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Wilson and Jan Smith
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Uncle Wilson's visits were particular times of celebration in the extended family. He is the only of the children to attend college. He went to Columbia prior to WWII. He rejected the commission offered to him when he enlisted and joined the infantry. He was a widower as a young man, and became the caretaker for his mother-in-law. He lived in White Plains, N.Y. His annual visits to Youngstown became the reason for the family to gather. He was everyone's "favorite uncle". From a child's point of view, he was funny, kind, and always managed to put a quarter or a dollar in your hand when he shook it sometime during his visit. From an adult's point of view, he was fair, tolerant, and wise. He was not driven by ego, but by genuine compassion.After he retired, he came back to Youngstown and married Grace. I was the only one of my generation to attend the ceremony (I was the clergyman of record). Everyone attended the reception! After all, it was Uncle Wilson! He is still missed. Rob Smith |
