My Uncle Floyd Laycock

My mothers sister Lil and her husband Floyd Married fifty years

This Poem was written upon the death of my uncle. He was very closely linked to my childhood, although often in the background of my life, he was a constant. His death affected me more than I ever thought possible. The last relative to die in a tightly knit clan he was a pivotal part of my childhood living in North Vancouver. I chose not to visit him before his death for selfish reasons. I wanted to preserve the precious memories of him, unscathed by the horrors of a deteriorating body. A quiet man , my maternal aunt's husband was always admired from afar. His daughters found my dad to be more jovial and affectionate, their father was a little less demonstrative, appearing to have a colder demeanor. Still he was a wonderfully loving and kind father. He adored his wife of fifty years, their mother, and his life came to demise soon after her cancer death.

My moms best friend Sherry (I'm her name sake)
Uncle Floyd, Aunt Lil

in Hawaii , Mom took the photo

Saturday as I nibbled on a few raspberries from the flat we bought for raspberry pie, both Pepper and I were reminded of Uncle Floyd's huge raspberry bush crowded with delicious plump berries. Every summer as a child I'd play tea party by mashing them up to serve on soda crackers. While my cousin Susan tortuously forced her black cat Cindy to join the fun by dressing her up in doll clothes.

Uncle Floyd always had a garden chocked full of delicious treats , his gentle affection towards animals was honorable. He had a docile old mutt named Toby. When Toby’s health began failing my uncle Floyd tried to have him put down. Witnessing Floyd sobbing profusely while he confessed his inability to let Toby go, the vet Compassionately ordered Floyd to take the dog home. Offering to pick the dog up when the time was right!

Aunt Lil, Uncle Floyd and Sherry moms life long best friend

As a child I always knew there was more to Uncle Floyd than appeared on the surface. He was a real mans man and I remember his friend Alfie Day would visit. There was another guy who would sometimes visit when I was there, he was so loud and obnoxious I never understood why they were friends, I think his name was Jackson. Anyway this poem has been in my archives for years now! Lately my cousin has intuitively popped into my head. I just can't eat a raspberry without thinking of my uncle Floyd! 

I'm hoping one day his children and grandchildren will Google search his name and find this little treasure.

Infallible Floyd

I remember a man, of very few words

Seldom seen, and rarely heard

He puttered around, getting things done

His garden being, the biggest one

When he spoke, with raspy deep voice

It filled the air, and you listened by choice

I remember a tender man, a phenomenal host

Dapperly dressed, compared to most

With a snorting laugh, a joke was enjoyed

He loved a good meal, my uncle Floyd

He cherished his animals, this soft gentle soul

For all the strays, he’d fill a large bowl

He cuddled with kittens, and walked his dogs

Built feeders for birds, and watched us catch frogs

When an animal passed, he’d shed many a tear

He enjoyed watching sports, and having a beer

He’d curse the TV when his team couldn’t score

When they finally made goal, he’d let out a roar

I remember a man, who loved his family so much

A demonstrative approach, was not quite his touch

Yet in his eyes, the pride shone right through

For his girls, his grandchildren, his son-in laws too

I remember a man, whose politics were strong

Passive aggressive he refused to be wrong

A human frailty upon which he would stumble

Some days were grumpy and he would grumble

Awkward at times and stiff when he danced

If friends needed help, he’d jump at the chance

In his tidy garage, he loved to putter

He loved salt on cheese and lots of butter

It’s amazing how things, can go unsaid

Yet all of the memories stay in your head

Sadly missed by family