Uncle Wil's Eulogy

The following is the Eulogy Eddie delivered at Uncle Wil's Memorial Service.



TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF WILFORD H. DAOUST

As Delivered September 25, 2007
St. Johns Catholic Church
By: Edward J. Braman
Contributions by Irene Daoust, Joanne Braman, Ellen Bigelow, Suzanne & Gary March, Paul and Judith Daoust & Aunt Marie

Good Evening,

We are here tonight to celebrate the life of Wilford H. Daoust. I have been asked on behalf of the family to say a few words and share some remembrances of Uncle Will. I want to thank all of you who contributed -- especially Aunt Irene, my sister Joanne, and my cousins Ellen Bigelow, Suzanne and Gary March, Paul and Judith Daoust & Aunt Marie.

It is very difficult to capture all of the complexities of Uncle Will. A life is made up of roles, characteristics, experiences and memories. Uncle Will played many roles -- he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a leader and a friend. These were just a few of his roles. The one thing we all can say about Uncle Will -- he sure was a character. His exterior was gruff, he didn’t sit still for long, and he did things with a passion and purpose. He also was caring, loving, proud and funny man. Rarely was he seen without a cigar in his mouth. Finally, there was his signature trait; he could mumble a sentence better than anyone we have ever known. His family and friends mastered the art of understanding about every third word and filling in the blank. That was the only way we knew what he was saying.

Aunt Marie recalls that Will came into this world number fourteen of nineteen children in the Daoust clan. He was a blond curly headed boy with a mind of his own. He was competitive which was not unusual for a child in the Daoust family because there were so many brothers and sisters. Aunt Irene remembers that at dinner time (one of the most competitive parts of any Daoust sibling’s day) Will would start off with a plate full of mashed potatoes before heading to the main course.

He grew up to be a fine young man and with a sense of pride and duty -- off to the Air Force he went. As happened with many of our service men and women back in those days, the U.S. Mail Service became a matchmaker and Uncle Will fell in love with the girl next door, Aunt Frankie’s best friend Phyllis. They got married and Uncle Will was deployed to Japan where Michelle and Andy were born; then back to the states where Darlene and Mathew joined the family. While he served two tours in Viet Nam, Aunt Phyllis found herself back on Second Avenue where the cousins quickly became friends.

All of the “Second Ave. Crew” remember those years with Uncle Will’s family. We were very young but our impressions of him will last a lifetime. Uncle Will always liked to play with the kids. Joanne fondly remembers how Uncle Will nicknamed her motor mouth. For those of us who know Joanne, its not hard to imagine why. It stemmed from an incident one day when Michelle and Joanne were playing with their dolls. Uncle Will interrupted them because he only heard Joanne’s doll talking. Joanne explained that was because her doll was old enough to talk, Michelle’s doll was a baby and only old enough to cry. Next week Uncle Will bought Michelle a new doll that was as old as Joanne’s so she could join in on the conversation. In retaliation, Joanne came up with a nickname for Uncle Will -- he was now officially “Uncle Mumbles.”

Eventually the Air Force would move Will and his family to northern California where he would retire. Uncle Will always enjoyed having his family visit. Cousin Ellen was one of the first and ended up staying with him while attending college. Her memories of him are of a very giving person who always opened up his home for family. Whenever anyone would visit he made sure there was never a dull moment. Gary and Suzanne made their way west and remember him whisking them away to see all the sites, and going camping. Uncle Will and Aunt Pat in an RV and Gary and Suzanne had all the luxuries their pup tent had to offer. Paul and Judy drove across the country when they were first married and Judy met Uncle Will for the first time. He came out of the garage naturally chewing on a cigar and mumbled something. Judy looked at him and asked “are you saying something important?” They were fast friends from that point on.

I had the pleasure of visiting with Uncle Will and Aunt Pat a few years ago. After a nice visit to his home, he was excited to take us to lunch at his favorite gourmet restaurant – Jack-in-the-Box. Now looking back, it was the best gourmet fast food I’ve ever had.

