Fifteen months ago, during the height of Covid, my father-in-law passed away. Thirteen family members gathered online yesterday to tell stories and remember the good in Gene. I read a poem I wrote about the man who fathered my dear husband.
Eugene Alan Wedell
Architect; modern design
Uncompromising Romantic
Married only Paris-born Jewish abstract artist’s daughters
Photographer focused clearly through a male lens
Red wine, Bonsai, Brooks Brothers, Corduroy, Cravat & Tweed
Ellington & Mingus Jazz Connoisseur
New York Times Best Books Devotee
West Coast, Wonderful Woodworking Wedell
Strong with capable hands
100% Swedish Farmer Genes
Ardent Environmentalist
Landel Digester Eco-Gene
Opinionated Perfectionist
Life-Long Charette
Affordable Housing Advocate
Olema Inn Resurrector
Bear Flag Rebellion Pub Post-Tensioner
San Rafael Xeriscape landscaping underground rebel leader
Son, Brother, Father, Stepfather, Step-grandfather, Grandpa Gene
We say farewell, happy you’ve found peace.
–Rebecca Cuningham January 14, 2023
Fake Flamenco 
He sure seemed like a remarkable man Rebecca. Sending you a virtual hug.
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Thanks, Aggie. Hug received and appreciated!
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A beautiful farewell poem.
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Thank you, Sadje. Writing helps me with my grief.
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You’re welcome. Yes I can understand
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A lovely tribute Rebecca 🤍🤗🤗
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Thank you, it was moving how the discussion of his love for jazz resounded with the participants of the memorial. He taught a whole new generation about jazz.
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…a legacy, in life and in death. How wonderful is that… He left behind so much to be remembered for🙏most welcome Rebecca 🤍🤗
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🙏
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My condolences dear Rebecca to you and your family. Lovely poem. Eliana
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Thank you, Eliana. I appreciate your support and kind words.
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What a beautiful tribute, Rebecca!
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Thank you, Britta. I appreciate your comments.
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Well, he sounds great! And Rebecca, you have given your father-in-law a send-off you can both be proud of. Hope your husband agrees!
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Thank you, Margaret. I did my warm up reading for Evan and Eagle the day before. They liked the poem and it was hugs all around after that.
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Job done!
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Beautiful! Sorry that you had to delay the memorial so long but clearly you celebrated him well!
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Thank you, as a insightful person, you have pinpointed one of the matters at hand.
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Nice tribute to him.
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Beautifully written, Rebecca!
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Thanks, Janet. I appreciate the compliment.
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A wonderful tribute and memorial. Beautifully written. My condolences.
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Thanks, Brian. Very kind of you.
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Oh my gosh, Rebecca. What a beautiful and insightful tribute.
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Thanks, Neal. I knew him almost 30 years.
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A beautiful tribute, Rebecca ❤
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Thank you, Rosaliene. Writing really helps me sort my sentiments.
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He sounds like he was a very interesting man… i’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️🩹
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Thank you, Carla. Yes, never s dull moment with Gene! 🙂
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So poignant!
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Thank you, Carolyn. An amazing person, with flaws like us all.
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I am happy to read you found comfort in writing, Rebecca. Your father-in-law was clearly an interesting and accomplished person. My condolences to you and your family.
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Thank you, Michele. I appreciate your thoughts.
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💐
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Rip to Gene, a beautiful tribute to your dear sweet father in law!
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Thanks so much, Carol Anne. We miss him.
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What a beautiful piece, Rebecca, and I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost my husbands father a few months ago as well and that kind of hurt, that loss, you feel it soul-deep. My heart and prayers go out to you all.
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Thank you, Sheri for this heart-felt thoughtful response.
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You’re very welcome.❤️
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A fitting poem and a nice way to remember your father-in-law.
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Thank you, Darlene. I wrote one for my uncle that I’ll share this week.
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