Friday, February 8, 2008

Temporary Suspension of Operations ...


Hi All!


My brother, Oliver Gemmel Jr. (Butch as my sibling and I called him) passed away Friday, February 1st, 2008 suddenly and unexpectedly. He will be sorely missed by me and my entire family.


He was 12 years older than me but we could not be closer. I will miss his strength, love for life, devotion to family, friendliness, charisma and amazing ability to attract strange women. (I have to figure out how he did that) :)


Butch liked lighthouses, covered bridges and he got me hooked on model trains. :)))))


I shared this blog with him and am glad I did. His eyesight was poor, so pictures in my blog were the only way he could see what I was seeing through my telescope.


His passing leaves a gaping void in our family. We just lost my Dad and Butch's son, Roger last year.

I'll begin blogging again soon, but not until I get over the shock of his passing.


The attached picture of my brother Butch (at left) and I was taken in Brimley, Michigan in June 2007. My family was in Michigan to lay my Dad's ashes to rest. My Dad passed away in December 2006.


Until the Next Time


Star Pilot

Look to the Heavens! A new Star is Shining the Night Sky. My Brother Butch is looking upon us from his Celestial Home.

20 comments:

Heart of Rachel said...

First of all, I would like to extend my condolences to your family.

I came here through your daughter, Jacki. She said that it's your special day. I came here to greet you Happy Birthday. I understand that it might not be an easy time to celebrate. May God bless you especially during this time.

Cat said...

Hey there, I'm a friend of Jacki's. I wanted to let you know I've been thinking of you the last couple of weeks and hoping your doing OK.

Now I find it's your birthday so I wish you a safe and healthy year ahead full of joy and good times.
Best wishes for the year to come!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

I too am here because of your daughter Jacki. She told us that it is your birthday and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Chandra said...

I have prayed for you and your family after reading about your loss on your daughter's blog. Please accept my condolences as well.

Now, Jacki tells us you have a birthday today! Happy Birthday! I hope today brings you great joy surrounded by family and friends who love you. Enjoy your special day!

Pdyrholm said...

I am here too because of your daughter Jacki :-)

Happy birthday.
Even though the plans changed a bit and it's not going to be as we thought I hope that it is still going to be a good day for you.

Have a great day and see you later

ohh and check your email

Beth 'n Chris said...

I know that loss is hard to bear, but your daughter is a wonderful person to allow us to join in sending our best wishes and hugs at this time in your life.

I'd like to wish you a healthy and happy year ahead. May your heart be lifted.

Dee said...

I'm sorry that you lost your brother, that's a wonderful picture of the two of you!

You have a happy birthday today! And many more to come!

Dee

mindi said...

I also came through Jacki, and wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and hope you have a fantastic day.
Condolences to you and your family for your loss.
I hope this next year is filled with bright sunshine and smiles, some of which I'm sure Emma will bring to you . . .

Lea said...

Dear Jim!
From Tømmerby, Denmark we wish you a HAPPY BIRTDAY and hope you will have a great and lovely day together with your family.
Love to all of you.
From Per and Lea

Ronnica said...

I'm a bloggy friend of Jacki's, and I wanted to wish you a happy birthday!

Jan said...

my condolences for the loss of your brother.

and happy birthday to you too. :) you look awesomely handsome in the photo that jacki posted in her blog. :)

Britni said...

This is probably really hard but I hope you have a great birthday anyways. Hope things get a little better.

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) said...

a new star is shining in the night sky ... you know what, that's true!
enjoy your birthday, somehow!
- charlotte, jacki's friend

Unknown said...

I'm sorry for your loss.
I came here from your daughters blog to wish you Happy Birthday.
She loves you very much!

blue said...

I´m here from Jacki´s blog, too. I´m very sorry about your brother, I have a sister who is 12 years younger than me and were very close, too.

Despite the sadness, I hope you have a birthday that is full of family love.

Kellan said...

I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your special brother - you offered a very nice tribute to him.

I also would like to wish you a very Happy Birthday! I know this must be a tough time for you, but you should also remember to let those that love you help you celebrate your life and celbrate their love for you - I hope you do that, at least a little bit! Happy Birthday - see you soon. Kellan

Leta said...

We lost my sister on Christmas Day in 2003. Christmas is about a week before my birthday, so I understand a little of what you are going through. My condolences to you and your family.

I hope your birthday is a good one that you are back to posting soon.

Signed, Peter's co-worker's-girlfriend who reads Jacki's blog. :-)

Audrey said...

I came here via Jacki's blog. So sorry about your loss but I'm sure time will heal all wounds. Since it's also your birthday, let me wish you Happy Birthday and may you be in good spirits and good health always.

Catlin Humes said...

Hey, I came over through Jacki's site. I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I know it will be a hard birthday for you not having him around. You are so lucky to have such a loving daughter! I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

tricki_nicki said...

Have a wonderful 50th year!