These stories are examples of how important family was to him, even though he lived so far away.

Upon his retirement from the Air Force he became a postal worker. Will was very active in his community, getting involved in the local Moose Lodge where he was a legend for his friendship, loyalty, volunteerism, coffee and cigars. He was also active in St. Rosary Church where he was an usher.

The last sibling to visit him was Aunt Irene in 2003. She had been to see him many times throughout the years with various friends. It never mattered who she was with, Uncle Will and Aunt Pat always made them feel at home. As with all who visited he would keep them on a busy itinerary that would include memorable trips to Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Napa Valley. On her last trip she and Uncle Bill went to visit him in Zamora, California. Not a big town -- Zamora consisted of five houses, a Post Office, a Community Center and a Catholic Church. Besides his love of people Uncle Will loved pets. With 4 cats, 2 dogs, a rabbit, 8 fish and a potbelly pig, he had more pets at his house than the entire human population of Zamora. When Uncle Bill learned that the pig’s name was Bacon, he told Uncle Will he should have named him Breakfast. Fortunately for Aunt Irene and Uncle Bill, they never did have Bacon for breakfast.

We will all miss Will very much are blessed to have had him in our lives.

Hello from our Nation's Capital

Hi All,

It took me a while but I finally got on. It is good to see all the posts and I think this is a great idea. Tammy and I are doing fine here in DC. David (my nephew, Diane's son) lives in our basement apartment and is the Asst. Manager at Morton's Steakhouse in Bethesda, MD. Tammy is a legal assistant at an international law firm Greenberg, Traurig. I recently closed my catering business and am looking to get back into the political arena (I am currently talking with a couple of the unions I used to work with.) Sorry Debbie D., I'll be back with the Dems but I love ya anyway.

This is our first post however I am going to put some pictures together and also I will be posting the Eulogy I gave at Uncle Wil's memorial, as soon as I figure out how to attach it.

For all the family football fan's it is a very, very sad time for us here in the District. Yesterday one of our top players (one of the best in the NFL) was shot and killed. This town can survive political scandels, electoral upheaval, changes in the power of Congress but when it comes to our Skins, nothing compares.

Looking forward to future blogging.

Ed Braman & Tammy Goggans

2003 Picnic

Photos of Grandma and Grandpa and Aunts and Uncles

Suzanne here. These photos are at Tom's request from Aunt Irene. I know there is also a photo from the first reunion 1997? Anyone have access to that one? We hope to have them on display at Brian and Ashley's wedding on Sat 12/1. Thanks.

Need a picture of Grandma and Grandpa Daoust

Tom Daoust here. Does anyone have a good picture of Grandma and Grandpa Daoust (Alfred and Deneige or Alfred & Yvonne)? Could someone get one and scan it? Our son Brian is getting married on Sat. and they are putting together a table with pictures of grandparents. If someone could post it on this site I will take care of the rest. I need it soon or I will run out of time to make a print.

Thanks.

Here's a picture with Billy, the lone man at dinner, but Aunt Frankie kept him company watching football.

Happy Thanksgiving from Donna, Here is a picture of everyone but Billy, because he is taking it. From left to right, Mom (Aunt Yvonne, Aunt Marie, Aunt Frankie, Danielle, Donna & Rachel. Uncle Guy couldn't make it because he wasn't feeling good, so we sent dinner home to him.

The Bramans - Thanksgiving 2007

Joanne Braman Palmer here. This would not be the winner of the largest Daoust family Thanksgiving gathering. But I think my sister Diane and my mother (Annette) and myself trumped the thanksgiving turkey tradition. Mom is not feeling good at all, she had complications of pneumonia and a lung condition going on. Anyway, Diane and I could not take her out so the nursing home dressed her up, we took her into the atrium and her request for a thanksgiving meal was to have FILET MIGNON. She's not a fan of turkey. What you see on her plate in the first picture is filet mignon, twice baked potatoes with bacon and cheese, some kind of breaded baked mushroom dish (yuck for me, I hate mushrooms), shrimp cocktails and deviled eggs. She seemed to have enjoyed it, because she ate almost everything we put on her plate. Happy Thanksgiving everyone

Tom & Linda's Thanksgiving Gathering in NC

This is our gathering in NC. Left to right are Ann Schultz (Linda's mom), Claire Shearer (family friend), Tom, Linda, Jim Shearer (family friend), Harry Schultz (Linda's brother), and Kelley.

