UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Gene Courts - Eulogy

Spoken by Bari

Spoken by Lesley

Gene and his 3 boys came into my mother's, Lori and my life in 1981 just a few years after we had lost our dad very suddenly. My mother losing her husband, and my sister and I our dad, was a difficult scenario to say the very least. In spite of the challenge the 3 of us managed to create a life for ourselves. I can speak for myself when I say that after such a significant event I had no need for any other man to enter into our lives, and very felt protective of my mom and sister at my ripe young age of 10 yrs. Then one day this man, Gene Courts, walked into our home with a smile and positive energy that could not be missed. So what did I do? Kept my head down and refused to say hello. My sister being a little older and more cordial handled the meeting much better. I guess my behavior did not scare Gene away because he kept coming back. And thank God he did because Gene Courts was the greatest ending to what started out as a tragic story. Gene and his boys, Todd, Bari and Darren, accepted Lori and I as their sisters and we all grew to appreciate and love each other very much. Gene was never afraid to raise us as his own, not even through our teenage years. He set clear rules and could even be pretty tough at times.

Gene's expectations were high for not only himself but for his children as well. We learned early to rise to the occasion and appreciate the sophistication of his influence. Gene introduced us to so many cultural events that often included music, food and travel. By the time we were teens we thought everyone sat at a formal dining table every night with candles lit, a variety of culinary delights and of course great music in the background. I had gotten so spoiled with my meals that in high school I would stay home on a Friday night to eat a nice grilled salmon dinner and then go out with my friends because why in the world would I eat a fast food meal when I had all of this wonderfulness going on in my house!
Gene having come from humble beginnings to rise to the 'Chairman of the Board' in everything that he did was no accident. This is what my husband adored and respected about Gene the most, as did many. Lori and I have been so grateful our entire lives for having Gene come into our lives and adding the level of stability that he gave us. It truly has been the greatest gift either of us have ever been given.

As Gene began to have grandchildren it was very clear how much he enjoyed having the kids in his home. We were always welcomed to come over with our kids and he looked forward to sharing himself with each of his grandkids. After my mom and Gene's move to Florida he especially loved sharing that world with us. My family was lucky enough to have had many, many special times in Florida with Gene. We all knew we were creating long-lasting, special memories. Gene made a deep impression on his grandkids and will no doubt be remembered by even the youngest of them.

Gene was a very thoughtful and purposeful man. He spent time in his office in the evenings not only taking care of his business and enjoying a ball game or two (or 3), but also taking the time to ponder his next decision or stage in life. As I moved into adulthood and spent time with him as a mother of small children he never hesitated to share his thoughts on both his life and mine, and often gave me guidance. Gene was the person to reach out to when you needed rational, intelligent advice. I know moving forward this will be a personal void in my life, yet I find comfort in knowing that I will forever carry with me his influence. I hope each of you finds this comfort as well.

There are so many stories that I would love to share about Gene, but there is one recent story that must be told as we all make our attempts to come to terms with his passing. Gene and I one Sunday afternoon took off in the car and headed to the garden store to look for flowers for my yard. Gene and I visited garden stores together often and it was fun for me because every time we pulled into the parking lot he would tell me how he felt like a kid in a candy store. I loved seeing that joy in him. After our nice trip looking at flowers Gene said that he had another place he would like to take me. I didn't ask were we were going but simply agreed because after all it was a beautiful day and we were really enjoying this time together. As it turned out Gene drove us that day to Vine St. Hill Cemetery. We paid a visit to my dad Richard, as well as other relatives that lie close by. We found ourselves side by side looking out over the hill. Gene said he had something to talk with me about. He let me know that 30+ yrs. Ago he was not comfortable thinking about himself in the one of the 4 plots owned by my mother and resting so close to Richard. But now that so many years have passed, and having raised us girls, he ensured me that he was comfortable with the beautiful view on the hill. And was at peace being near Richard. He did make me promise however that one day my mother, Joyce, would reside next him. I of course agreed to his wishes and we both paused and took in the moment. Gene's aneurysm occurred just three days later.
A dear friend of mine sent me a passage after she learned of Gene's passing that I feel is relevant and powerful. I would like to end with these words.

Death Is Nothing At All
By Henry Scott-Holland

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened.

Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner.

All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!