In 1966 when I was graduating from Bay City St. James High School, my older cousin Dick was an inspiration for me to join the military due to his USAF service. Yet, when only 72 hours away from enlisting in the USN, I won a scholarship, went to Aquinas College, and never re-connected with Dick on his experience.. We had sporadic, holiday related contacts after that until I retired (2010) and Cathy and I rendezvoused with Dick and Mary at my condo in Sarasota. I recall that Dick had a condo in the Lakeland, FL area as well.
My wife and I so enjoyed Dick's hospitality, chats about Big Ten sports, his son Mitch- MSU, and our mutual love of the outdoor life and his adventures in Michigan's forests/waterways. The six years that separated us and our disparate travels on the path of life wrought an unfortunate circumstance of limited contact.
And certainly to my detriment. I wish I had spent more time with Dick and Mary; the time we had was ever so meaningful for me.
As I am in Florida until May, I'm arranging for a Mass and some prayers on behalf of Dick/ family. May God Bless your walk on the path of grief. Pax Vobiscum.
Cousin Michael Boucher, Sarasota, FL/Novi, MI
mikekanoe0724@gmail.com
