Back In Love Again ~ LTD

"I still remember those crazy handshakes I used to get from great grandpa when I was little." ~Daeton

"I don't know why, but I never understood grandpa..he'd always say "why are u Shakin yo head like a horse". ~Adrien 

"I think everyone's version (of Grandpa's handshake) was different. That was the awesome thing about Grandpa, the wisdom and conversations were personalized and not one size fits all."

"My most memorable moment with Grandpa was going into grandma and grandpa's room and looking through his dish with change from all the countries he had been to(the one by their bed). I would ask him questions about each country, and he would take the time to tell me amazing stories about each time he had traveled including going to Australia and seeing buddy's of his from the navy box with kangaroos. Each time I would ask him what his favorite country was, and he would reply America because that's where his family was. " ~ Chris

"I didn't get a chance to meet grandpa, but reading through everyone's memories, it brings me so much joy. We'll be imparting these sweet moments with Anderson. He will know how thoughtful and loving grandpa was and how his legacy lives on through his family. " ~ Ileana

"My favorite memories include Daddy teaching me how to drive and also teaching me how to cook roast. I moved to Indiana when I was 20 and Daddy brought me to the airport. His plan was to drop me off and then go to work. Instead, he parked the car and walked me to the skycap. He taught me how to check in and give a tip to the skycap and anyone that helped me. My plane was delayed and he was worried so called his job and told them that he was going to be late. He stayed in the airport with me until my plane left. We had the best conversation about life and how to take care of myself. I miss his straight faced humor and him saying, "You had me worried there Kid, but I'm here for you."

"One of my favorite memories. Grandpa was the first person I saw after graduation from Long Beach. He was teary eyed and told me how proud he was."

Happy Heavenly Anniversary, Daddy!

One of my favorite memories is when we went to Julian to see the snow and I got to bring my boyfriend (who said that Daddy was looking directly at him in the rear view mirror the whole drive up the mountain, gritting his teeth because we were holding hands).

 Daddy had his own language: the boys that used to come around were "Bozos" and "Dunderheads". Junk food was "Geedunks" and when we were caught cutting up, he would ask the rhetorical question, "You think that's funny?" (Which would make us laugh even harder.)

 Perhaps the most uttered phrase that I heard as a teenager was the infamous, "Can I talk to you?" This was the clue that I was going to be put on restriction for habitually breaking curfew. I think I gave him MOST of his gray hair!

I miss my childhood--- eight people in a station wagon or van with  Chaka Khan or The Ohio Players playing on the radio, the smell of exhaust wafting through the side windows, two or more kids arguing about who was touching who, our fearless leader Daddy clutching the steering wheel and Mama constantly saying, "Lover, do you need any help?"  What a team they were for 53 years!!! 

To this day, I often hear Daddy say, "Did you see about your mother?" He loved her fiercely,he protected her at all cost and he never put anyone above his family. Honor, discipline, and loyalty. Rest in peace, Daddy. I miss you and I love you 

"My favorite memories with grandpa were when we would come over to visit and he would show us the places he's been to on the globe by the fish tank, when he taught us how to swim in the pool and have us do breath holding competitions, and playing checkers. 

"I remember the time when our grandparents took us to universal studios and it was awesome !!!

I enjoyed that moment !"

"I remember one time Julian and I went out to California and grandma and grandpa surprised us and took us to Las Vegas. We were walking the strip one night and I as I was so astonished by the bright lights and everything, I turned to grandpa and grandma and told them, "one day I'm going to take my girlfriend out here". Next we saw a group of pretty women walk by and I said, "you know what, never mind!"

"My favorite memories have to do with how much Daddy fearlessly loved his wife.  I loved how they repeatedly got married over and over again, and how they took many trips together and dated each other all through their marriage.  I wasn’t there to witness this memory, but I love the time Mama was doing one of her NCNW events and Daddy was not feeling well.  She said she was busy doing something and all of a sudden she saw Daddy there to support her.  

