The end of an era

Last weekend many of my dad's relatives gathered to bury the ashes of his uncle and aunt.  Ed and Mary were the last survivors of their generation, and their deaths have prompted much introspection.  I think it affected other family members as well, judging by some of the comments and topics discussed.  My brother is the only Huck descendant still living in the area settled by our great-grandfather.  Amazing, with so many male offspring!  But mostly it was just heart-warming to see and be with everyone again.  Many of dad's cousins were there, and some of their children, as well.  I was particularly pleased to see three second cousins with whom my brother and I used to spend a LOT of time.  And again, I was amazed at how easy it was to pick up where we left off.  Those family ties are very strong.  The five of us made sure to have a picture taken, and it was NOT in a bathtub as were some previous ones!
 

Loren, the baby of the family, did a great job conducting the burial service.  It must have been very difficult for him.  

The granddaughters each laid a rose in the grave.

 The grandsons who were present sprinkled soil in the grave.

 

My dad and my brother looked very much alike to me that day.  They also apparently don't like me taking their picture. 

 

 My dad and his sister.  This may be my favourite photo of the day. 

Some of went on a little tour to visit other family graves.  This one is my dad's grandparents, the ones who came from Russia to Saskatchewan. 

Then it was visiting time at the Pioneers' Club.  The best part of the day!  This photo shows two of dad's cousins, Oliver (with his wife Sharon) and Roy, who we don't get to see often enough!!

I love this photo of Roy catching up with a childhood friend, Valerie Onerheim Finley.  She is one of my very dear friends, as well, and my elementary music teacher!

 Here are Roy and his sister, Darleane.  Love them both to pieces.

The "Huck boys" provided a few musical selections, and were joined by Jerry's daughter, Kathy (of bathtub fame!!)   She looked and sounded very much like her mother here, and I shed a few tears.

Romber brought their precious little guys out for a visit, too.  Sammy was happy, as usual, but the perogie was not having a great afternoon, not as usual!
 

Curiously, many of the pictures I took of Aunt Ginny seem to have a wine glass in them.  I think she would blame the Saskatchewan highways.   Yes.  Right.  Because she never drinks wine at home!!
 

 The perogie sure likes hanging out with Uncle!

So even though a few tears were shed, it was a wonderful weekend full of stories and laughter and hugs and re-connecting.  Methinks another reunion is in order.  After all, the last one was nearly 25 years ago!