I called my Mom last night, as I usually do on Sundays, and got a busy signal.  Which is odd, because they have call waiting.  I hung up and called back a few minutes later and the phone rang and rang.  Hung up again, and then called back.  This time she picked up.  She had been on the other line with my brother telling him that her Uncle W had passed on.

He was 76.  Like many in his generation he worked for and retired from one company.  He was also like many in his generation a member of the military, 101st Airborne in Korea.  he married my grandfather's youngest sister, and they moved to a house that was three away from where I grew up.

I remember that he was always around to lend a helping hand.  if he drove by and saw that something was going on at my grandfather's place, he'd stop, offer to help, no matter how he was dressed or where he was going.  I can't remember an autumn Saturday when we would be splitting wood for the coming winter's woodstove, that he was not there to help out.

He was always one to have a quick wit, and if W was around you could guarantee there would be laughter.

He had been not well for a while I guess.  He had been born with some sort of lung issue, and two years ago they had decided that removing the dead part of the smaller lung was in order.  He developed pneumonia last year.  He was in Pittsburgh for some sort of esophagus operation, although knowing his history it might well have been a breathing tube of some sort.

I am sure that his funeral/viewing will be packed with those who knew him.  The Bishop of the Church, according to the obituary is making a trip to do the services.  He will be missed.