Sad personal news

[jbuck919]

I don't often see messages related to personal bereavement here, but I wanted my CMG friends to know that my father, Jean-Baptiste Brosseau, universally known by his nickname Bucky, passed away this morning at a hospice near his home in Ruskin, Florida. He was 89. The cause was an inoperable malignant tumor of the brain stem. The deterioration was quick, only a matter of a couple of weeks, and he died peacefully, without pain or suffering.

As many of you know, my semi-jocular designation as "military band expert" is owing to him. As is, indeed, my ability to read music.

[jserraglio]

Very sad to learn of your loss, John.

[Belle]

Sincere sympathy for your loss, John. I'd say it was life well lived from what you've written about your father in the past. And it was a merciful escape from that dreadful cancer. I'm intrigued by your father's French name.

[diegobueno]

Sorry to hear of your loss, John.


Jean-Baptiste! With a name like that he should have specialized in Baroque music.

[lennygoran]

I don't often see messages related to personal bereavement here, but I wanted my CMG friends to know that my father, Jean-Baptiste Brosseau, universally known by his nickname Bucky, passed away this morning at a hospice near his home in Ruskin, Florida. He was 89.

John so sorry to hear this-sincere condolences from Sue and myself. Regards, Len

[jbuck919]

Sincere sympathy for your loss, John. I'd say it was life well lived from what you've written about your father in the past. And it was a merciful escape from that dreadful cancer. I'm intrigued by your father's French name.

For some strange reason, my eighth-grade-educated grandfather, who like my father spoke not a word of French (that ability was lost when my great-grandparents whom I never knew died), thought it would be cool to give my father a French name. His own name was Harrison (Harry), and in general the family disowned its Québecois heritage because at the time, believe it or not, immigrants and first generation from Québec to the northeast US were subjected to considerable prejudice. Hence, I suppose, Bucky.

Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy.

[Ricordanza]

John, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Hank M.

[RebLem]

I never know what to say at times like this to comfort people. That's why I so often avoid the issue altogether. But I want you to know that my thoughts and sympathies are with you. I find the best way to get through it is to wallow in it. Don't try to escape it, just descend into a deep funk and listen to a good Mahler Ninth. After you have done that, and listened to other pieces of funereal music for a few days, you'll say, "This is ridiculous!" and resolve to go on.

[jbuck919]

I never know what to say at times like this to comfort people. That's why I so often avoid the issue altogether. But I want you to know that my thoughts and sympathies are with you. I find the best way to get through it is to wallow in it. Don't try to escape it, just descend into a deep funk and listen to a good Mahler Ninth. After you have done that, and listened to other pieces of funereal music for a few days, you'll say, "This is ridiculous!" and resolve to go on.

Thank you Rob. Only you and I among our members have incorporated our late fathers into our posting here. Oddly enough, I am dealing with it dispassionately. My only moment of breaking down was when I informed my sister, with whom I am very close, of the diagnosis. She is a nurse and I'm a smart guy and it was obvious that it was only a matter of days when we had had no preparation. She has been a basket case for the last week, as have been my father's two siblings and his wife, but for some reason, and it is not because I am an unemotional person (I am frequently moved to tears by music), I am steadfast through all this. Go figure.