My uncle just recently passed away, due to cancer.  He was terminal when they found the cancer.  The doctor told his family he would only have less than 6 months to live.  He went through kemotherapy to prolong life and for a chance to live.  My uncle was a very strong man that had no side affects from the kemotherapy, something that amazed both doctors and friends alike.  With all this happening he was still going to work and treating everyone the same as he would.  He had many friends all who were concerned but he wouldn’t have that.  He didn’t want sympathy.  He was my uncle that I used to camp with as a child, he was everyones best friend.  I was not related to him by blood, but loved him as though he was.  I grew up with his kids, they are about my age.  I’m amazed at how strong the family is and how well they are taking it.  He died on Sunday the 15th of march, almost a 1year and a half longer then doctors predicted.  He was looked and acted fine up until a week before his death.

At his funeral they were so many people, much more than I usually see.  This was not a mourning but a celebration of life.  All those that new him loved him, he was humble, kind, and quick thinking.  He really loved kids and anyone younger than him, he would treat anyone as though they were his kids.  He treated all with love and respect.  After all the eulogies the air wasn’t thick and sad because everyone new that he led a full life.  He cherished life before knowing he was dying.  I saw uncles that I haven’t seen in years, we had laughs and caught up on what each was doing.  I remember looking around and seeing all those familiar faces and thinking this really is a celebaration of a life lived.  Only he could get us all together and make something typically sad and great gathering and loving enviroment.  To my uncle Wayne you will be missed!