Victor Smith
The Things They Left Behind
Found Text Lifted Verbatim From The Obituary Pages*********************
She enjoyed fly fishing, not catching the fish as much as the accessories that went with it.His signature cartoons and verses livened up many bowling shirts and posters at the bowling alley.
He liked to be called "Buddy" and always left you with a smile.
He was known by succeeding generations as 'Uncle Bullwinkle'. He had also managed to convince the children in the family that he was so old he had once played with dinosaurs in his back yard. And many are still trying to test his theory that if you turn around fast enough, you can see the back of your own head.
"She loved her family above all else," her family said.
He enjoyed watching someone ski for the first time as much or more than skiing himself.
She was considered a "great golfer."
If its free, its for me, if its junk, put it in the trunk.
Her happiest times were on her front porch looking in.
Over the past 30 years, he also sold wedding invitations on the side.
K had a flair for style and good taste and this was reflected in the clothes she wore and in the way she decorated her home. She enjoyed entertaining at home and her family and friends will remember, with a smile, that although she was blessed with an eye for style, her culinary skills were not quite of the same order and an invitation to her home usually meant bringing along a prepared food item to help make the party a success.
She was a loyal Democrat who loved politics. "She was the life of the party!" her family wrote.
Ted was a member of a handbell group and had a passion for Harley-Davidsons and hydroponic gardening.
As a hobby, he would feed the birds twice a day and was proud to have had some 90 bird houses in his yard.
Clay was proud of his "greatest accomplishment" being founder of a charity established in 1994 that helped people who fell through the cracks of other charities.
She had worked a number of jobs for short periods of time.
She was known to everyone as 'Doll.' When she was little, Ma would watch her walk and talk (looked just like a real dolly except you don't have to put in batteries).
Friends and family can still hear her laughter when she caught the most salmon or the biggest halibut or found gold.
Through the power of prayer, determination and lots of love, Jerry beat the odds.
John enjoyed working on his many home projects and liked to pull pranks on the ones he loved.He had a love of good food (thick steaks and jumbo shrimp), the bright lights and excitement of the casinos and family gatherings.
He fondly remembered many happy years with his childhood dog, Major, then Gus, Holly, Casey, Charlie and Happy.
One Christmas she was delighted to receive a silver-plated vanity set and a new shotgun.
Ray could croon like Perry Cuomo and swing like Frank Sinatra.
How in God's name did I ever outlive you?
As a teenager, she played ragtime piano and accordion in her uncle's band, fished and hunted rabbits with her dad, and rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as part of the Civil Defense Corps.
While working at Macy's she was literally swept off her feet when she met her future husband in the shoe department.
John's fiddle interest began while recuperating from a broken ankle. Out of boredom, he took a fiddle from the wall, and with his neighbor's help, tuned it up and drove his family crazy for about a year, then began to "sweeten up."
She wore her heart on her sleeve and would give you the shirt off her back.
Her suntans were famous and are still remembered by those her saw her in the summertime.
She learned to sail competitively and play tennis passionately.
He carried a clipping given to him by his mother before he left for college that said, "There is never a right way to do a wrong thing".
During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by working in a ball bearing factory, where workers wore straps around their wrists to automatically yank their hands out of the way of the stamping machines so the line could move faster.
She loved to sleep late and never once met an alarm clock that she liked.
…at age 92 (or 33,770 days of age).
If you were lucky enough to be in his life, you were lucky enough.
He fondly remembered "puking" all the way to Guantanamo Bay and back.
When Bill was in the Navy he was assigned the duty of being a "Barber" due to his last name, which became his lifelong career.
A customer, now deceased, said that 'Pat gave a vigorously delightful shampoo with a touch to be remembered.' ''
She was a great collector of pigs.
…liberal democrats in favor of compulsory military service do not drop from trees.
As a cub reporter/publisher, then 9, he banged out a few graphs detailing such local events as who was selling Kool-Aid and graham crackers in their yards or announcing the births of several new bunnies.