Thanksgiving 2007

Carolyn Gracey-I have thanksgiving every year and here is my crew this year.

In the front row we have Logan and Nicole

Justin, Debbi, Frank & Chantua

behind Ernie Jr. is Alesha and Ernie is holding Karleigh, Diane, Traci and Matt

Ernie Sr., Pat, Irene, Shirley, Gerard Mike, Bill, Deneiges, Tony and Ruthie

Back row: Paul , Terri, Mike, Karen, Kent & Carolyn.

The 3 teenagers left before the picture Mike, Sammy and Ciera better things to do at that age.

Just in time for Thanksgiving... Welcome Gabriel

So the latest Daoust family arrival is home on time for Thanksgiving... Please enjoy this picture of Gabriel Aidan Ponton of Marie's gang...

A Daoust Thanksgiving

Carolyn Gracey-I have posted a newspaper article that Aunt Irene gave me a while ago. See if you can find your parent before you look at the key. I would love to know what that lamp would be worth today.

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween!!! A little late

Here are some Halloween pics of our(Greg and Nikki) and Bernie and Nancy kids. Lucas (Fireman) is 2.5 years old. Klara (Small Princess) is 9 months old. Bernie III (Stitch) is 9 and Heather(Princess Belle) is 7 years old. We all did some trick or treating around town. Lucky for me, Lucas is still young and we as parents have to control his candy intake. Therefore I get the leftovers, can't let them go to waste. Poor Me!
Can't wait till next Halloween.
Greg

50 years and going strong

On June 9, 2007 Debbie, Carolyn and Ernie gave their parent's a surprise party for their 50th anniversary, where they renewed their wedding vows.

Dad always said after 50 years he get his walking papers, so we all thought we would re-up him for another 50 years. Guess he's in for the long haul now.

Ernie & Pat's Grandchildren

Here we have Carolyn's children Deneiges and Tony.

Ponton on line...

Since I'm sitting at Lisa's house in North Carolina, I don't exactly have all my stuff to post pictures that are stored on my own computer, etc. Once the baby here is born I'll be sure to share a picture through this machine, but until then, you've got text from me...

So what's going on with us, you ask?

In October 2004, we lost Bob's Mom to complications of recovery from heart surgery. Since Bob is an only child and so is his dad, this set up a real desire to be back east again. A small piece of property with the requisite 4 car garage came up for sale near his dad in Machias, NY. We bought it as a place to head when lots of company goes there - has a three bedroom mobile home on site. Also, we anticipate getting old out there and Bob can't exist without more garage space than the two car attached at his dad's.

In January 2006, a glassblowing job came available for Bob in Ohio at the University of Akron. Akron happens to be halfway between Lime Lake (Machias) and Cincinnati where Rick lives with his family (3 grandsons). So we've spent the last two years Mon-Fri living in a rented townhouse in Stow, OH and Sat and Sun either in NY or Cinci.

Now, Lisa is in North Carolina as a faculty member at Elon University. This year, she decided that since age 35 is coming pretty quick (Dec. 1) she wanted to start a family regardless of having a spouse. She has spent the last nine months growing the fourth of our grandsons (after visits to a fertility clinic). Due any day, as I've said.

Ernie & Pat's Grandchildren

From left to right we have Tony (Carolyn), Justin (Debbie), Tyler (Ernie), Julie (Ernie), Chantua (Debbie) and in front Karleigh (Ernie)

Ernie & Pat's Family

This was taken at Ernie's 70th birthday party.

