I feel compelled to share some thoughts about my Uncle Sheldon who passed away yesterday. Sheldon was the first of 16 children (my father was twelfth). Sheldon is a part of a lot of my early memories of adventure and experiencing nature. We made a lot of trips with our uncles and cousins when we were younger. Although Sheldon's family was grown and out of the house, he was always present on these trips and was such a pleasant person to be around. Sheldon was a strong advocate of the "make your own fun" way of doing things and always had a story, or a song, or a game to keep people occupied and enjoying one another's company. Keeping everyone involved was a key component of all of this (no surprise after being the oldest of 16 kids).
From Saturday morning basketball, to annual Flaming Gorge trips, to special trips to Wyoming, Canada, Topaz Mt. or Canyonlands, I have vivid and amazing memories of this fine man and I am so grateful for his contribution to my life and who I am.
Sheldon is second from the left in both pictures.
4 comments:
So sorry for your loss Jake.
great job jake! i endorse everything you said, what a great man and fun person to be around. Caleb and I slept with him in his van at Strawberry one night...one cold night..and he just had the most fun stories and everything from frumpled sleeping bag to wondering if after 15 years of ownership his van had a door handle on the back for easy access to get out when he needed to use the bathroom. he was just hilarious and so incredibly easy to be around. i loved his commentary when playing horseshoes or ping pong.. i will always remember the fun man he was..and still is by the way! i am sure that grandpa and raymond were excited to welcome him home!
Here, here! My favorite Sheldon moment:
We're fishing at Flaming Gorge, the whole usual crowd is there except for Jerry. Neuman says "I told Jerry we'd think of him while we were here" and Sheldon reverently responds "hm. I think I'll do that now."
Great post, Jake.
You all remember him the same as do I, your dad and Sheldon's brother. I have a most gifted brother who was a take-charge guy in such a fun and natural way you didn't even realize he or anyone else was in charge, but be assured he had thought through all the details, had made the necessary arrangements and had seen to it that everyone was invited and had a place in the venture. He was easy going and so friendly and as was said in the funeral "never cross, angry or out of control". He will be missed by all of us. Isn't it interesting that each of my sons have memories of individual experiences with Uncle Sheldon and he is just one of fifteen uncles in the Callister family. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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