Cousins

I had planned to write about my sons’ 40th birthday yesterday. But I got some news this afternoon that changed my thoughts.  My cousin Roy passed away unexpectedly yesterday.  

Roy’s dad, Jerry, and my dad, Fred, were twins. But Roy and I weren’t particularly close. Not because of any issues or problems, but he was 12 years younger than me and the age gap was hard to bridge when we were growing up. Then, after college, about the time he got up be interesting, he moved away.  Not far, just a few hours away, but he wasn’t around like his sisters and several of our other cousins.  Sadly, the only times I got to see him in the last few years was at funerals.  

This makes 6 of my 19 first cousins who have passed away.  Three on each side of the family.  

On my mother's side, Greg died in 2014.  Like Roy and me, there was an age gap. He was 9 years older than me so we weren’t very close.  His brother Alan died a year later.  Alan was 5 years older and we just never got along.  Then their brother Kevin died 2 years after that.  He was 6 years younger, and again, we just weren’t close. All three brothers gone. 

On my father’s side, Mike died in 1994.  He and I were very close and it’s hard to believe he’s been gone 30 years.  Rick died last year.  We were close in age, only 11 months apart, and his death really got to me.  Now Roy.  

I’ve told you that my cousins were my first friends, my first playmates.  My cousin Tony always says that were weren’t so much cousins as brothers and sisters who just didn’t live in the same house!  So this has hit me hard.  

Roy was a successful businessman, vice president of a large furniture manufacturer. He traveled extensively all over the world to their factories and warehouses.  He leaves behind his lovely wife Laurie, his son Austin, and his daughters Ashley and Kaitlyn, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Beth and Bonnie. And a bunch of cousins who love him and will miss him.   Rest in peace Cuz   


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