Starting in the back we have Ernie Jr. his wife Alesha, Chantua and her husband Joe behind her, Carolyn and her husband Kent behind her, next to Kent peeking out is Carolyn's son Tony , Debbie and her husband Frank and next to Debbie is her son Justin. The two kids in front are Ernie's kids Julie and Tyler.

Billy & Donna at the Grand Canyon Aug. 07

Christmas 2006

Billy, Donna, Mom, Danielle & Rachel

Donna LaMarre here, I am trying to post my pictures again, I understand most of you can't see them, sorry about that. Hope it works this time.

Any cousins interested in antique cars ?

Paul Daoust Sr. here ...

I know some of you have old restored cars.

I think one of the twins, Ronnie or Donnie, have a restored VW Beetle and take it to car shows.

I also know that Robert Ponton has a Z28 Camaro.

How about some pictures of the cars and a few stories ? It would be nice to hear from some more of you.

I'll lead off with this picture of my 1963 Impala SS.

Purchased 12/31/97 restored for 3 1/2 years and on the road since July 2001. The car now has 33,000 miles on it and we have taken it to NY twice, Key West, the Outer Banks of NC several times and numerous other shorter trips and car shows.

Speaking of lists ...

I think Suzy is onto something here. With this blog, there is a way to create a sidebar full of links ... links to family members' online photo albums or a family member's business or to the family tree or the family birthday list.

I'm sure many of you probably have a favorite method of photo sharing. The two most common that come to mind are Kodak's EasyShare program and Google's Picasa, which is what I use and LOVE. Click here to see what I mean. It's very easy, very intuitive, and their software will even help you organize your photos on your own computer (if you don't already have a system you like). Okay, end of shameless plug (Google didn't pay me, I promise!!)

Anyhow, if you already maintain an online photo album, please share it in a comment to this post. I'd love to be able to add a list of links here so we could all easily find each other's photo albums instead of wading through the posts to find that really cool photo of, say, Uncle Tom and his fried turkey! Also, I could get the family birthday list and family tree and put links to them, so, again, we won't have to sift through all the posts to find those items.

Let me know what you think!

Does anybody sell cars?

Just a thought. I am looking for a new car. If anyone sells new cars and has a great high MPG for sale e-mail SuzyMarch@AOL.com. Last time I bought I found out too late to send business to a relative. Oh yes- Capital District Area.

Just a thought - maybe we should add a "Go to List" to be used if you have a product or service to sell. This could help both you and a relative. For instance- maybe selling a vehicle means extra commission for you and perhaps you offer a family discount. Imagine- you could just list your product and your e-mail address and anyone interested could contact you. Let me know your comments and if we want to add this feature.

2008 Family Reunion

Joanne Braman-Palmer - I was talking with Suzy and we were saying how exciting it is to come on here and see what is getting posted. We still would love to see a lot more of you coming on, even if it is just to say hi. We were also saying how nice it is to see some of the cousins family pictures being posted, since we don't always get to see the cousins and their families. So please try and take a few minutes and post a family photo. If you have any questions or problems call me or get in touch with Suzy March - her e-mail is at the top of this website.

On to the the business of the 2008 family reunion. I was speaking with Aunt Yvonne today and read to her the "In death the birth of Daoust Nation". She loved the last paragraph about hers and grandma's backyard being mentioned and said that if it's okay with Aunt Irene, why don't we have a family reunion in their backyard. I spoke with Aunt Irene and she said it would be fine. Of course, there are some rules. She asked if we, the children of her brothers and sisters, could coordinate and take care of the party. In other words, they're donating the backyard and we take care of the rest. I spoke with Suzy and Donna and they are both on board in helping to get this party started.

This is where we need your input and soon, so we can give Aunt Irene and Aunt Yvonne the date and the details. So please get yourselves "invited on", if you haven't already, and give me a date this summer that you think would be good. We would like to get as many of us cousins, aunts and uncles that we can. Like Aunt Yvonne said to me it's been years since we've all been together like we once were in that backyard.

