This is Kris. My dad passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92. Harry (only one of his nicknames) was the subject of the Pixeladies’ first collaboration. At the time we formed Pixeladies, he was finishing his autobiography, and we thought it would make a great quilt. [Deb’s comment: The theme for Kris’ quilt guild’s show was “A Legacy of Love.” Our goal was to make a quilt that fit the theme without using one heart!] Outwardly not very sentimental, he was so proud of that quilt and absolutely loved it whenever we asked if we could borrow it to show for a presentation. No one came to his house without getting a look at the quilt.
When we entered his quilt in our local guild’s show, he came to see it. Holding court, he regaled onlookers with the stories on the quilt. He was really in his element. Deb and I have been friends for so long that we remember when Dad used to leave me messages that Deb “Pleshette” called (this would be during the “Bob Newhart Show” days). Then recently he sometimes called her Deb “Cache Creek” (his favorite casino). He often messed up her name, but he never failed to tell me what a nice lady she was and how glad he was that she was my friend.
One of the last things Dad did with the Pixeladies was to serve as our language expert on our upcoming book on Furoshiki Fabric Wraps. He was so happy to see the sample pages since he knew he wouldn’t live to see the publication of the book in 2012. The book proof arrived just a couple of days before he died, so he wasn’t able to look at it. When it comes out, look for our secret homage to Dad – his oranges (he was a great gardener) serve as a backdrop on one of the photos. When Reverend Tim arrived at the house to perform the Buddhist ritual of makura-gyo, he brought his ceremonial items wrapped in a furoshiki. The family saw it as a last sign from Dad to wish us well on our new book. Bilingual to the end, one of the last things Dad said to his family was “Bye, Bye, Sayonara, Sayonara.” Rest in peace, Dad. The Pixeladies will miss your support.
6 responses to “Thanks for the memories, Dad”
Deb’s comments: The theme for Kris’ quilt guild’s show was “A Legacy of Love.” Our goal was to make a quilt that fit the theme without using one heart! Outwardly not very sentimental, we thought this would be the perfect topic. But the introduction to his autobiography (that we had him write by hand so we could put it in the center of the quilt) was so touching, it would cause not only family members to cry, but also complete strangers. Kris, the literary queen she is, built so much symbolism into the quilt, that we had to create a legend (shown to the right of the quilt in Rev. Tim’s photo)so that if Harry wasn’t holding court, anyone looking at the quilt could be party to all of the details. I will miss Harry and his great sense of humor which stayed with him until the very end.
Tears and smiles Kris. Your Dad was so lucky to have you for his daughter. How wonderful that you were able to express your love with that fabulous quilt and that he lived long enough to enjoy your endeavors and cheer you on. My sympathy to you, your family, & friends. Sending loving thoughts your way.
Barb
My sympathy that he is no longer with you. However, I celebrate with you that you had him in your life. It’s so obvious, the more I know you, that you came from a home with parents like your father.
Kris, I have been thinking about you all day and was going to email this evening to inquire about your dad. It’s so hard to lose a parent; nothing fills the hole, but the love of your circle of family and friends will help. Count me in that circle. Special sympathy to that “nice lady” Deb, too!
Love, Sherry
Kris I know how much you loved your Dad. I’m glad that you were able to be with him during his last days. My thoughts are with you.
Kris, losing a parent is always a monumental event in our lives. With your loving support his passing to the next world was surrounded with the love and tenderness that you have always shown him. You shared so much. What a great gift to have had him in your life for this long.