Dad and Mom (with me), and Ken
| This song makes me cry every time I hear it but it so beautifully expresses love between people that I must put it on this page for those I love  "Love, Me" by Collin Raye |
TILLMAN HAYES FONNESBECK
March 25, 1913 - January 10, 1994
Dad was always one of the biggest fans of his all-female family. He told us that anything we wanted to do was possible as long as we tried. Any success was in the doing, not the outcome. He was funny, creative, and had a never-ending supply of ideas. He loved classical music, football (BYU, Utes, and Aggies), art, and long talks around the kitchen table more often than not with a cup of coffee or maybe some tea. And Dad could laugh! Oh, what a wonderful laugh! He died suddenly in 1994. We, his friends and family, feel his absence and miss those talks!
To me, my father was the most ethical, honest, and generous-hearted man I have ever known. I know that I could never be as kind as he was, but certainly feel lucky that he was the person he was and that I am his child.
| In honor of Dad, "Ave Maria" by Schubert |
KENNETH DEAN PITCHER
November 1, 1946 - July 18, 1992
Ken, my husband and best friend, was quick to smile and always ready to help--stranger or friend--it made no difference. From him I learned to laugh at myself and enjoy the outdoors. Not only did he love motorcycles, four-wheeling, and country music but he also liked my cooking experiments(photos) and would even share "mes arts de cuisine" with his friends and co-workers--I had good incentive to prove that his pride in me was well-founded! Boy, did he get pleasure from teasing! Like Dad, he also knew how to shower support upon others. Ken also was very upright and honest. He was another father who was an excellent example for his child. Ken died in an accident in 1992. Our home is much more silent now, empty. There are moments, though, when both Jamie and I feel that he is still watching over us. It is a comfort, but we are still lonely for his voice and hugs.
| "In My Life" by the Beatles expresses my feelings about Ken |
These two men brought much joy, excitement, and interest to all our lives. Without their influence we would not be who we are today and yet, without them, our lives do not seem quite as bright. Every day I miss their viewpoints very much.
July 1997
DELBERT HENRY FONNESBECK
April 7, 1916 - February 8, 1981
Dad's brother, Deb, died unexpectedly on 8 February 1981. From Uncle Deb I learned about the interesting complexities of ledgers and bookkeeping! He had me fascinated with calculators, accounting, and recordkeeping. He did not have to take the time to sit so patiently with me to explain, what to me were the wonders of, debits and credits while he was busily working, but he did. He also had a delightfully sly sense of humor and enjoyed travelling. I remember also sitting at his kitchen table listening to the brothers (Till, Max, Reed, and Deb) talk and discuss a variety of subjects. Dad missed him very much when he died (they had lived just a few blocks from each other)--I don't think he ever really recovered from the shock. Some people tell me I grin like him--that makes me feel great.
| "Yesterday" dedicated to Uncle Deb and also to Gail, Dee, and Gene and their families |
REED LAMONT FONNESBECK
April 2, 1922 - March 19, 1998
Another fine man died today, 19 March 1998. Uncle Reed, my Dad's youngest brother lost a battle with pneumonia and joined Dad, Uncle Deb, their little brother Evan, and Ken in heaven. Uncle Reed was also a cat fan, loved to talk and laugh (must be a family trait), and to travel around visiting places and people with Aunt Myrtle. From Uncle Reed I learned to feel at ease about changing my perspective in life and to be open to the wonderful differences in us all. Uncle Reed was gregarious, friendly, and unpretentious. Uncle Reed was always touching people with his irresistible friendship and attention--I will miss taking his hands in mine. We are REALLY going to miss him. We do already.
| "There Goes My Everything" Aunt Myrtle, Joan, Doug, Jerry, and Tami and their spouses and children must surely be feeling this way today |
My cousin, Tami, died 4 April 2001. Baby Jaxon died 19 June 2002. They are together with Uncle Reed, but we are all hurting, especially Tami's children and Jason and Jill, the most loving parents a child could have.
ROBERT DUVAL
December 8, 1905 - March 18, 1999
Mom's brother, Uncle Bob, was such a vibrant and lively person. He also was a great supporter of my return to school after Ken died. He would send me letters of encouragement and praise which at times seemed divinely sent because of their timing. Uncle Robert was an educator. Both he and Aunt Thelma were also very aware of how activity of the mind and body could help keep one's health at an optimum--they practiced their beliefs and were good role models for me. I have sunny memories of their visits to us while on one of their driving trips--usually with a cat companion--yellow cat, very often!
MAX MARTINUS FONNESBECK
November 26, 1911 - October 03, 2002
The last of the brothers, and the first-born, my Uncle Max, died today just short of his 91st birthday. I feel that although he loved life and wanted to remain here, he is feeling joy today at his reunion with his brothers, his three sons (Gary, Merrill, and Max Jr.), and great-grandson, Jeff. Everyone was attracted to his love of life and loved him in return. Uncle Max relished adventure. He was a pilot, electrical contractor, businessman, entrepreneur... He enjoyed tinkering--and passed that pleasure on to his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed telling stories, true ones of course, and talking about the family--how much they meant to him. He took me for my first plane ride--so daring to outwit my Mom! :) Later, he got my Dad interested in motorcycles, including my husband. Maybe today they are all happily planning a 'heavenly' road trip together.
From him and his brothers, I learned resiliency and passion for living. Thank you. Miss you.
My cousin, Merrill, died 16 April 2002. He brought me my first cat, Tobey. I will miss his emails and jokes. Gary died 2 December 1967--melanoma took him away from us way too soon. Jeff died in a car accident on 2 August 1997--an innocent. My cousin, Max Jr., died before I got to meet him.
| "The Dance" by Garth Brooks dedicated to Uncle Max, Aunt Edna, Janet, Betty, Sharleen and all the grand and great-grandkids |
| ...and to all of those who have lost someone they loved very much, I dedicate this song, originally sung by the great Edith Piaf: "Non, Rien de Rien" (No, I regret nothing) |
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