Patricia Eastham
I will always have gratitude and love for the uncle I knew best – Wendell. My memories span for almost a life time, from the moment I first met him and his new bride Stella on their trip to Rifton, NY in the summer of 1964 to visit us (I was almost 8 yrs old). He was so warm and funny. I remember he put me up in the tree in our front yard and left me there for a short while laughing until he got me down. Eleven years later (1975), I would reconnect with Wendell and family when I relocated out to Washington State and again after I moved to New York and back to Washington in 1984 with Shasta and Ray. He opened his home to us when we arrived on Halloween and let us stay with his family for a few weeks while we found jobs and a home. We were tired after our 6 day cross county drive (some of it through snow) and he welcomed us with open arms. Yvonne took Shasta out on Halloween night even though she had no costume and shared her candy with her, which was so sweet. He repeated his hospitality in 1987 shortly after my dad died and mom and Dee moved to Washington. He welcomed them to stay for a few months until mom could buy a house.
Over the years since then, we would always enjoy BBQ’s, holidays and special occasions together to celebrate with Wendell and family which will last forever in my heart. Wendell would often stop at my mom’s house on his way home from work and enjoy coffee and conversation with her. They would laugh, tell jokes and stories from their younger days. It was fun to watch that dynamic and learn about their early years.
I will dearly miss my uncle, but I know that he is happy to be with Stella, mom and those that left before them and I will see and talk to him whenever I frequent the cemetery to say “hello” and brighten up the day with flowers and love.
Rest in peace Wendell, you are so loved!
Patti Eastham
