Remembering a dear Uncle

Today is my Uncle Norrey's birthday. He was my Mom's oldest brother. He was born on this day in 1915. My grandparents had a total of 10 children two passed away one stillborn and one as an infant. Growing up on a farm in Quebec's Eastern Townships was not an easy life. There was never enough money in those days and as he grew into a man his priority was to keep the farm running and to help my grandparents as much as he could. His enjoyment in life was to enter as many plowing matches as he was able to do. When I knew him the team of percheron horses named Pat and Dick were a fine match and they were great at their job. He won many matches and he brought home many trophies and ribbons.
Late in his life he met a lady at a card playing event and decided to get married, which was quite the shock for his family. He was 60 years old when this all took place. He and his bride sold their farms and they bought a house together.
What I really remember about my Uncle was he loved to tease all us nieces and nephews. He had a contagious laugh. He never said no when we wanted to ride Pat and Dick. My favourite horse was Dinah I usually got to ride her she was little more quiet.
My Uncle passed away in 2006, he was 91 years young. He was a gentle man who had huge responsibilites, I truly believe he loved life and always took pleasure with the little things. My growing up years were sometimes difficult and not always happy but I can tell you this when we visited the farm I was always happy. He made such a big deal of our time together and that was no easy task because he never had a day off. The animals always needed to be fed and the cows always needed to be milked etc. We were all eager to help, I am not sure how much help we were. I think we might have been more of a nuisance. He tended to get more upset with the boys than the girls. My cousin Gerry had a story about a tractor, he was not happy that day let me tell you. But that is his story not mine, we leave it at that.
Happy Birthday Uncle today you are remembered with much love and tonight at dinner we will give a toast to you and to a life well lived!

~Happiest when stitching~