Rest In Peace

Friday, January 27, 2017, my friend Howard passed away at age 90. He got to spend the holidays with family and friends and, as he frequently said, was ready for the Lord to call him home.

Howard's Obituary

Bob, Howard - two of the Greatest . . .

I’ve met more than a few of the “Greatest Generation” through my life. These valiant men and women plied their energies and spirits against the militaries of the Axis powers, were at Pearl Harbor, Normandy, Midway, and Willow Run (see Victory Salsa ).

A couple days ago, I spoke to my friend Bob B________. He’s ninety-seven, served in WWII, was part of the landing force at Normandy and he’s having a rough time medically. I met Bob in 2002 while on an art history tour up and down the Po River in Italy. Bob, a spry 83 at the time, was a hoot. While in Venice, he insisted on taking me and another friend, Mary, to his two favorite places for a drink. When we arrived at each place, the two maitre d'hotels greeted him by name. He spoke of a long lost friend – the Countess – and truly was a bon vivant in the City of Bridges.

The years following this trip were also the short years after moving back to Michigan from Memphis. Bob, post military, was the most sought after interior decorator in Memphis through the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. His home was a snapshot of elegance. I got to his home twice – both times for raucous lunches where we were met at the door (11:30 am) with sterling silver pitchers of martinis and treated to hours of stories from Bob and his friends. Bob often spoke of his passed partner, but always with a twinkle in his eye and laughter in his voice. His friends were equally loquacious, and the food was deeply Southern – fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, corn bread, delicious. I have a handful of friends who accompanied me to these lunches and we all smile at the memory.

Our conversation was brief as his energies were limited. His caretaker took the phone and gave me a brief health report – happily concluded with an assurance that he still had a “taste for good Scotch and fine dining.” Amen.

Regular readers of this enterprise are familiar with my local pal Howard. Howard is 90, a lifetime Ann Arborite, a WWII veteran, a longtime local business owner, and rather irascible. Last night, I ran into a couple of his longtime friends and they let me know he was in tough shape. He is essentially bed-ridden and under the supervision of Hospice.

I stopped by his home tonight and was met in the driveway by his son and the son’s friend. They were headed out and I asked if Howard had the energy for a visit. Brent said no – not at all. Today had been a hard day for his father and he had apparently pushed his energy limits the day prior. Melanie immediately said to please come back and try to see him – I shall.

One thing that was heartening was an exchange Brent shared. He said that after the nurse visited and supervised a bath – apparently an exhausting activity given Howard’s condition – the old man said to his son, “I can’t even f**king do today what I could do yesterday.” That’s my friend.







Images reported to be in the public domain and available here:
Army Poster
Rosie