We would like to arrange it so that with a small contribution from those attending that we could rent a tent (in case it rains or is too windy), get tables and chairs and even possibly set up for a clam steam. We would ask that after the date is set that Suzy, Donna or myself, or all three of us could coordinate with each family attending that they make a dish. The invitation will be such that we will be inviting our parents (the states) the first cousins (the counties) and the first cousins can invite their children and childrens children (i.e., my mother will be invited and Terri, Diane, Eddie and myself, it's up to Terri and Diane to inform their children and respond to us, who in their family will be attending). This will make it easier since a lot of us 1st cousins don't know all the cousins children.

Please start giving me dates and any ideas you may have. We'd love to try and get as many of us back together again for what should be a very special day where we are, for once, getting together for a fun occasion and not a wake or a funeral. Also, if someone in your family doesn't have a computer, please inform them of this posting and post a date that's good for them as well. I'm hoping we can coordinate the date within the next few weeks. Take care - Joanne

The US National Whitewater Center

Here in NC we have a new place called the US National Whitewater Center. You can get a real-live whitewater experience and have a lot of fun.

Click on the picture and take a close look at the page included here. Look carefully at the two guys in the front of the raft. Why, that looks like Tom and Paul! And it is.

They take thousands of pictures of rafts on the water, in hopes of selling you one, and they picked this one to use with their ad. Maybe Paul can provide a link to our pictures on YouTube or put the video right here on the page. Have fun.

This might be where Tom was in the 1962 photo ...

This is Paul Daoust Sr.

Where was Tom in the 1962 photo of Cheryl, Paul and Suzy ? Um ... maybe this is where he was. Actually, this picture was taken when Tom was going to college at Cobleskill circa 1972-3.

Talk about memories, the chair he is sitting in is one from our grandmother Mimi (mothers mother) I remember seeing this chair from a very early age every time we went to visit her place in Waterford.

The stereo stand was one that I designed built when I was in college 1966-68. There was a place for 12 inch vinyls at the bottom (remember vinyls ?) And on top of the stand was Tom's Sansui Stereo Receiver and a pair of Radio Shack headphones (wired, of course, wireless hadn't been invented yet).

Another Ceramic Memory

Growing up in our house, we had a special bowl we called the Army bowl. Our dad (Edward Daoust) brought it home from his service in the Army and it had an Army medical symbol on it. It was heavy and different, so it was special. All of us kids tried to be the one to get the Army bowl, for ice cream, or cereal, or blackberries with milk and sugar.

A few years ago I found out that my brother Paul had somehow acquired the Army bowl, and I wanted a turn to enjoy it. He was a little reluctant to give it up at first, so I found one on eBay and bid on it. As I was about to get my own Army bowl, Paul finally agreed to let me have the Army bowl with all the memories attached to it. So I went ahead and had the eBay Army bowl shipped to him. Now we both enjoy the Army bowl.

Coming up? Does anyone remember my mother's washcloth slippers? I believe she shared them with her nieces, nephews and grands.

Y'all ever fried a turkey?

Here in NC it is common to deep fry the Thanksgiving turkey. It takes a big fryer--outdoors in the driveway--and just 30-40 min. to cook a 16 lb. turkey. Very tasty, and not greasy, as you might think. This photo is from 2006.

Have a great Thanksgiving...no matter how you cook your turkey.

From the Black & White Days

Here's a gem of a photo from July 1962: Cheryl, Sue, and Paul. I can't explain where I was for this picture, but I am sure everyone must have been dressed for church on Sunday.

THE COOKIE JAR

It's me, again, Joanne Braman-Palmer. I thought I'd share a "bittersweet" story with you that Michael shared with me last night after he gave the news of the soon-to-be grandchildren.

