When I was eighteen years old, I came to the realization that my  parents were  exceptionally good people. This epiphany led me to formulate a test question for prospective suitors. Robert's answer to this question, on our first date; an excursion to the building site on the St. Croix, was exactly the right answer. Without hesitation he said that his parents were the finest people he had ever known. It has been my great pleasure since that day, to be welcomed into his extraordinary family. Our children have thrived under the attention of grandparents and aunts and uncles from two warm and loving clans.

Grandpa did not condescend to children. He spoke, even to babies, as if they could respond to him in complete sentences; and eventually of couse, they all did. He took great delight in each grandchild as their personalities unfolded; all different, all interesting.

Kimberly, Erik,

Julie, Little Sana and Ranya, Evelyn, Wendy,

John, Laura, Charlie, Willson,

Michael, Tom, Karen;