Gary Nichols
Dennis, Kai and Dawn,
I’m so sorry I can’t be there with you on June 8th, but I’ll be there in spirit, of course.
I’m so thankful my sister and I got to see Connie during the last reunion we attended. I’m
hoping that today’s events are filled with love and many, many wonderful memories.
For those who don’t know, our families have been friends since the mid-1950s, when
we all lived in military housing in Alameda, CA. I can’t remember all the details, of course,
but I think our Moms shared baby sitting duties quite a bit, and I recall watching the Mickey
Mouse Club on black and white TV after school with Kai.
I don’t know how your folk's managed to talk my parents into to asking for an assignment
in Honolulu, but I’m sure glad they did. I recall fondly of our time sharing picnics,
day trips, some overnight beach camping, I believe, and holiday meals. Your family’s friendship
and my memories of living on Oahu endure the years - despite all of our military
re-assignments, our folks finally settling far apart, and even my deployments when my ships
stopped at Pearl Harbor now and then.
Your mom, Connie, was always the kindest and sweetest lady. Your family are all
family to me - my Hawaiian Aunties, Uncles, Brothers and Sister.
Thanks to all of you for providing the great care your Mom received in her final years.
Your friend, Gary