As a proud nephew of uncle Charlie (for many years he was uncle Chick to me) I feel respect, love and admiration for him today. His passing represents the mortal conclusion of the Ryser Family siblings. This is a time for celebration and remembrance, and a time to celebrate the legacy this wonderful man and his eternal companion, Ruth, passed forward to their family and the entire Ryser clan.
I remember fondly the Ryser Family gatherings at our grandparents home on 6th Ave almost every Sunday evening. We cousins played while the parents sat around and did the parent thing. I remember Charlie's playful manner and his smile. From an early age I remember seeing and feeling how he loved my mother, Pauline, all his siblings, and his parents. I remember visits to his own home and time spent there with together with John, Jane and Kristen.
Much later in my life, that admiration, respect and love for Charlie and Ruth deeply crystalized. As all my uncles and aunts grew together in their later years of life I could see the bond of love they had for each other grow, while they embraced the joys and challenges of growing families, wonderful grandchildren, yet coupled with the loss of loved ones and their own health. The family dynamic was incredible and meaningful.
That love and devotion was magnified when my mother Pauline transitioned to assisted living, moving right next door, to dear, sweet aunt Ruth at the Beehive. It wasn't too long before Charlie joined Ruth and both watched over mom, while she in turn, watched over them. What a blessing to the next generation of cousins, and one my family and siblings treasure, to have them living next to each other and to see them care for each other. Ruth was angelic and Charlie was close behind.
I will fondly remember sharing time together with Ruth and Charlie. I will remember Charlie's kind and loving nature, his sweetness to Ruth and Pauline and his unselfishness. I recall the day he and Ruth invited Cathy and me into their room to show off their newly purchased matching recliner chairs, placed side-by-side so that they could sit next to each other, and hold hands. I will remember how found he was of Cummings chocolates we would share with him, lways grateful for a good chocolate. I will remember feeling that Charlie cast a huge and strong presence of a man, and will always remember his large, strong and rough hands. I always thought they were huge, but gentle. Most of all I will remember and appreciate his wonderful smile and the twinkle in his eyes and the love and devotion he had for his family, Ruth and my mother. Thanks for being a family hero to me.
I will fondly recall his 99 year old birthday celebration, outside on the Beehive patio with family and watching him eat his cake and ice cream. Epic moment.
You almost made it to 100 years old, but more importantly you made it home to your Heavenly Parents, family, siblings and friends. With love and admiration.
Blessings to the Ryser and extended family.
In gratitude for your wonderful example of loving devotion,
Rick and Cathy Graham
