Four well-known television personalities passed away within a few days of each other. Condolences and prayers go out to their families. Family members, friends and fans are dealing with the loss of Ed McMahan, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mays.
Our family is handling the death of my brother-in-law, Alvin "Bobo/Bones" Still. Alvin was my youngest sister's husband and father of three children and two adorable grandchildren. His life ended on Saturday, June 28 th but we were not informed until Sunday. Their son and youngest child, George, was out of town with one of our sisters, who is also his godmother. His mom did not want the news to reach him while he was away. She chose to wait before informing anyone until he returned home.
George, named after our dad, will be 13 on July 12th. He has two sisters, Erin who turns 20 and Shana who turns 27 in November. Alvin and his wife, Shena, planned these children seven years apart. They prayed for their third child to be a son. Alvin was in agreement to name his only son after his deceased father-in-law, George Ward Still. How cool is that?
Alvin was 52 years old. He loved his family and was devoted to them. He was a starting forward on the Varsity Basketball team and a member of Future Farmers of America while in high school. He and his wife were high school sweethearts and had been together since 1973.
He worked where our deceased father was employed and did not miss one day of work until five years ago when he had surgery on his back. He was employed with his employer since graduating from high school in 1974.
Bones was quiet and reserved. Over the years, he became more vocal and expressive after his son was born. After becoming a grandfather, he changed even more into a social butterfly. His grandchildren, Ivan and Shania were the flames that kept him aglow. At the ages of three and four, respectively, they had him wrapped around both their fingers, especially Shania.
Bobo had many of our dad's characteristics. Like daddy, he was a gardener of flowers and vegetables. He was also a hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed his responsibility of making life easier for his wife and children, even if he went without. Whatever his wife wanted, he made sure she got it. She would be careful to keep her wants in check because he'd work extra hours, if necessary.
During the months of his illness, he bought Shena a riding lawnmower but still didn't like her to mow the lawn. Friends came to help and relatives cooked meals so he could have his wife at his side as much as possible.
Alvin's death was due to lung cancer. He was a smoker for all of his adult life. Nicotine is an addictive drug. It is so addictive that smokers choose to continue smoking even after the birth of their children and grandchildren. Mothers will smoke during pregnancy risking premature birth, low birth weight and other possible dangers to their unborn child.
Alvin Still was not an international or national celebrity. In his own right, he was a superstar to his wife, children, grandchildren, family, in-laws, friends, classmates and coworkers. We say goodbye to him and promise to look after his family in his absence. Farewell, Bobo. So long, Bones. You were loved and will be missed.
2009 Avis Ward -
GeoVi's Home for New Life