He could always be counted on to have a long litany of corny and oft-repeated jokes.
He was a member of the Village Senior Center where he enjoyed taking everyone's pennies.
Bill lived life on his own terms; for instance, he would have felt this obituary was unnecessary.
If they were not on the road you could find them at the nearest casino unless NASCAR was on TV.
He is noted for his contributions to the lexicon of golf scatology.
He was a cartoonist and enjoyed collecting all types of weapons.
He retired from the Internal Revenue Service where he recently received a plague for 30 years of service.
…and he could play a damn fine boogie woogie on the piano.
He was also a professional boxer who fought at Madison Square Garden and trained with Jake LaMotta. "I never lost a fight," he would say, "except to my wife."
A lover of all things femmy and cozy, Mom adored watching her political news shows.
He enjoyed going to the shooting range and had many meaningful tattoos.
We believe that the New York Lottery Division will see a significant drop in revenue due to his untimely passing.
My gardener dug the hole but forgot to fill it in.
Upon reaching 75 years, Betty took up skydiving. She said, "if President Bush can do it, I can." Survivors, in addition to her husband, include…
Famous for her sarcastic wit and wild obsession with Christmas trees, Irene could often be found sparking small controversies with her sharp tongue, or somewhere in the continuous cycle of decorating and undecorating Christmas trees.
In her later years, she became computer savvy and enjoyed playing poker with her large network of on-line friends.
She never forgot the words to a song and would break out into a song at any time.
He loved to play the drums when he was young and once he had a family.
…at the age of 92, to join Jesus Christ and General Jackson whom he espoused to be both good men.
She was so fast at her job, the company reduced her pay so she would not be making so much more than everyone else.
He could shoot the breeze with the best of them, and no one could spin a better tale.
In retirement Tony found an estimated 175,000 golf balls while walking daily the golf courses of Palm-Aire in Pompano Beach.
She had very few pastimes, but she enjoyed listening to the audio book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks."
We used to try to keep her quiet when she started singing because she sang off key.
They described the death as a "railway accident" and said there was no evidence that anyone else was to blame.
She loved to laugh until she cried.
Those early years were a wild and crazy ride and there were no seat belts at that time. All five boys made it to adulthood.
He was a member of the "Squeeze Play Accordion Band" and was also chosen to play in the International Accordion Orchestra, which regularly plays in Las Vegas.
In her teen years she worked the sliming and canning line.
She remained feisty till the end, telling the nurse the night before she passed that she felt "ipsy-pipsy."
She was a redhead 98% of the time.
He always seemed to get himself into very humorous situations and the retelling was enjoyed by everyone.
Popsie also enjoyed Maureen's liver and bacon and JoAnn's chili sauce.
Tommy could "Boogie Rotate" with the best of them.
Joe is the "second husband" of Cynthia and "second father" of Pamela.
It has been said that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle and her mother was scared by a blasting radio while she was being born.
She was an avid tennis player. Her last appearance on the court was at age 92 with a walker.
She enjoyed cooking, unscrambling puzzles in the newspaper and in her later years, loved to sing and hum.
She loved the outdoors and the natural world, planting over one million trees throughout her life.
We don't know the sex but I bet you do.
She would watch other teams, but not root for them.
He loved boating and camping on Lake George and cruising and fishing with his kids on the Concord River in his small but beloved boat that was less beloved when it routinely stranded him.
If you asked Sheila what her job description was, she would proudly say, "Domestic Engineer," a position she held for 40+ years and one that you really never retire from.
While at Hannay's, not only did he caw like a crow before entering the office, his nickname was "The Candy Man" because he always had dishes of candy on his desk.
A neighbor described him as the big scary neighbor next door with a heart of gold, as he was blustery but with a sense of humor. Frederick's children have described him as a big teddy bear, as long as you didn't poke him in the butt, and a real character, yet he was 'just my papa' to them.
