Condolence From: Evelyn Adams
Condolence: Win and I met sometime in the late '80s in Thetford Hill, VT area. We were close for a couple of years, sharing Haiku, hopes, joys, theological ideals, and sweetness of being.
Hopeful (the Basset) came to mind in a story to share with you. My younger daughter, Monica was 3 1/2 yrs old at the time and fond of walking on the Thetford Hill Green with us, always wanting to hold Hopeful's leash. The day was chilly and a bit gray so she wore her "red-ridinghood" coat. Ever a head-strong child, I agreed she could hold the leash loop while Hopeful plodded along ahead of us. Suddenly, he raced toward a squirrel or blowing leaf with Monica still holding on tightly. Our conversation was interrupted by her belly-bouncing, "Hope-fu-uh-ull!" as he dragged her onto the grass, turning to look at her as if to say, "What's going on? you're slowing me down!"
So many adventures with Win. So much laughter. So much life. Thank you for seeing all the colors in me...for receiving and reflecting my brokenness and reminding me how to accept it all with arms flung wide, ready to love whatever is next.
Peace, dear hearts. Peace to us all.
Saturday November 28, 2015
Condolence From: David Nedwidek
Condolence: I, too, did not know the man but wanted to say that this is the most beautiful and inspiring obituary I have
ever read - and I like to read them. I happened to be on this page reading Albert Gordon's obit - a cherished
relative and friend. I can only imagine the conversations between your loved one and ours.
Monday November 23, 2015
Condolence From: Nancy Belbas
Condolence: Christina, Kevin, Pat, you have captured Win's spirit and maybe even his restlessness, his whimsy. Win was a friend of some 60 years and God Father to Brad, our first and only son. He came for Brad's baptism, for his wedding and for Ann's. We visited in Washington, California, New Hampshire, and Maine to talk politics, God, morality, and the children. When you drew the picture for him, Christina, that was sunny, flowery, and said "My Daddy Loves Everybody'"., I think you said it all. Pat, Christina, Kevin, you will always be family to us, We join you in our missing him, With love, Nancy
Saturday November 14, 2015
Condolence From: Mark Griffith
Condolence: Win
Just a few words about my Uncle Win, who was someone I knew from toddler age, until now.
I've been grieving these past days, and of course all who knew Win well no doubt share the same feelings.
The grief will subside over time, but the good memories I have, the humorous moments, the just fun to be with guy that Win was, will never diminish.
I could recount myriad tales of trips to the zoo, camping out together at Portola State Park (with my father), short road trips (when he let me drive way too fast in his car- and he never complained), cooking soup hobo style on Carmel River Beach with Kevin and Christina (best soup I ever tasted), visiting Win and Pat in Arlington, VA when he was HH's press secretary (I know this isn't in chronological order), drinking wine together and discussing the Big Issues In The World Today..... and so many other good times.
As we all got older, and lived in more distant places (California, Maine) we were not so much in touch. But the amazing thing about Win was his genuine ebullience and enthusiasm when we connected. Even after years or sometimes decades.
"Hi Win"
"Who is this?"
"It's Mark, your nephew"
"MARK!!!" (caps are deliberate, because that was how Win always greeted me)
He always gave me total love and affection, and it was impossible not to return it to him in kind.
Last time we spoke was the day after his birthday this year. He seemed tired but was completely lucid and his voice was strong. He told me that one knows you are getting old when you need to take 2 naps a day….
What a great soul was Win.
Saturday November 14, 2015
Condolence From: Cathy Foster
Condolence: This was, without question, the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. What a lovely and inspirational man. My condolences to you all.
I didn't know Mr. Griffin nor any of his friends or family. However, I felt compelled to comment on his obituary.
Saturday November 14, 2015
Condolence From: Jean Carr
Condolence: There was simply no one quite like him! He brought light and love and joy to oh, so many people...including me. I will never be the same for having known him.
Jean Carr
Saturday November 14, 2015
