A Tribute

Gib Sedwick lived 91 years and he REALLY lived – probably the equivalent of several lifetimes. His recent death didn’t make headlines, but he was special not only to me, but anyone who knew him. He was the no-nonsense dad of a childhood friend, and a good friend to my father. They were interested in so many of the same things – electronics & technical stuff that most everyone else didn’t even understand. But they could talk for hours. And after my dad died in 2000, I felt closer to him whenever I was around Mr Sedwick.

Imagine back in the 1950s before email & Internet, being able to talk with someone half-way around the world for free! Mr Sedwick was the first short-wave radio enthusiast I ever knew. As a family, they attended stock car races & I was invited to go with them several times. It was loud, dusty and much more exciting than anything my family ever did! It was always an adventure just going to their house. You just never knew what would be happening.

Every summer, Mr & Mrs Sedwick & their two daughters packed up their pop-up camper and traveled across America. I doubt if there’s a state they did not visit. After my family moved to Idaho when I was in HS, they traveled out to visit us a year or so later, while visiting the Great Northwest. They were an adventuring family and he was the lead adventurer.

One thing I especially remember in recent years was our church honoring all the military veterans. They were encouraged to bring any mementos they might still have. He arrived, dressed up in his WWII Navy Seabee uniform (which still fit!), and proudly showed everyone his hat. Taped to the inside was a picture of his beautiful young bride, Ruth, which he had carried with him all during that war. That brought tears to my eyes then and still does now. He said she was his motivation to get home safely. He did, and remained married to the same woman for over 65 years.

Even though he had his hips replaced – twice – he and his wife ballroom danced almost every week until his stroke last year. It was a joy to see them dressed in their finery, holding each other close and gazing into each other’s eyes. He made an unforgettable impression on my life, and he will be greatly missed. Goodbye Mr Sedwick. Tell my dad hello.

Margie