THE SALESMAN

    Loquacious and friendly, my second brother Fred, became a salesman and always had suggestions ready on all topics at all times and willing to give voice to a potential client at every opportunity. With bent right leg resting on the left knee he could at times stay in continuous motion, assuring everyone he was imparting competent knowledge on all subjects.  He was involved largely in the sale of real estate.. At age 21 he married a charming lady he met at a local dance in Orion.  She was always an interested listener.  At family gatherings there were moments when Fred’s exaggerations on many subjects seemed to push the limits and his wife, Gertrude, always calm, sometimes working with her knitting, would say, “Okay Fred, that’s enough.”  Her words unfolded quietly and gently as the pattern in her knitting shaped itself into a warm garment.  Fred would chuckle and say, “Hey do you want to hear story or not.” 

    On one occasion they spent a winter in Arizona. There was a misunderstanding regarding the amount to be paid to the sales agent.  Seller and buyer met in Court to settle the matter.  Fred’s wife sat in the audience and as usual had brought her knitting with her.  Indicating Fred’s wife, the judge looked toward her and said, “I think there is only one person in this Courtroom who knows what’s going on.” The judge divided the number in question into two parts and it was settled with a moment of mirth.

   Fred and his wife returned to British Columbia in time to attend a special Canada-wide celebration in 1967. He had a heart attack in 1986 followed by triple by-pass surgery.  He never fully recovered and had to give up his business.  After caring for Fred at home for a number of years, a nearby care home was found for him.  Gertrude had always taken a walk every day, and continues to do so.  This habit may account for the fact she is still in quite good health and spirits except for diminished eyesight and can no longer continue with her knitting and related hobbies.  She lives in a nice retirement home in Abbotsford B.C. Her next birthday will celebrate 98 years.  She enjoys visits from her daughter who lives nearby and a son in Alberta.