Kenneth Hoag
Life is short and bittersweet. To hear of a loved one who has departed from this life is heartbreaking and at the same time a bit joyful to know that Uncle Gene is at rest now, free from the pain and worry over the loss of his wife Aunt Jo both such wonderful people. Uncle Gene was a strong man, compassionate, caring and a loving husband and father to my cousins Randy and Marvin. Like me, Uncle Gene was a good listener and an intelligent man, respected by all who knew him. My memories are mostly of our large family holiday gatherings and even now when I think of Uncle Gene, I always visualize him in the old red Fiat convertible he would drive. Uncle Gene was a provider, a hard worker and did well for his family. I know that the past several years have been rough for him and the boys with Aunt Jo succumbing to her illness and becoming more needy but Uncle Gene was always there, taking her to Walmart every day where she would love to browse and shop and then he would take her out to eat at their favorite place before heading home for the day and the following day would be the same. Never failing to be supportive and loving even though it wasn’t easy for him at times.
I remember Aunt Jo taking us kids to the movie theatre every so often on the weekends and I remember their Buick we would ride in. In the recent years as Aunt Jo became more reliant on Gene to get around and to take care of her I know cousin Randy moved in to help care for her and I’m sure it was really rough on him but he never hesitated nor wavered on his care for his mother and helping dad up to the very end and I have nothing but love and respect for Randy who sacrificed much to take on such a huge responsibility and I’m sure at times burdensome but that goes to show what a great job they did at raising their kids who love and respect their parents, never hesitating to do the right thing, I am very proud of Randy for his dedication to his mother and father in their time of need and I don’t doubt for a second that Uncle Gene and Aunt Jo were extremely proud and grateful that Randy was there, every day, doing what he was supposed to do when a parent needs their son, dedicating his life out of love for his family! I love you all and may you rest in peace until our Savior’s face you see.
Bless you
Your nephew Ken
San Diego 2023