I was so sad the other day to hear of Uncle Claude's passing. He always kept our family connection alive after Dad passed away. One time before Holly and I were married he dropped in to my apartment where I lived in Oromocto. I had quite a dose of the flu and I think that combined with my version of the bachelor life shocked him. I always appreciated that visit.

When we got married there was no way he was going to miss our wedding. It was such a gift to have Uncle Claude and Aunt Elizabeth there. It felt so good to have Dad's brother there, it's hard to explain. It just shows how much family meant to him.

He and Aunt Elizabeth visited Holly and I at our home in Saint John whenever they were in town to see Kay and Doug. The last time Aunt Elizabeth could travel we went to a seafood restaurant in town and we got to see Kathy again.

I think back to my childhood, and how fortunate we were to have family in Montreal. I cherish the memories of flying up to visit Uncle Claude and Aunt Elizabeth in Chateuguay. Expo, going to watch Carl play football, even watching cartoons on the TV in the basement.

I always looked up to Uncle Claude. I so valued the connection he gave me to my own father. Whenever I saw him I could feel that connection and love come through. I'll miss him and Aunt Elizabeth.