Monday, October 22

In Memory of my Dear Friend, Elmer Ake


A veteran friend of mine who I met on the Internet about nine years ago, passed away on October 8th. I just received the news tonight. Linda, Elmer's daughter, had difficulty contacting me. She finally got my email addy from a mutual friend who lives in Arkansas.

My husband and I was honored to have met Elmer and his family at their home in Cinncinnati, Ohio in the summer of 2005. We were treated like royalty. Elmer had many stories to tell of his adventures in both WWII and as a truck driver. He had a keen sense of humor which continued when he became bedridden. Elmer loved the computer and made many online friends in his retirement years.

Please visit the Elmer Ake Homepage and leave a message of condolence in the guestbook.

You can read Elmer's Obituary HERE

Elmer was 82 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Betty, daughter, Linda and several brothers and sisters. He served in WWII as an army medic and sergeant. After his retirement as a truck driver for Kroger, Elmer wrote poetry about his WWII experiences. If you'd like to see some of his awards and read his poetry, please follow the link above to the Elmer Ake Homepage.

Elmer, you will be missed and never forgotten. You blessed me in a special way.

This candle burns in memory of my dear friend, Elmer.


23 comments:

  1. A beautiful tribute to your friend. Bless you in this time of sorrow.

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  2. cynthia,

    Thank you so much for your words of condolence. Your words are very much appreciated.

    Mary

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  3. Dear Mary, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend Elmer. Sounds like he lived a full and adventurous life, one he can be proud of! I'm glad to hear that you were able to meet him...isn't it amazing the friendships that the internet has brought together:-) xox

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  4. I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend, sounds like he was a treasure.,

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  5. What a sad day....and I'll go back to his site in a bit.

    Your words of tribute to Elmer are very touching, and directly from your heart!

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  6. Sounds like my dad!! He is 89 now and fought in WWII. He has a lot of stories also!!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog!! I love getting these awards but think they are getting almost out of hand now. That is why i am not passing them on any longer!! Great idea but i think it has run its course for now anyway. Hope your day is grand..Sandy

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  7. He sounds like a wonderful man and you were lucky to have him in your life in a positive way.

    My Dad is 88 and I treasure every day, every memory we are still making.

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  8. Pea,

    Elmer was very special to my - like a second father. When I spoke to him on the phone, I always called him Dad and he called me daughter. I was daughter # 2.

    I am so glad we got to meet. He invited us to his home and we were treated so well. He did have lots of adventure in his life but the last couple of years has been hard for him as he couldn't do anything. He was bed ridden because of osteoporosis. They told him if he got out of bed, he'd break something.

    Though I miss him, I realize he is in no more pain. I wouldn't wish him back into that bedridden world. He is at peace now.

    Thanks for dropping by.
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  9. Denise,

    He was like a second father to me. He helped me over the mountains and through the valleys. We were very close.

    Thanks for dropping by, my friend. I have you in my prayers.

    May God bless this Tuesday abundantly for you.

    Mary

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  10. Anni,

    Thank you so much for your kind and touching comments. You're a dear friend.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  11. Flip Flop,

    We can learn a lot from these men who fought in WWII and there's not many of them left anymore. I wish your dad good health and well wishes.

    Thanks for dropping by. Have a terrific Tuesday.

    Mary

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  12. skywriter,

    You are lucky to still have your dad. My dad passed in 1981. Still miss him, but have many great memories.

    Have a blessed Tuesday.
    Mary

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  13. I am so sorry to hear about your friend passing away. I will keep his family in my prayers during this difficult time.

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  14. Melanie,

    Thank you so much for your prayers for Elmer's family. His wife and daughter are having a difficult time right now and all prayers are appreciated.

    Have a Blessed Tuesday.
    Mary

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  15. Mary,

    I'm sorry that you lost your friend. He seemed to be a wonderful man. I will get over to his web site to begin reading his poetry tonight, I'm sure that he left some thoughtful words. My condolences to you and his family and friends.

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  16. So sorry to hear you (and his family) lost such a great friend.

    My heart and prayers are with all who loved and miss him...

    Blessings,
    Michele

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  17. Deborah,

    Thanks so much for your kind words. I appreciate your friendship.

    Have a great day.
    Mary

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  18. Michele,

    Thanks so much for the prayers. I will miss Elmer a lot. He was a second father to me.

    Have a wonderful day.
    Mary

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  19. Oh, Mary, I am so sorry to hear that your dear friend Elmer, has passed away. I remember you've known him for some time, and have written about him in the past. My condolences to his family, and you.

    Blessings at this sad time and always,

    Renie

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  20. Renie,

    Thank you so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I appreciate your friendship.

    Yes, I will miss Elmer, but he is in a better place. He's been in a lot of pain the last couple of years. Now he is complete once more.

    Blessings to you, my friend. It's raining here, but the temperatures are more seasonable.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  21. You left a sweet comment in my blog... And said you were having a blue Monday. And of course, I can see why. I'm so sorry to hear of your friends passing...

    But I'm glad you liked my 'Ma and Pa Kettle' themed entry today. I'm glad it brought back fun movie memories.

    Mari-Nanci

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  22. Marci-Nanci,

    You certainly did inspire me and took me for a walk down Memory Lane. I have just posted one of my memories about Ma and Pa Kettle.

    Blessings for the inspiration.
    Mary

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  23. Dear Mary,

    I was rereading your wonderful tribute to dad.
    He thought the world of you.
    God bless you and take care.

    Linda and Mom

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