My story begins back on 27 Meade Road, Billerica, Ma. I would wait at the door for my Uncle to arrive with his then wife and children, Billy, Johnny, and Mari. The smile on my mother's face when he arrived was priceless. We would spend hours listening to them catch up on life, from their childhood memories to the present lives of all the children. We would take day trips to Concord Ma. the beach and Kimball's Ice Cream! We took a trip in to Boston to go the original "Cheers" restaurant andUncle David was thrilled with that trip.  It was never a dull moment when Uncle David was around. His endless stories on just about everything. My favorite story to listen to was his experiences living in Cambridge and how he loved Harvard Square.  He would find time to spend with each of us, asking questions about our hobbies and interests. We  played a lot of board games together: Backgammon, Mancala, Double Solitaire and of course Scrabble. I was so excited the year he bought me Backgammon for Christmas. I still use it. 

I do not recall the year that Billy was in the Special Olympics, but I do remember the excitement and pride we all felt. He arrived to our house an Olympian! We greeted him with a red carpet enterance, posters of Congratulations and bottles of Sparkling Grape Juice! He walked up the carpet with gold metals around his neck and the biggest smile of confidence and pride! We cheered him on with tears of love, laughter and pride, asking for his autograph. He is quite the man, that Billy. My Uncle David was standing there with so much love and pride for his son. It was a great day! 

When he was visiting in the summer, he made sure to head up to NH or Maine to order lobsters and have them shipped home! Not sure who he shared them with but I am sure they were a hit. 

As our family grew, Uncle Oregon became a household name for my children, and all the nieces and nephews. He put so much thought in to his Christmas gifts. We would sit around, pull each gift out of the box and laugh as they were opened. One year he gave the kids baseball hats with animals attached to them ( skunks, monkeys, elephants). They were worn for many years! I recieved an amazing can of "Oregon Air" which I am hoping has gone up in value. And of course the "pears"... So delicious. 

There was the year Uncle David and Uncle John came to visit and we celebrated a night out on the "Spirit of Boston". We ate, drank, told many stories and danced the night away. Everyone on the boat could tell we were celebrating a wonderful occassion. The smile on my mother's face was priceless. She was with her two brothers; a dream come true. It was truly a night of love and family. I will cherish that night forever! 

When my mother failing health was getting the best of her, Uncle David flew out and sat by her side. He was there for all of us. Again with stories of their life growing up in Arlington. He loved to just sit and talk about life with any of us that would listen. In the mist of all that was going on, I got a call that my cat had been injured, and without hesitation, Uncle David said, have your daughter bring him to the vet and I will pay for his care. He was so giving and caring. 

As I sit here today, I am with a heavy heart. Wishing I could speak to him one last time... to tell him he was so loved and such an inspiration to me and all five of my children. 

Rest in Peace Uncle David. Forever Loved,

Judy