[Note: three weeks after Charles Bentley's death, a memorial service was held at the Burke Mountain Club in East Burke, Vermont. Present were his friends from Vermont, as well as family including his grandchildren, Paul, Tim and Pamela, who were not able to attend the service held at College Harbor in Florida. Tim delivered the eulogy that follows.]
Shoebox
By Tim Bentley
A Shoebox sits up in the attic, and might now be collecting a little dust.
Inside is an assortment of memories. Memories of my own, and memories of
the man whom we are here to celebrate.
-Postcards: A majority of the Shoebox is occupied by postcards. Cards from
all the world over with my Grandfather’s scribble covering the back, telling
me where he was, what he was up to and ending with expressions of love. –I’m
remembering my parents having me save each as the came in the mail, and I’m
so glad the did. I’m so glad that I had them to save.
-Letters: A rolled up folder also rests in the Shoebox. Letters from and to
my grandfather. Some from many years ago, others from as recent as a week
before he passed away. Many of the letters were exchange through e-mail.
And I admired him for, among other things, his ability to learn to use his
computer. Almost weekly I would expect the letter from him, and I would
reply promptly. I am so happy that he and I managed to keep up such a
correspondence.
-Tickets: In the Shoebox are also the tickets which flew me down to Florida
to visit him, exactly one year to the hour previous to his passing. I will
of course hold this trip close to my heart. This was the last time I saw
him.
-East Burke: Many childhood memories are recollected and centered in this
town. Ones which I never thought I’d remember come back to me. He loved
this place as many of you know. And I am glad that we could hold this
service here, it is what he would have wanted.
These things and more are held in that Shoebox, held for the future me to
rediscover. And when I do, the knowledge that he died well, with pride, with
full mind, and heart shall comfort me. I loved him as we all did, he defined
for me the meaning of a great man. And he shaped more of myself than he
knew. You all know he was a great man. Someone I will always look to be
more like. I love him for all he gave and meant to me; and everyone.
Thank You.