August 16, 2016

A big loss...

I've been absent from blog land.   My father in law died last week. 

My husband had spent the last several weeks traveling back and forth across the state and living out of hotel rooms to be closer to the hospital, but none of us really thought he would be really gone from our lives.  73 is much too young.  
I have to share part of the obituary that my husband wrote.  Leonard Kenward will be remembered for his giving nature, his generous heart, and unwavering wish for all of his children and grandchildren to be happy and successful. 

He was a constant thread in all of our lives and was the first person we went to in times of struggle, need, or great celebration. His presence and daily involvement in all of our lives will be greatly missed. 

We anticipate Heaven to be filled with lots of golfing, plenty of fishing, daily video poker, reminiscing with those who have gone before him, and lots and lots of laughter. 
Goodbye, Papa.  We love you lots and lots.
at

23 comments:

  1. vivianAugust 17, 2016 at 5:52 AM

    Im so sorry for your family's loss Kim. AS I recall, you lost Chris's mother as well a few years back. I imagine thats a tough place to be when both of your parents are gone. I guess one of the hardest parts about living our lives is losing people we love. Never easy. I think about your family catching its breath at your cottage, a good place to come to terms with any tough situation. I hope youre spending lots of time there. Much love and lots of hugs to you!! And give Chris my condolenses as well.
    xoxo
    vivian

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  2. Addie Talley, PhotographerAugust 17, 2016 at 8:00 AM

    Oh, Kim, Im so sorry for your family's loss.... big hugs to all of you!

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  3. LynneAugust 17, 2016 at 8:07 AM

    I'm sorry for you, Chris, Emma and Josie in the loss of your "papa!"
    I will be thinking and caring about each of you . . .

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  4. MargaretAugust 17, 2016 at 8:11 AM

    So sorry. No words can make you feel better now but the memories and the life shared with him will bring comfort. He's still with you. Love, Maggie

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  5. JbooAugust 17, 2016 at 9:10 AM

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Hope the wonderful memories you have will be of some comfort in the days to come.

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  6. KarinAugust 17, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    I am so very sorry. I lost my dad last year and I know how raw the pain is. I will be praying for you all.

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  7. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 17, 2016 at 10:49 AM

    I am so sorry to hear this too....much too young. I know you will miss him but you have some wonderful memories to keep him alive in your heart. Sweet hugs to you and your family, Diane

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  8. UnknownAugust 17, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    Kenward Family....know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, I lost my grandpa at 9 and I still miss him so! This man was so special to so many, he wore a lot of hats and seemed by what you wrote to wear them all very well!

    There are really no words to impart how I feel....just know I am here....if there si anything I can do....

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  9. White Lace and PromisesAugust 17, 2016 at 11:40 AM

    Oh so sorry. Yes, much too young.

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  10. pinkrosesandtecupsAugust 17, 2016 at 1:41 PM

    So sorry for your loss Kim. Sounds like he was a wonderful man, and that you have made lots of memories with him to cherish forever.

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  11. SharaAugust 17, 2016 at 1:41 PM

    I'm so very sorry to your entire family. He sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. I'll be sending you happy thoughts until the gray skies clear your way.

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  12. laurie -magpie ethelAugust 17, 2016 at 2:22 PM

    I am so sorry. Never, ever easy to lose a loved one. Ever. Xo...

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  13. Pam KesslerAugust 17, 2016 at 9:14 PM

    Oh Kim, I am so, so sorry! You are right, 73 is so darn young. I love that photo of him ice skating with the kids and maybe a little bit of snow stuck to his pants :) I'll be thinking of you all and hope you can find peace in the coming weeks.

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  14. GARAGE SALE GALAugust 17, 2016 at 10:15 PM

    SO many wonderful memories to help your broken hearts heal. Sending you a HUG and praying for you.
    warmly,
    deb

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  15. Pam~ Virginia RetroAugust 17, 2016 at 10:16 PM

    My condolences to the Kenward family. It sounds like Papa was very special to all of you. It has been about a year since I lost my Mom and I still miss her. Parents are so special and so hard to lose. ((Hugs))

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  16. BethAugust 17, 2016 at 10:34 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your family have a lot of wonderful memories. Sending your family warm thoughts and prayers.

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  17. Diane MarsAugust 18, 2016 at 1:54 AM

    So sorry for your loss... great memories and yes he was way to young...

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  18. craftylesAugust 18, 2016 at 10:43 AM

    Dear Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man , and Dad and Grandpa. I'm sure he will be missed so much. Hugs to you all.

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  19. Gina @ VictorianWannaBeAugust 20, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    Oh Kim, so sorry for your loss. 73 is too young. My dad died when he was 56. :(
    I have been missing you and your blog. Take care, may God comfort your hearts during this sad time.
    Sending hugs,
    Gina

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  20. Curtains in My TreeAugust 24, 2016 at 12:24 PM


    This is Always such a Hard experience in anyone lives
    yes 73 is much to young to leave your family
    I'm sincerely sorry for your families loss

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  21. DonnaAugust 30, 2016 at 9:32 PM

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear father in law, Kim. You are right, 73 is much too young to lose. Saying prayers for your comfort and peace. Take care.

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  22. Lutka And Co.September 8, 2016 at 12:56 AM

    I'm so very sorry for your loss...

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  23. NellieSeptember 13, 2016 at 6:38 PM

    I am sorry for this loss, Kim, and send along prayers for comfort at this time. xo Nellie

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