugs))

Michelle said...

If I could I would wrap you in an enormous bear hug (well, maybe not as big as FH's) and let you cry as long as you need to on my shoulder. I'm so sorry.

Kim said...

Kat, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart and my prayers are with you and with his family during this difficult time. I wish we could all come be with you and support you in person!

Katie said...

Sorry to hear about your loss kat! Sending you a big hug!!! Katie

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Thinking of you.
I am so sorry.

Caseymini said...

Kat, I am sorry to hear that of the loss of your dear friend. I hope that he will be with you for a long time in good memories and happy thoughts.

Hugs,
Casey

A. Wright said...

So sorry to hear this Kat. Big Hugs

Miz Minka said...

Kat, I'm so sorry for your loss. He must have been a very special man indeed; it sounds like he will be sorely missed by many whose lives he touched. Thank you for sharing that beautiful tribute to your dear friend.

Marja said...

i am so sorry for you and his family
i wil be praying for his family.
i give you a big hugg!
Marja

julie campbell said...

Kat I am so sorry to hear of your loss.Your tribute is very touching to read, your words bring his character alive so beautifully .It sounds like he touched a lot of hearts and you cant wish for more than that
julie xxx

Wendie-kins said...

Reading your words I can feel the love that was felt for him, it sounds like ones of lifes true pleasures to have known him. My thoughts are with you , his family and friends. xxx

Debbie said...

So sad to hear of the loss of your friend Kat. Sending you and his family our sympathy and hugs..xx

The Mini - Maker said...

I am so sorry. I will be thinking and praying for his family, and yours as well.
Sending a heart felt hug to all of you.

Savannah

Julie said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss kat. Your words are so touching and a beautiful tribute to your friend.
hugs
julie
xxxxxx

Sans! said...

Kat, here's a tight tight hug from me. Uncle Willy sounds like a great, jolly and wonderfully giving man. Your beautifully written eulogy is a wonderful testimony to how well he has led his life.