Jean tossed fish to the eagles every winter morning for more than 30 years.
If you met her for the first time she would quickly inform you that she was Italian.
No matter where he went, he always had his harmonica nearby.
She will be remembered as that cute lady who matched all her clothes like an Easter egg, had a cool tattoo and earrings, loved shopping and shoes and antioxidants.
Famous quotes of "Where's the big boy" and "One of these days, right to the moon!" and not to forget, “Get out of my house”.
One of his greatest loves was being a drummer which he did for 40 years playing with many local bands. He was self-taught and played by ear.
He cherished his grand-dogs, Scooter and Bailey, and his beloved Rottie, Baby.
At age 60, knowing she had raised her children well, Lucie packed up her car and moved to Alaska.
Her remarkable life ranged from a British convent education to becoming America's first woman auctioneer in New York's Borscht Belt. From Ave to Oy Vey, this English rose bloomed wherever fate planted her.
Frank's unofficial "office" was his favorite counter stool at "Bubbles" Restaurant, where he met daily with his buddies, guys and gals alike.
According to Steve he never had a chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge despite having sailed right under it, because he was below deck peeling potatoes.
Joe was trying to woo Lorraine's girlfriend, but when it was time to go home and the other girl had to take a bus, he decided to take Lorraine home.
Along with her deceased sister, Marcella, those two were like a comedy act.
He was the owner of the Fun Shoppe Video store for five years where he became known as Video Bill.
She delighted in reading every word of the newspaper, even the obits.
They were each others favorite polka partners and they are now dancing together once again.
To say that she was irreverent is a huge understatement.
Those in the EMS and Fire Service knew him as "Griz," both because of his grizzly bear appearance and his ability to provide care and comfort to those in need, much like that of a teddy bear.
His skill with words was exceeded by his capacity for romance, demonstrated in the gift he gave to Susan on the day he died, a roll of red duct tape.
Her favorite color was purple, and her cat's name was Skoshi. Megan, Michele's stepdaughter, said, 'Michele loved Cheerios!'
Helen was the Columbia County School Girl Queen in 1949 and was as beautiful the day she died as she was then.
With irreverent remarks, she continually dumbfounded and amazed everyone who came in contact with her.
Dad had two favorite sayings, "You can't take it with you" and "I have never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch!"
He was the golden boy of the family, excelling in all he undertook.
He will be remembered with a hammer in his hand and a smile on his face.
He often quipped that it "took a lot of balls" to play golf the way he did.
Tough as any Irishman and stubborn as a Welshman, red hair, a temper, and affection for a good time, he was true to his heritage.
Upon returning from the service, he attended RPI in Troy for two years, but found that his calling was bowling.
He was well known for his love for his faithful dog Honey, his Ford Mustang and his Ford truck.
She made all of her decisions with the best information she had at the time.
He enjoyed singing and line dancing. He will be remembered for his creativity, poetry and glow in the dark pictures.
After his discharge, John attended Middlebury College before transferring to, and graduating from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. After graduation from Georgetown, John began a career of 38 years with the Telephone Company.
Those who knew them well also know they did a perfect rendition of "George Burns and Gracie Allen".
He was an animal lover, starting with a make-believe dog named Cartwright.
Kathie played Dorothy in an Elementary School production of the Wizard of Oz, and continued singing every day for the rest of her life.
As kids do, Frankie watched the goings on which included the loading of trucks with dirt to be hauled away.
Until recently, Mr. _____ was a life time member of the County Club of Troy.
I am surrounded by numerous statues and images of clowns.
While going to school he became manager of a Howard Johnson restaurant, which over the next 60 years caused much grief to many, many waiters and waitresses all over the world and much embarrassment to his friends and family who had to watch him yell if his coffee was not hot enough, or the cup wasn't full enough, or if the soup didn't have enough stuff in it.
Her life was centered around faith in God, her family, her country and the New York Yankees.