I also loved when we would go to Hawaii and he would tell us about living off of the cheapest, grossest food imaginable at Saimin.  We went to said “Saimin” while we were there and he picked up the “soup” he said was great when he was younger.  It smelled awful! And I guess over the years it had changed in quality because he did not finish it. "

"I have so many great memories, I'm excited to share, so I probably will have more than three.  
My first one I'd like to share is when Daddy would let us "drive" the Volkswagen while he closed his eyes.  He would randomly pull over on a neighborhood street and let us drive.  We sat on his lap and steered, while he switched gears and "pretended" to cover his eyes.  I remember the gears grinding (LOL).  Everyone in the car cheered and had a great time.  Pure Mayhem!!!"

"I remember when we would play music on Saturdays, and we would all be dancing, and then ask Daddy to dance. "The little ones" would crack up because Daddy would dance with his hands in his back pockets.. or when all the grandkids would be swimming in the pool, and when Daddy came home they'd be asking him to get in the pool. They'd be like aww... He secretly changed his clothes, and came running through and jumped in the pool! They were so happy!"

"Spencer was such a wonderful man. I love the friendship we had for so many years. I cannot say much about him without including “Tine”. 

They were the the most, “loving couple”. Always ready to accept whatever came their way.

Their beautiful family was always, “ours”. We connected as family with so many wonderful times.

Ha, Ha!!

Spencer, We miss You!! We know You and Vincent, are together again, “ In God 🕊Paradise

"Spencer was, "My Buddy".
Everyone thought we were twins. We would play tricks and say we were.
I loved how when he was in high school, he took me to one of his dances  I was very shy, so it made me feel good he asked me to go with him. My sister wanted to go also, so he said, come on!! We had a good time.
Other times I remember was when we ate, "stale bread with butter, and a glass of milk. We had fun!!
Spencer was such a kind person, everyone loved him. I say "Goodbye my twin. You were dearly loved.
Tina, He loved you dearly. We could see it in both of you.
Yes!! Love Never Ends!!"

"One of my favorite memories of Uncle Spencer was his quiet confidence. He reminds me so much of Pawpaw. Filled with so much knowledge and I always felt safe around him. He gets things done and was organized. 

Whenever you and Uncle Spencer came to visit, I always admired your youthful spirits and the strong love you both had for one another. It was like seeing two teenagers in love all of the time. I remember saying to my mom, I wanna hang with Aunt Tine and Uncle Spencer! With your vibrant spirit and his peaceful nature, it was such a beautiful match."

"There were 16 years that separated us.  Spencer was embarking on his career in the US Navy as my sister Maureen and I were toddlers and young children.  I do remember Spencer and Tine being just married and living on our block.  I was so thrilled to visit them.

I also remember travelling with our parents to visit them when he was stationed in Charleston.  He always made us feel great, and was so warm and welcoming.

Later on, I remember a trip to San Diego with my husband Dwight and our two children.  Of course, we were treated like celebrities.  Spencer was a great story teller.  Once my kids were “in stitches” as he related a story about a pet bird that had escaped into the house.  Such detail!!.. I am sure they can recall this story today as adults.  On that trip, we toured in the Bernal family van, but I remember his command of that van on many other trips, including to New Orleans.

The legendary stories about his growing up and younger years always kept our attention heightened, and I looked forward to them.

One of my favorite experiences with Spencer and Tine was a trip to the Napa Valley that we were able to take together, celebrating Tine’s Birthday and our anniversary.  Of course the stories kept us entertained on our ride through the vineyards on the Wine Train.

Time with Spencer was truly “quality time”.  You know, its difficult to not include Tine and their family in these memories.  It’s testimony to their devotion to each other and their family.

Uncle Spencer touched so many hearts including mines. The Legacy of  Heroes is the Memory of  a great Name and the Inheritance of a GREAT EXAMPLE💙

"Wow!! What A Great Love & A Great SISTER!!:

Donald 

"Happy Heavenly Birthday Uncle Spencer "

Andre

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