The End of an Era

The end of an era and closing of a tale.

As you know, my dad passed away 4 years ago after suffering from lung cancer.

My mom just passed on March 2nd after major systemic failure (cardiac, renal and lungs). That date also happens to be brother Daniel’s birthday.

She was born on February 27th, 1934 and had a hard childhood before meeting dad. He was 17 and she was 16 when they decided to get married in June of 1950. For 67 years they were inseparable through all of life’s ups and downs. Four children were born and raised all over the United States as they followed Dad’s job. They were horse people and spent their lives with the family and our horses as the centerpiece.

Mom was a renowned Western Artist, having started playing in the clay of the local river in Oklahoma and an uncles ranch in Texas. She drew on any piece of paper she could find with pencils and pens. Even in her last days at the hospital, she was sketching on paper that the nurses brought her. During her life she won many awards in various art shows across the country and was featured in many articles about western art. She was well known in the art circles even back when it was a male dominated field. Mom developed a devout following of collectors and her work is owned worldwide and is in collections alongside the old western masters like Remington and Russell. She was known for her intimate knowledge of horses, tack and the people who used them for a living. She was a multi-media mogul, creating in oils, pastel, pen/ink, watercolor and sculpture. Even when she didn’t have the money for a specific tool, she would improvise by using something at hand. I recall one oil painting she did with a butter knife because she didn’t own a palette knife.

Her greatest source of pride was our family. Four children who had 11 grandchildren and then 21 great-grandchildren at the time of her death. Not everything was smooth in our family but both Dad and Mom never hesitated in their support and love for us. They both doted on the grandchildren and reveled in their accomplishments. Even through our ups and downs they never stopped loving us.

Mom leaves us and brings to a close an era of many things; Hard work, hard lives, simple joys and future dreams of a generation that was one of the greatest in America. Their generation saw Depression, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the conflict in Iraq/Afghanistan. They had parents, children and grandchildren who fought for our Country. They watched as relatives and friends passed before their times and continued to persevere.

I write this as my Sister and I try to clear and liquidate their house of 25 years. We were named the executors of the estate and have a daunting task ahead. Not only do we have to sell their household but also divide it up amongst family according to her wishes. What art goes to those who want it before it’s gone? What photographs to whom? What personal belongings to be distributed?

One side note…Being named as the medical power of attorney for anyone is an honor in trust. Both Dad and Mom named me and long discussions were had over every detail with each as their time grew near. It is also one of the hardest things you can do for a person, let alone a relative. All I can say is that it is a serious trust and you MUST abide by their wishes and what they desire.

I don’t really know how to end this post. I am at a loss for words (which will surprise everyone). If you knew mom or dad, then I hope it is with fond or at least memorable thoughts.

Our love,

BFD