Ed Kraft, 1954-2016

My uncle died yesterday. He was 62 years old.

Uncle Ed and Aunt Lynette with Olivia and Catalina
Uncle Ed and Aunt Lynette with Olivia and Catalina

I must admit learning of his passing yesterday morning, I cried for the first time I can remember. True, actual sobbing. I’m sure it was ugly. I didn’t cry when my dad died—a random tear here or there during the immediate events and cry some more recently looking back, struggling with his death still. But, I’ve never actually sobbed upon hearing sad news before yesterday morning.

We last saw him six weeks ago at a family reunion in South Dakota—an epic road trip for a family of seven. He didn’t look 100%. Within a week of us heading back to Texas, he found out that he had cancer. You always see these things better in hindsight.

My dad was one of 12 children—10 surviving past childhood. Of the 10, six brothers and four sisters. My dad was the first to pass away in 1997. Ed is now the 4th of the boys. While my uncles have always taken special care of me, be it their oldest brother’s youngest who lost Dad when I was 12, it has been such a joy for them to equally take a special interest in my kids. There are many things hard about not having Dad around to see them grow up and I’ve voiced difficulty in picturing Dad playing with my kids. Having my uncles treat my girls as I could imagine my Dad doing has been a true grace.

Of my uncles, he was the one whose looks and mannerisms reminded me most of Dad. I wanted him to live forever, even if it was unfair of me to want it, in part, because he helped me put an adult context to the fading childhood memories of my Dad dead 19 years. Quite selfish, to be honest. He was a good man who was kind, loving, and sweet in a wonderfully gruff way. I’m going to miss him dearly.

 

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord;
let them rest from their labors,
for their good deeds go with them.

Eternal rest grant unto him , O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

 


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14 responses to “Ed Kraft, 1954-2016

  1. Ryan C Avatar

    I’m sorry to hear about your uncle’s passing, Kraft. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts. :hug:

  2. Lisa Schuyler Avatar

    Sorry to hear of your uncle’s passing. Glad you were able to visit him this summer.

  3. Andrea Lee Bishop Avatar

    All the hugs to you and your family.

  4. mocarter9 Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your uncle. So glad you got to see him recently. It’s the times we spend together that are so important. Hugs and see you soon. xx

  5. Carolyn S. Avatar

    I know all too well how much the loss is felt. I still get blindsided with thoughts and memories of my dad and just fall apart when I remember that I’ll never have another memory with him. My thoughts go out to you and your family. <3

  6. Igor Zinovyev Avatar

    The passing of people that take a considerable part of our lives is very hard, I feel very sorry for your loss! And while I usually try to tell myself and others that grieving is selfish, that we need to let go, it’s still impossible to just forget about that empty space and move on. So I’m sending my thoughts and prayers and hoping that time will eventually help fill that gap.

  7. JoAnne Weyand Orr Avatar
    JoAnne Weyand Orr

    I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle. My thoughts are with you and your family

  8. Elizabeth Avatar

    I’m so sorry to hear this, Kraft. Hugs to you.

  9. Paul Ciano Avatar

    I’m sorry for your loss, Brandon. Best wishes.

  10. Lindsay Wilcox Avatar

    I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s so lovely that you and your family had such a good relationship with him. May he rest in peace.

  11. tag:facebook.com,2013:10108096002308350_liked_by_10102748380126047

    Vanessa Gonzalez Kraft

    https://www.facebook.com/10109816717201910/posts/10108096002308350#liked-by-10102748380126047

  12. Grace Park Avatar

    I’m so sorry for your loss Brandon. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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