Message from Barbara

I am so sorry to miss this wonderful celebration of Walt’s life tonight!  Only wild horses or a blood clot in my leg could have kept me away.  Unfortunately, it’s a blood clot.

I’m also sorry to miss seeing all the relatives and dear friends who mean so much to the entire Windsor family.  Thank you for making this evening so special. 

A lot has already been said about Walt’s incredible life, but I’d like to add a few personal comments – memories and observations that are meaningful to me.

The first time I met Walt I was only 19 years old.  I was immediately intimidated by his huge presence and booming voice.  It didn’t take long, however, to realize that Walt was just a very large teddy bear when it came to family and friends.

Walt was completely and totally in love with his wife.  Even as a 19-year-old, I remembered thinking that Mary was such a lucky woman to have a husband who loved her so undeniably.

Walt became an even bigger teddy bear when his grandchildren came along – and of course great-grandchildren were absolute perfection in his eyes.

Bill and I have talked about Walt a lot the last eight weeks.  Our time with Walt at the hospital and hospice gave us an opportunity to really think about how he influenced our lives.  He was a wonderful man to many people, but what I will hold in my memory was his complete and utter joy in living every day.  Walt loved his life – and he made things happen wherever he went.

If he ever said anything bad about anyone, I never heard it.  He had no prejudice; he always gave people the benefit of the doubt.  He never tried to be anyone but himself – and he both recognized his shortcomings and celebrated his talents.

My favorite memory of Walt will always be of him playing the piano and singing when he visited us through the years.  He’d always sit down and ask what songs I’d like to hear.  My Mom’s favorite, “What’ll I Do,” was always his first tune – knowing that it would bring a tear to my eye.

I could not have asked for a more supportive or loving father-in-law.  Walt – I know that you are watching with Mary tonight from up above.  Please know that I will always celebrate your life and find genuine happiness in your memory.

Love,

Boz