While I am now 51 years old, many of my earliest childhood memories include Uncle Skipper. His outgoing personality and bright smile combined with his boisterous room filling laugh always made me happy and want to laugh too.
I once remember when we were back in Miami playing a card game called Spoons. While the game specifics are vague to me, what I do remember is there was lots of laughing…the kind of non-stop hard laughing that hurts to your stomach! And of course…I remember Uncle Skipper in his trademarked white tank top t-shirt laughing so hard he was actually rolling back into the couch!
Another time I remember Uncle Skipper visiting us in St. Louis. We went to eat at a Japanese restaurant, and he ordered me a Katsudon. I was always a picky eater and had not tried that dish before. When I asked Uncle Skipper what it was, he responded…’That’s good stuff! Just eat it!’ So I ate it…and I liked it! To this day, whenever I go to a Japanese restaurant, Katsudon is what I order…and I always think of Uncle Skipper when I do.
I will always remember my Uncle Skipper laughing, smiling, building ponds, and having a good time. Rest in peace Uncle Skipper.
Love,
Gary Shieh