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Grandpa Vinen

2007-01-06 00:48:50 • by Leanne Verkley
This morning at 1:50 am my grandpa passed away.  He had experienced a cerebral hemorrhage on the weekend.  My dad has been keeping me up to date daily but last night was just his time.  I know it has been a challenging few days for my dad and there are a few more challenges ahead.

I was never really close with my grandpa.  I mean we went to his house for family gatherings but usually the adults would be in one room while the kids were in the other.  The only exception was when the auto races were on TV.  When this occurred while we were there we knew it was important to be extra good so he wouldn't miss anything.  This past year his wife Mabel passed away and so the family Christmas that he was used to experiencing wasn't the same.  So, this year he attended Christmas with us at my dad's house.  This was quite special.  I talked with him probably the most I have in my entire lifetime.  We shared a great meal, and I even saw an amazing look in his eyes when my dad presented him with his gift.  It was a family photo frame with pictures in it that he didn't know still existed from years gone by.  I was proud of my dad for putting together such a thoughtful gift and I was honoured to watch my grandpa open this gift.  After more talking my grandpa and Brian (my dad's brother) left and I certainly didn't expect this to be the last time that I would see him.  However, in saying that, I am glad to have had such a wonderful last experience.

Comments

by Leanne Verkley • 2007-01-06 21:49:25
VINEN, Victor William "Bill", of Guelph, passed away at the Guelph General Hospital, Friday, January 5, 2007, in his 73rd year. Son of the late Elsie Vinen. Beloved husband of the late Mabel Joan Blacklock (February 21, 2006). Loved father of Bill Vinen, Jr., Paul Vinen, Debbie Vinen, Brian Vinen, Rick Vinen (Stacey), Jim Vinen (Marsha), Victoria Vinen (Scott), Frank Kostal (Pat), Robert Kostal (April), Brenda Kostal, Wayne Kostal and Mike Kostal (Diana). Loving grandfather of Mandy, Leanne, Joey, Brent, Kelly, Greg, Tim, Charlie, Dan, Wayne, James, Brianne, Dale and Allana. Friends will be received at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Sunday (2-4 & 7-9 p.m.). Funeral service will be held, in the funeral home chapel, Monday, January 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. (Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre). Spring interment Farnham Cemetery, Arkell. Memorial contributions to Canadian Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 12013, Stn BRM B, Toronto M7Y 2L3 or Guelph Wish Fund For Children, c/o 107 Glenburnie, Guelph N1E 4C9 would be appreciated.  A tree will be planted in memory of William Vinen in the Wall - Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph, Arboretum. Dedication service Sunday, September 23, 2007, at 2:30 p.m.. (www.wallcustance.com)
by Leanne Verkley • 2007-01-07 22:59:00
Today was long.  

I continue to count my blessings though as I have so many people around me that care so much to take the time to be there for me.

The hardest part for me was watching my dad at the end of the night taking in the reality of the day.

Tomorrow will be equally as difficult and I am sure that there will be other challenges ahead but I will continue to pray for the butterflies and sunshine and anything else that puts a smile on my dad's face again.

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