For our entire lives, each of us four Micka girls (Cindy, Judy, Susie and Denise) loved our special “Uncle Marshall.” We didn’t know birthdays, graduations or weddings without him. He was always there and loved us unconditionally. He has always been our “hero.” We wore his legs out as we each clamored for the favored spot to sit upon his lap or ride horse as he bounced us on a leg. He always took time for and with us. In 1967 when we girls had the chicken pox, he cheered us up by bringing our favorite “crab” for a special feast and then we all lay on the hide-a-bed next to him as we watched television. As the oldest of the four nieces, I recall some extra special times… Like when Uncle Marshall took just me to Bend to learn how to snow ski. He stayed with me on the bunny slope teaching me to snow plow. Another time he took me to Klamath Falls airport and I got to go up with him as he flew a small plane. My parents weren’t too happy when we buzzed our house and I happily waved down at them. They hadn’t known of his plans to make me his first passenger after getting his pilot’s license! Uncle Marshall was much like his dad, Carlo Cornett. Each had that soothing and gentle spirit and was very kind hearted. If I were to sum up each of these men into one word, it would be “gentleman.” I recall each of them trying to calm my grandmother down when she would get stirred up: “Now Mother…” and “Now Bessie…” In 1973 at the age of 35, the “most handsome and eligible bachelor ever” married the love of his life… the woman who became our “Aunt Cheryl.” He had searched and patiently waited for a woman like her. He went from being a bachelor who spoiled his four nieces as if they were his own, to a loving husband and gentle father of three girls who soon adopted him as “Dad.” One more daughter was born to the family. So our grandparents “Nana and Papa” (Bessie and Carlo Cornett) had a total of eight granddaughters: four by each of their daughter and son. I have to admit there was some jealousy when we were no longer Uncle Marshall’s only girls. But by that time we were getting older and beginning families of our own. We didn’t get to see each other as often, but the times we did were always special. My favorite trips during my lifetime have been trips that included Uncle Marshall and Aunt Cheryl. We made so many special memories! In 2001 I met them in Williamsburg, Virginia where the three of us toured the area. I was co-pilot and planned our days while Uncle Marshall drove and Aunt Cheryl hung on! (Uncle Marshall was always a crazy driver). At the end of 2004 Uncle Marshall and Aunt Cheryl, my mom (Barbara), Judy, Otto and I went on a two-week trip that included a cruise around the Hawaiian and Fanning Islands. In March of 2006 Judy, Mama and I joined Uncle Marshall and Aunt Cheryl for a week in Puerto Vallarta. Mama went to Hawaii again with them in February 2012. My last trip with Uncle Marshall and Aunt Cheryl was in November/December, 2012 at our cousin Patsy Ann’s in Kentucky. Several of us got together for Uncle Boyd York’s 100th birthday celebration. All three of my sisters were there, two of Uncle Marshall and Aunt Cheryl’s daughters, their grandson and great-granddaughter, along with numerous other relatives. Never could we have imagined what the next few months would bring. By February he was admitted to the VA Hospital in Portland and diagnosed with glioblastoma. Looking back, I’m so thankful for the time we were able to spend together in Kentucky. For the past eight months, family and friends have stood by helplessly as we watched this wonderful man’s health deteriorate. Always being surrounded by his loved ones is just another testament of the kind of person Marshall Cornett was. Frequent flights, drives and visits transpired during this too-short span of time. You’d think that seven months would prepare us for his passing. And perhaps watching his health deteriorate did help us realize that only in heaven could he be disease-free. Thinking of the kind and gentle man he was, I know that if he had to choose what his transition into heaven would be like, this would be it. He was able to have his loved ones around and as gently as possible help each of us to transition into life here without him. I wish he could have been with us forever, but I am so thankful for the time he was here. He lived life fully and was a role model extraordinaire. Aunt Cheryl, Lori, Shyla, Amber, Trisha and families have been amazing. With strength and exemplary grace and fortitude, they and my mom lovingly took turns being by his side. Many relatives, friends and neighbors joined to show support during the difficult months. I pray that God will grant peace to each of his loved ones and that each of us can better look forward to heaven knowing that he’s already there. I love you always Uncle Marshall!