Happy Birthday in Heaven!

Rein was a beloved classmate at Fremont Ross High School. His wife Janet wasn't in my class but I knew her and her sister quite well too. At class reunions it was such a pleasure to chat with Rein. He was always positive and spoke lovingly of his family. He will be greatly missed by all the members of the class of '61 of Fremont Ross.

Rein Taalman, I miss you Brother. I'm so sorry I didn't get to say "goodbye". We had a good time, you and I. It was always fun to visit you in your room and chat it up when everyone was gone. I remember one night I came in and we started playing records on your phonograph. You had a pretty good selection you collected over the years. I asked " what is your favorite song ever?" He hesitated, only briefly because he was trying to remember the band's name, but knew the song. "Some day we'll be together". Ahh, the Supremes. Of course. I dug through the album stash and found the 78. So, I popped it on, and when the strings start in the song, He got into it. " Ohhh, that's the one". He followed it up with a story that the song reminded him of as he always did. He was full of good stories. When the song ended, I hear "Say Jim, will you play that again?" No problem. "Say Jim" was asked five more times. The man dug this song and loved his music. He then glanced at me and said "Say Jim, can you get me a beer?" A beer?? What are you thinking? NO. Awwww, come on, it's just a beer. "Shit Rein, can you imagine what Amanda would do if we got caught?? She's not here! hmmmmm, you're making me nervous. Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt, but DON'T tell your daughter Aww, nooo nooo noooo. We only had a few and had a great time listening to records and telling stories.



Rein was never short of words and always made the best of his situation. I will miss this most about him. He loved his coffee and sunny side up eggs too. "Say Jim, will you make me some eggs"? Anytime brother.

We had a lot of fun living with Rein. I'm so proud of Amanda for moving him in with her and Mr. Alex to look after him. She's a great girl. It made Reins life a lot better. I hope you're enjoying Janet's company. You were right, some day you two were going to be together again. I love you buddy.


Jim


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXGz8i0I2L0

I was privileged and honered to meet and work with Mr Taalman. A real gentleman, a loving father, a good friend, a big heart...... I will miss the moments we talked about politics, music, philosophy, life. The time spent with him was really precious and I am lucky that I met him. Rest in peace, Mr Rein! Prayers..

Prayers sent to all of you. Rein was such a kind man and what a character he was! The comment about arguing politics takes me back to times I'd listen to him and Amanda argue politics. To this day I'm still not sure who won! He had the biggest heart and the gentlest soul. May he rest in peace with his wife Janet. I have no doubt that they smiled when they saw each other.....

Rein Taalman was one of the most kind, genuine, caring people I have ever known. He always wanted to do what he could to make the ones around him happy. He would take me and Amanda to cool places like the movies when we were growing up helping make the best childhood memories one could have. He would always have sweet and encouraging words. He was a great example to me, and anyone who was lucky enough to meet him, of what a good man truly is. I can still hear his voice when Amanda would get in trouble as kids do and even that was cute. "Amanda Jean..." he would say and follow it with caring advice. A true asset to this world.