James W. Arbour Sr., 87, of Akron passed away on April 4, 2008.He was a lifetime resident of Akron and graduate of South High School. He was the owner of Merit Cleaners and had a wonderful rapport with his customers. He served in the Army Air Corps in the CBI theatre during World War II. He received the Distinguished Unit Badge and the Good Conduct Medal for his efforts.He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Addie Arbour. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; sons, James (Sandy) Arbour, Dennis (Carol) Arbour; grandchildren, James III, Josh, Dan, Tom (Megan), and Tim Arbour; sisters, Delores Tomasch and Marilyn Trepanier; brother-in-law, David Gordon; sisters-in-law, Joan Ward and Faith (Bernie) King; nephew, Jack (Delma) Griffin; niece, Jill McNeeley, and other nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give thanks to special caregiver, Karie Hayn and everyone at Summit Villa Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held at Western Reserve National Cemetery. (ADAMS-MASON, 330-535-9186)
For those of you that catch my twitter updates, the original plan of heading south this weekend didn't happen. Megan and I got the call that my ailing grandfather, in failing health for several years, had passed away early Friday morning. We headed up to Munroe Falls on Friday to be with family. We had an excellent visit with my parents, and yesterday, we all had lunch with my uncle and aunt at Azteca, a great little Mexican place in Akron. We then went over to my grandmother's house, and we stayed with her for several hours until departing again for Columbus. I am quite fortunate- I knew all my grandparents well, saw them frequently, and spent 27 years on the planet with all four of them in good health. What did I learn from my Grandpa? Don't be afraid to tell a joke once in a while! He was quite the comedian, always telling me after band concerts and other things that " I was outstanding in my field" and he would always tell me to play one particular song, "far, far away". Those were his jokes, his way of telling us that he really enjoyed what we were doing.
Tom
You have my sympathy and my prayers. I'm glad you have such fond memories of your grandfather to look back on. "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die".
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteYour grandfather was proud of you,and I'm glad you appreciated and remembered his humor. Thanks for remembering him in your blog.It means a lot.
ReplyDeletemom
I'm sorry your grandfather passed. I'm so glad you were close to him, you'll keep your memories forever until you meet again.
ReplyDeleteChris
Mom- Since I logged in to Google on your computer, my account is still signed on there! You should sign me out at sign you in!
ReplyDeleteTOm
Your grandfather sounds like he was a fine man. It is wonderful that you knew your grandparents well. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies, hon. *big hugs* Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your Grandfather, Tom. It's wonderful that you have such good memories of him.
ReplyDeleteRuth, Linda and Lana- Your kind words are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteTom
So sorry to hear about your grandpa, Tom. My grandparents were so important in my life, too, although I never knew my paternal grandpa (he died before I was born). My grandma is 93 and in good health and I can't imagine life without her.
ReplyDeleteI hope your memories will give you comfort and smiles when you think of your grandfather.
Kylee- Thank you very much. There really hasn't been much closure with my grandfather, since we haven't yet had his memorial service where his ashes will be interred at the Western Reserve National Cemetery near Rittman, Ohio. That'll be this Friday. Thank you Kylee, I appreciate yours and everyone's comments.
ReplyDeleteTom