I wanted to share a story told to me by Tom, Louise and Bell Bain who I spent time with recently reminiscing.  I think I heard a version of it when I was younger…

Imagine the 70’s scene. NW Edmonton.  Probably 170th Street…. Dad, then working for Steel Brothers is headed to work and rolls to a stop at a red light behind a Dodge (call it a Dart).  Light changes and Dodge hesitates a smidgeon too long…. Illiciting a “honk” from Dad’s car which I can only imagine was “Das Boot”, his great Blue Monte Carlo with the white vinyl swivel seats (a car he would eventually give to me to transport me many frozen mornings to the UofA).

Red brake lights flash and the Dodge driver throws open the car door and gets out to confront Dad.  Dad too throws it in park and unfolds himself from Das Boot… to confront…. No one.  The shocked and frightened driver thought twice, leapt back in to the Dodge and disappeared through the now red light in a cloud of blue smoke…

Size definitely has a neutralizing effect!

So many memories of my step father Roger.. he was the big friendly giant. 
- Years ago while I was a broke student going to school in Vancouver my Dad was undergoing a kidney transplant back in Edmonton and Roger took it upon himself to book me a last minute flight to come home and be with my Dad. He called me and said “ok I got you a flight, and it leaves tomorrow morning”. I was speechless! 
- Mine and my husbands wedding was hosted at the lake where mom and Rog built their retirement home. Rog and my mom stood with us under the “chuppah” where we said our vows. The wedding arch/chuppah had hanging flowers all around and roger was so tall that he kept getting tangled in the flowers. Everyone couldn’t stop laughing including Roger!!
- many many family holidays spent out at the lake together where we sang by the campfire, country music blaring, and the most amazing food 
- so many laughs and inside jokes, Rog will be forever missed and loved

On New Years Eve in 1971, Roger , Ilona, Will & I attended a New Years Eve party in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. After a great evening together , I promised Roger early am breakfast at our Portage, Mi home. Roger was driving with Ilona beside him, and Will and I seated in the back. Suddenly he broke into song, "Me and Bobbi McGee" while tapping on the steering wheel , and oh my did he sing!! Roger had a great voice. Many wonderful memories we had together, and he was indeed bigger than life. He will be dearly missed by all. Our deepest sympathy to Eric, Lisa and family. Janet/ Will Krastins