Monday, November 26, 2012

Yesterday was a sad, sad day.


Yesterday was a sad, sad day.

 

I drew the curtains in the bathroom and through the frosted glass could see a red glow.  Hurrying downstairs I went out of the back porch and through the hedge glimpsed an ambulance and a police car.  We wondered if it had something to do with the flooding but as time went on and the ambulance remained MTL said it didn’t look good.

Eventually a neighbour phoned and said that our opposite neighbour had been found by his garden letter box and it was too late to do anything.

 Roy was a most hospitable and generous man.  His great passion was railways and only recently we attended a party to celebrate the completion of a games room in the garden to house his railways.  He had already established a railway on the first floor of his home, with charming mountain scenery painted by his late mother.  We shared our home help and S told me he was full of plans for a big party to celebrate his 70th next year.

 We shall miss you Roy – our enclave won’t be the same without you.

 
Roy Dunglisson 1943-2012 Requiem in Pace

 

 

21 comments:

LL Cool Joe said...

Oh how sad, and 70 is no age is it? Our next door neighbours are train fans, they have real life miniature trains and tracks in their garden. I've even had a ride on one. :)

I'm sorry for your loss.

Pat said...

Joey: I like to think he is in a place like Switzerland - whicn he loved - surrounded by mountains and railway lines.

The Unbearable Banishment said...

Condolences for your loss. It sounds like he met a sudden end without suffering. That's all we can hope for.

I reread the first sentence of this post a few times. It's beautiful and literary. A home run.

I've been out of sorts for blogging recently. I was away visiting family in another state but have also lacked inspiration. I don't write when the ambition to do so wanes. The posts always come out flat and dull. But in catching up with my reading this morning, I find this is the second I've been name-checked. I find this wildly flattering. So thanks for that. The city is about to open like a beautiful flower with holiday decorations. I'll post photos throughout December.

Granny Annie said...

That is indeed a sad, sad story. 70 is far too young in this day and age of modern medicine. We know you will miss your dear friend.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Awww, that is sad. I know what you mean when you say your enclave won’t be the same. Good neighbours are like treasures.

Last night I heard a bit of shocking news myself, I had to call my neighbour to find out if it was true.

Ms Scarlet said...

Sorry to read this, Pat. It's always shocking to suddenly lose a close friend and neighbour.
Sx

Pat said...

UB: I do the same when I lack inspiration. I seem to be either totally blank or have two or three posts bubbling on the stove.
I look forward to the photos.

Granny Annie: it brings one up short and one reassesses.

GG: we just have to get used to changes and losses. It is easier to bear together and one counts one's blessings.

Scarlet: the girls are coming tomorrow and I am going to try to make sure they always have a mobile on them and Joy - who lives alone now - is going to give my phone number to her children and vice versa.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear that, Pat.x

angryparsnip said...

What sad news.
Such an interesting neighbor and how lovely that his games room was finished and everyone got to enjoy a special day with him.
My son who lives in Japan is also a trains person. His idea of a fun day or weekend is take a train trip and explore.
I think he and your neighbor would have enjoyed spending time together and talking about trains.

cheers, parsnip

Marjolein said...

That's so sad, and he was still so young!

Unknown said...

It's always a great shock to family and friends when someone goes as suddenly as that. But on the other hand it's probably a better way to go than long drawn out suffering before the inevitable takes place. And as for his age 'The days of a man's life are three score years and ten...' as the Book says.

Kim Ayres said...

Sorry to hear of this Pat. A sad day indeed.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

That is so very sad, Pat..I am so sorry for your loss. And he was only 70! I love that he had such a passion for Railways---there is something quite wonderful about that, isn't there? The "boy" still active in the "man"....My heartfelt condolences, my dear Pat.

Z said...

oh no - I'm so sorry, Pat. Maybe a sudden death in the full enthusiasm of life is quite painless to the one who goes, but how dismal for his friends.

Bernie said...

SUCH sad news... I am sorry for your, and your neighbours, loss...

Pat said...

Parsnip: yes - Roy would certainly have enjoyed that.

Marjolein: it seems young to us.

Mike and Ann: I agree with your sentiments. I just pray it was qick and painless.

Kim, Naomi, Z and Bernie: thank you for your understanding sympathy. Much appreciated.

CreoleBeBop said...

Very sorry to hear this.

Each passing is a message to those left behind - grab life with both hands. Take it in big hefty chunks. Don't let one minute pass without your senses totally aware of every glorious thing. We are here but for a short time, and what a time it can be!

Love to you and all who knew him.

Pat said...

MITM: thank you for those wise words.X

Gadjo Dilo said...

Rest in peace, Roy. He sounds like a lovely sort of bloke to have had living next door to you.

lom said...

sending love

Pat said...

Gadjo: that he was.

LOM: xox