Michael asked me if I remembered the Donald Duck cookie jar that we had when we were kids. At first I didn't remember. But then he said my mother kept it on top of the refrigerator and suddenly it came back to memory. He told me he has the cookie jar and still looks at it everyday and then he asked me if I knew the story of the cookie jar. I replied I did not. So here's the story.

Apparently after Michael was born my parents gave his mother and father the cookie jar. When his father died, his mother (Aunt Dottie) gave the cookie jar back to my mother and felt she should have it back so my mother had a piece of Uncle Ray. My mother took it back and kept it on top of our refrigerator. Later in the years, when Michael grew up, my mother gave it to Michael and told him about the cookie jar and said she wanted him to have it. Michael still cherishes that cookie jar and said he thinks of my mom when he looks at it. He said he wanted me to know it's still there and to tell mom.

I never knew this story and thought about it all day today and tried to remember the last time I ever laid eyes on that cookie jar and for the life of me, I don't remember it ever being gone from our house. But now that he told me the story, I thought it was bittersweet and endearing and just so neat that such a simple little thing as a cookie jar in our house had such a story and meaning and still lives on. Now the memory of that cookie jar has taken on a whole new memory and meaning.

I was wondering if anyone else has a story of an item they have from an aunt or uncle, cousin or sibling, parent or grandparent that they can share with us. That simple Donald Duck cookie jar now has such meaning - who knew? Take care - Joanne

News from Michael Daoust

Hey everyone, it's me Joanne Braman-Palmer. Just thought I'd let you know, I spoke with Michael (Raymond's son) Daoust last night. He does not have a computer at the moment and gave me some good news and asked me to share it with the family. He is going to be a grandfather in March 2008 of twins (paternal), sex is not yet determined, but when he gets the info he will pass it along to me to pass on to the family. He's excited and said Michael (his son) and Jennifer (his daughter-in-law) are doing fine. My-my-my how the Daoust's just keep on coming! Take care - Joanne

Birthdays - A start anyway

Here is a list of birthdays from Nov 1991. I can't seem to get the family tree program to create an updated list. The information in the program is up to date, but I can't get the program to create a new, correct report. I will work on it.

Happy Birthday - Traci

Happy Birthday to Traci Daoust - 1 day late - from your cousin, Joanne Braman.

Hey maybe that would be an idea. Is there a way for us to list birthdays somewhere so we can find out whose birthday is coming up. But then, maybe it's not such a good idea. I know some of us are getting to the point we don't want to celebrate them anymore. But, I think it would be nice to know the birthdays. Just a thought. Give me your comments or opinion. Joanne

Thanks for Contributing, a little request

This is Paul J. Daoust Sr. son of Edward,

Thanks for all those who have posted to this new blog. It's really nice to finally meet some of the my cousins children and find out what the cousins are doing these days even though just in pictures and words.

I have a request though, when you post remember that many of us who don't live in the Albany area, don't see each other for years at a time, don't know your married names and thus don't know who is posting until the end of the post.

I usually manage to figure it out, but if you start off with your name and relation it would help those of us who don't live in the Albany area to know who we are reading about at the beginning of the post.

Thanks

Just a quick thanks

Thank you, thank you for the family link. It will be good to hear about the rest of the family. Sometimes information doesn't always make it to our part of the state and I often feel out of touch with most of the family. Our two girls, Sarah (5) and Emma (3) keep us quite busy. All is well out in the country, we are expecting our first snow flakes tonight, so yes winter is upon us soon. Take care.

Mary Lindecke

"Gerard" state

Billy & Donna at the Grand Canyon 2007

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2006

Update from Donna

Hi everyone, I'm really enjoying all the pictures and news. I want to thank Sue, Josee, and Paul for making my idea come to life. Thanks also to Joanne who has been notifying everyone. It took me a while to figure out what to do and hopefully there will be a picture from Christmas attached to this message of Billy, Danielle ,Rachel, Mom and me. Just to update everyone, Danielle lives in Buffalo where she works at Canisius College duing advisement for the athletic department. Rachel is in Providence RI working on her masters at Johnson & Whales. Billy & I are good, adjusting to life without Rachel again. We enjoyed a great vacation to Las Vegas in Aug. with some of Billy's family. While there we went to the Grand Canyon, it's just incredible.
Mom is doing good, she has recovered from her broken leg very nicely. Looking forward to hearing more family news. Donna

Tom & Linda with the MetLife Blimp

Linda and I had fun seeing this MetLife blimp up close after the Carolina Panthers played the Colts here in Charlotte. The Panthers got stomped pretty bad in that football game.

