Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hi Brian,
Harry Minaker here. I was so sorry to learn that your dad has passed. Seeing his picture brought back a flood of memories, happy days on Bunting Road, and all the madcap goings on in your family home.
I remember your mum and dad so well, and your father's wonderful voice, and his easy way of saying what was on his mind. I'm surpised to see how many sibblings you have Brian. When you and I knew each other Doric and John weren't yet born.
In case you're having trouble placing me, you and I were best friends during the early days at Carlton Public School. I had red hair like yours, and I think back fondly on all the bicycle rides to Port Dalhousie we took with Knight from the Shell station at our side.
Do you remember the hot summer day that we ran the dog so long that he flopped into the ditch on Bunting Road just past Scott Street! We were never allowed the dog after that, although I doubt Knight would have joined us again. Who knew dogs need water?
I think too of the elephant you and I took care of when the circus came to the Towers/Food City parking lot! Do you remember when he picked you up with his trunk inside that trailer where they kept the hay for the animals?
Or how about the time we were feasting on cherries only to look down from the tree to see Old Man Taylor and his famous gun! I remember him marching us to the back fence of your house - after he made me pick up every single cherry I dropped from that old brown cardboard suitcase I had up in the tree with me.
Brian the last time I saw you was probably around 1971! We went to your basement and you showed me the Norton motorcycle you had in pieces. I remember it as a 500 cc Manx single! Am I right? Do you still have it by chance?
It wasn't too many years ago that I looked for you old friend. I combed the internet to find your name or listing, and I stopped by the old family home on Bunting Road but couldn't find you or your family. So many years have passed.
I hope you do respond to this email. I'd certainly like to see you.
My life unfolded mostly in Toronto. I was married at 26, and later the following year my first wife Carolyn died of cancer. Hard days for sure. Four years after that I remarried, and had four children of my own - two boys first, followed by two girls, twins who are now just turning twenty.
Three and a half years ago my wife and I split after being together 25 years. It was her idea and it led to hard times for me. I'm just now getting over the shock and pain of that.
I kept riding motorcycles myself though. I have a Harley Shovelhead, a full-on custom hard tail, really lean and boney. I also have a beautiful restored 55 Royal Enfield 500 Single, a really pretty bike to be sure.
How about you give me a call when you get this? My number in Toronto is 416-519-6853. My email address is harry@warmfront.ca
Brian those were happy days back then. Your family was certainly a big part of my life! I was shocked at how clear my memory of your dad was, I recognized his face immediately!
Please get in touch.
Thinking of you and your family during this troubled time. I sure hope you're well.
Harry