She leaves behind her extraordinary feline companions, Abbey, Gabby, Sophie and Homer.
He will be remembered most for his encyclopedic knowledge of all things big and small.
After almost a year without regular work, he found a job at a florist that paid 25 cents per hour. John said, "And I was Glad to get it!"
He was an entertainer at heart from early on when he used to sing and dance in downtown Albany at various venues, thus the nickname "Birdie."
She was a stern woman who would always let you know her opinions.
Most of all, as he would say: "I love to fish."
P.S. How about them Yanks...a little help big guy!!
He was one of those Revolutionary War "re-enactors." He donned his Continental Marine uniform and carried his musket for his final reenactment.
After retirement, "Rabbi" was a regular at local bars including the Irish Setter, Ole's and the Crossroads Lounge.
He loved his Saturday night boxing.
He demolished one brownstone per day for over six months, covering 35 acres.
Anyone who asked Bill about cereal was entertained by his wonderful stories, and his adventures and experiences as a traveling salesman.
She loved yodeling while playing the piano, guitar or harmonica.
Dick always had a dog.
Always the life of the party he was first to arrive, first on the dance floor and first to fall asleep for a power nap at the table.
On most days, he could be found at the Town Golf Course with a club in one hand and a beer in the other. But, like it always does, it all caught up with him.
She will be fondly remembered for her gentle spirit and her love of all of God's creatures, especially in the bug department.
Later, he would have more ideas and his son, Jim, would build them. After retirement, something that he had always loved to do became his new social life. Dancing, swing dancing, that is, and he was good. We have a peace knowing his suffering is over and, if the angels haven't danced, they're about to learn.
He was best known to his friends as "The man with the golden arm" when it came to playing Craps.
There wasn't a microphone he didn't like.
She was a loving sister and mother, though she may not have always shown it.
Two weeks before that she had a dream about her late Uncle Chester. He said, 'Diane, we are coming to get you.'
He took pride in turning most anything into a great pot of chili.
He preferred action to words and, when using words, brevity to chatter.
He didn't drink, smoke or gamble, but liked to eat and to ask personal questions at holiday dinners.
While pregnant, her sister Louise asked her to care for her infant son so she could go North to look for work. She became so attached to Richard she never gave him back.
Her hobbies were laundry and playing practical jokes on kids and family.
Early in her career, she was a country music singer known as the Montana Cowgirl.
Eleanor also leaves her granddog, Gracie the golden doodle.
He worked as an airplane propeller mechanic.
He was a part-time farmer, loved Nascar and his coffee time at Stewart's.
Some of Bob's favorite memories were of summers spent on Jolly Island in N.H. with family and friends. It was always a beautiful day on Jolly Island!
She loved flowers, gardening and caring and feeding of homeless cats.
Neighbors say she rode a "mean lawn tractor."
She had worked in public relations for two laundries.
It is said that his father was so pleased to have his first son that he gave the doctor a bonus.
In the 45 years he faithfully delivered mail, only once did a heavy blizzard make him return with undelivered letters.
She was the queen of smell good and a trendsetter.
Many a winter night was spent out at the family farm, where Ron was the "burger grinder" for the road kill gang he was a part of.
She could make a gourmet meal out of nothing.
Big Joe was an avid sports fan - special thanks to the 1986 Super Bowl Giants for not messing it up.
I remember when you stopped calling and when they came to my door. Then there were flags, flowers, taps and a hearse.
He leaves behind his beloved fiancée of 14 years, ______.
He is OK - he is worried about the rest of us left behind.
Victor Smith is a writer and former dabbler in the art of government employment. He has published several short fiction pieces in electronic and print journals. He has also self-published two novels after having had enough of the headiness of Bread Loaf scraped raw by the impersonal rejection that follows corporate submissions that were clearly never read. He likes quirky and dismisses the formal polish of the M.F.A., preferring to forge the rigor of an M.S into something more malleable and interesting.
He can be reached at buckavery@gmail.com.