Wednesday, March 15, 2017

A Death in the Family


Read my brother's Washington Post obituary HERE.

Although my heart is irrevocably broken, I still realize I am the luckiest guy on earth to have had Bill as my big brother these past 49 years and nine months. Thank you for everything you taught me -- which books to read, bands to listen to, movies and shows to watch; how to be a better writer and editor; and how to find the perfect apartment -- and all the fun we had growing up -- designing our Fisher-Price city; playing tennis at Village and La Casita; creating our own computer tennis-rankings system (on a Commodore VIC-20!); and all those concerts and horror movies you took me and my friends to see. Life is not fair -- and I know there will be many more angry moments ahead. But right now all I can think about is how fortunate our family was to have you in it, and how much I'm going to miss you, Billy. xo

UPDATE:


More remembrances HERE.

46 comments:

BingoGroupie said...

Sorry for your loss....

Don said...

What a fantastic remembrance from the Post. My condolences.

Unknown said...

Sincere condolences Kenneth, very sad to see this. Wonderful tribute to your brother.

Anonymous said...

Find strength in your family. They are your rock.

Deep Dish said...

I'm so sorry, Kenneth. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Ctellrich said...

As we all go through the life cycle, death is always the most painful and bewildering.. but we have the cherished memoris to imbrace us when we are lost, and sad. I am sorry for your loss. May you embrace is light and Carry him with you were ever you go.. may peace be with you and your family...

Editor said...

Dear Ken,

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time of mourning.

- Shane

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My partner of 15 years died of bile duct cancer nearly five years ago now. Sending love and light to you and your family.

Jinxy said...

Sorry for your loss.

Claude Remains said...

So sorry for your loss.

Claude Remains

Blobby said...

I am so sorry for your loss. The love you had for your brother has certainly come through in the posts you've written about him. While the day is dark, you have so many great memories - and that is the key. You have my sincerest condolences.

Stephen said...

This just made me very sad. So sorry for the loss of your brother.

jaragon said...

Dear Ken ; My deepest sympathy for you and your family

mikeinbama said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy for you and your family.

Joe said...

Condolences to the Walsh Family.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss - even though we may think we're "prepared" it's still a shock when it happens. And I empathize with you on the strange mix of gratitude and sorrow that can come with the death of a loved one. Thinking of you and your family. Take care.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss - his heart will continue to touch each of us through your words.

Steve said...

Really wonderful write up in the Post. Sending sympathy for your lose.

DrGaellon said...

Condolences on your loss. May you know no more sorrow.

edmcan said...

I'd like to add my condolences Ken. Life is so short. I know that the strength of your family will get you all through this difficult time.

Izzoiz said...

Kenneth, i have been a fan of your blog for a very long time. My heart goes out to you and your family....i have two older brothers myself and could not imagine losing them at any age....my deepest heartfelt love to you.....

Izzoiz

swine said...

So sorry & sad to hear this, Kenny. What a beautiful & interesting obit. You're lucky to have had such a wonderful brother.

Unknown said...

Sending your family a big hug through the Internet.

Jim O'Toole said...

So very sorry for your loss- what a wonderful post you shared about your brother. RIP

howardinsandiego said...

my deepest condolences.

ed said...

My condolences, Ken, to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Very sorry. Love and hugz your way. I have read your blog for years after finding it randomly years ago. Prayers and good thoughts. Take solace in knowing the time you spent knowing and loving your brother. Big love and blessings always.

Tom said...

Sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

I thank you for sharing this journey with us, and wish you and your family much love and kindness. Thank you for letting us meet your wonderful brother in some way. I think we would have liked to have had him as a friend.

detroit bob said...

Ken, my deepest sympathy to you and all the clan...The Detroit Press Club just published a fine tribute with many wonderful comments about your brother. The thread through all was his personal warmth and kindness and professionalism.
Requim Aeternum.
Bob Warsham, Detroit

Jeffery said...

Sorry to hear. Never easy to lose someone you love.

Unknown said...

So sorry, Kenneth. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
- Michael

Shawn Cullen said...

Sending my heart-felt condolences. I've read your blog for years and have always enjoyed your references to your family. The Washington Post obit paints such a vivid picture of your brother! He and I were the same age, so his passing brings some reflection for me on the brevity of life. Thinking of you in this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

so sad to read this - I really enjoy your blog - condolences

Unknown said...

I have been thinking of you and your family and was hoping this day wouldn't come. I think your brother lived around the corner from me here on Capitol Hill. Thank you for sharing his story over the past months and I am so sorry to you and your family for your deep loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm a regular reader of your blog tho I don't know you and you don't know me. However, I want to send my condolences to you and your family.

rossinyc said...

I am very sorry for your loss. His obituary sounds like he was a smart and interesting guy. Way too young.

JD said...

So sorry Ken

Tom L said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Mike in Asheville said...

I am sorry for your loss. Now I have to go get some towels to clean up my computer after laugh-spitting coffee all over the place -- The Elephants of Style -- brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

Robert H said...

So, so sorry to hear this. I know what it is to lose a brother. Just remember the good times and not this sad and hurtful time.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kenneth. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute. HUGS.

Andrew said...

So sorry for your loss.

Bill Carter said...

What a well-lived life your brother had! So sorry that I didn't last much, much longer.

My thoughts and sympathies are with you.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss, you were lucky to have such an incredible brother.
A long time reader from Scottsdale

paintbrush said...

May peace be with you on your loss.