Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Bill Memories
Bill was my elder brother and I always thought he was so cool. He just ‘thunked’ me up one day when he was about 4 years old. He announced to our Mom that he wanted a baby sister because all his friends had one, and we should call her Bonnie Jean, after Grandma Jeannie. I arrived about a year later.
His first paying job was a pin setter at the local bowling alley in Assiniboia, SK. I swear he must’ve spent every dime on 45 rpm records. He had all the latest hits. (Told you he was cool.) Even on a bad day, Ray Charles was the greatest.
A very important thing he taught me was how to wiggle my ears. To music. And independently or in sync. I was surprised to learn that not everyone could do this.
Plus he was fast on the comeback, a great quip master. One of Jim’s (older bro) pals said “ Gee Brimacombe, you have big ears”. Bill responded, “Ya, but at least I have something between mine”.
We were both accountants and I enjoyed his stories about articling as a CA in Calgary. He always loved music and was whistling down the hall one day when a senior partner said “Brimacombe, WE don’t whistle in the hallway.” Oops… I know other people must have classic stories of the good ol’ days too. He was a proud CPA (CA), a proud Canadian and an even prouder Albertan. I loved that about him too.
One of his last visits with us in White Rock was in 2019. I knew he enjoyed the great outdoors, especially looking for birds and wildlife, so we drove to Campbell Valley park and went for a trek. Quite a hike as it turned out. Should’ve paid more attention to the maps, but we made it back to the parking lot ok, tired and thirsty. And we spotted an Oregon Junco which delighted him.
And even though he’s gone, he’s still reminding me of things like the importance of family and friends. And I promise Bill I’ll teach the Grandkids how to wiggle their ears.
I miss him, will love him forever and ever, and will always cherish the memories.
Bonnie Jean (What’s that I hear, I think it’s Ray singing ...Together again…)
