Thoughts of Clyde remind me of a very uncomfortable New Years Eve I spent in Baudette back in 1981. Not only was it the first opportunity I had to meet my future wife’s family, but I was also introduced to a rather unpleasant Scandinavian delicacy called lutefisk.
Seated to my left Clyde took great humor in ‘helping’ me to a rather large plateful of slimy, gelatinous and color-free, yet stinky, pile of fish. Excess juices spoiled the ham and salad that were to serve as palatable accompaniments to my first meal with the Tylers mere hours after driving through a snowstorm (it always snowed on my winter drives to Baudette!) in a desire to surprise Trudy with my presence. Large droplets of perspiration rolled off my face and onto my plate as I contemplated my fate, much to Tracy’s chagrin and Clyde’s grand amusement.
Rather than suffer the humility of a quick exodus from the table to purge my gut of a product I still feel doesn’t belong at the table, I tolerated the embarrassment of not cleaning my plate of every morsel that wintery evening. Thanks Clyde for that extra large sample!
The eventful weekend was complete with open air showers, continuous shellackings from Clyde in checkers and chess, dry (oh so very dry) English humor and a rather long discussion (complete with an educational pamphlet) on the merits of sound savings and banking principals.
Always Clyde I will remember you with a smile as I recall our many fishing excursions, most with little luck, but once we limited out on very large crappies and had a wonderful, wonderful experience cleaning and then cooking the meal for our family. Hunting was also a trip. Rather uncomfortable as my bladder is still out of whack from holding my morning coffee for hours and hours as we drove the back roads looking for the elusive grouse. Clyde, the driver with the ever-empty bladder and never need to stop and pee. Me with the pea sized bladder and a frequent need to relieve myself. Clyde the driver…need I say anymore?
Quiet, considerate, thoughtful and witty, you have been a wonderful grandfather for my children, a terrific father to my former wife and a tolerant sole to your former son-in-law. I have always respected you and appreciated your wisdom. Clyde you have been and always will be an inspiration for your family.
It has been my sincere pleasure to have had the opportunity to know you. And thoughts of you and our relationship will forever bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.
Thank you Bob, Tracy and Trudy for allowing me to contribute. To each of you and of course Bert too, I wish peace and comfort during this time of reflection and difficult decision-making. You are each very brave and I send my prayers. Jack