I am an agent with MetLife and we were given a rare invitation to see the blimp up close. We chatted with the pilot and crew as well.

The only ones who get to ride in the blimp anymore are the pilot and cameramen, but we had fun sitting inside it as it bounced several inches off the ground while tethered to a pole. So I tell people we flew in it.

Back in 1969..

Back Row: Josephine, Tim, Paul Jr. and Jacqueline
Front Row: Paul Sr. and Judith October 2004

When I was first introduced to the Daousts...it seemed overwhelming - so many cousins, so many aunts and uncles, and so many many names...But the warmth and acceptance, and especially the love of Grandma Daoust, made me feel welcome at all those showers, weddings, birthday parties, and just plain 'drop in' visits. I was essentially an orphan with no family, and the Daousts became that family...My gratitude to all those aunts and uncles, some passed and many still here who loved and accepted me. My gratitude to all those cousins who are now young adults for all the joy I got watching you run around at Grandma's, and at the firehouse, and at the homes where all the dinners and get togethers were held. As you age, you realize that good memories are part of the total experience of living well. For that, I owe the Daoust nation a debt of joy....

July 04 visit to NY

On a trip to NY we went on a Lake George cruise. Who did we bump into? Aunt Irene and Uncle Bill. What a nice surprise.

If you ever move away from central NY you will miss Lake George. With it's gorgeous tree-lined mountains, and plentiful islands, it is one of this country's greatest natural treasures. We miss it.

More Aunts at Thanksgiving Time

This picture was also taken in 2002 when I visited my aunts on 2nd Ave. They all look so happy, and warm. Y'all bundle up in November, don't you.

Aunt Irene - Thanksgiving 2002

I thought it was time for a few of our aunts to make an appearance on this blog. So here is Aunt Irene at Thanksgiving time 2002. I am holding up a 2-care pie she made for me. Mmmmm good.

Stepson Jonathan

Well it took awhile to find a picture of Jonathan, Dave's son. This was taken about 10 yrs ago. We just found him and met him and found out that Dave was a grandpa. In the picture with Jonathan is Austin.

Carrying on a proud tradition

Many Daoust men made a living building with wood (Gerard, Bernie, and others). Our grandpa worked at it full time, and my dad built the house we grew up in in Latham. So I am sure it is in my chromogenes to work with wood.

Here I am at Linda's school, assembling a kiddy stool for one of her grade school classes. I've built about 30 of these. Josee and Jim's son Danny will get one in a few weeks when we all get together at Brian's wedding. Michael Cusick's daughter Bethany has one as well.

In the lower right corner of this picture is a little guy named Robert. He is a dwarf. I built this kiddy stool mainly to help him.

The "Gerard" State

Hey, How are we all doing, I think this will be a lot of fun and enlightening, hope we get everyone involved in this, it will be great for the younger ones to understand how great this Daoust Nation really is.

By the way if you did'nt figure it out by now I am Gerard Jr., my dad was the last born #7 of the first group. Yvonne died with her 8th John. I will get around to some photos soon and explain for the younger people who is in my part of this Nation I think we all could use a little refresher so feel free to do the same, names, locations and the like, I think that would be great!

Kind of corny but maybe we all take the que and refer to the original brothers and sisters as the States of this great Nation? just a thought.

OK I'm done for now but I'm gonna leave you with one of my friend "George Carlins" New Rules: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we're done.
Everyone keep up the good work.