While in Hawaii, we got a call from our cousin Gertie in Manteca that Bill Cummings, her son-in-law, had passed away. He had, in November of last year, developed shoulder pain and a cough; in January, they called it cancer, and began chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Then they discovered additional tumors, and on July 5, in the morning, he entered eternal rest.
Bill's memorial service on Wednesday, July 8, showed how well-loved he and Janice have been in their community. Over 200 friends and family members came to celebrate his life. Janice's niece sang the opening song; Janice's brother Jim delivered a moving eulogy which elicited both tears and laughter, and three of Bill's favorite songs provided interludes between the readings. Here is the first of them.
This is one of those times I wish I had been a little more assertive about keeping in touch with that branch of the family. It is, after all, geographically closest of all the branches in our "tree". However, the occasion drew together family from across the country. At the reception across the street (Chez Sheri's, at the top of the Manteca Golf Course) we were able to visit with Gertie, Jim and Ro and their three daughters and one son-in-law, as well as Ro's mother, Mildred. Gary Bacon was there with his wife; his daughter Kristin, and Gary's father and stepmother, his sister and her husband also attended. On Bill's side, his two daughters, their husbands and six grandchilden came. Many, many friends also stayed.
Goodbye, Bill, until we meet again. Janice, we love you!
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