My sisters and I awaited Orion’s appearance in the autumn sky. We each note it as our dad’s “sign” and remember him. I look for the warrior, Orion, and speak to Dad.

He was a warrior. He battled many large and smaller conflicts throughout his life. Through it all he was an amazingly unique, talented, intelligent and generous man, my loving father. That he lived so long a life was grand, as I got to know a softening his last years.

Missing Dad at the passing of his birthday, Jan. 18. No birthday call was made, no card and gift was sent (tear drops). And before that, no birthday call nor package received in mid-December from “dear old Dad.” Missed the “Ho-Ho-Ho” phone call at Christmas.

I now fondly remember visiting him his last Christmas and enjoying his house sitting spot on Pear Point Road … chop wood, build fire, watch a game on cable, dig garlic.

I am ever grateful for his friends at Friday Harbor that are now MY San Juan Island family. You know who you are and, with heartfelt thanks, we all keep the memory and life of Dad alive in our e-mails, phone visits and my return visits to your island paradise. Most importantly, we hold him in our hearts as the most amazing “eccentric” we have ever known.

From my island paradise, to yours,

Janet Joyce Lehde
Alert Bay, B.C., Canada