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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sentimental Sundays - A Grandfather Never Known

Aubrey John - 17.2.1896-17.11.1940


This is the only photo I have of my paternal Grandfather, taken with my aunt on his shoulders in about 1924-25.

My Grandma's second husband was my Grandpa and it was not until I was a teenager that I even knew that Grandfather Aubrey even existed.

So I know little about this Grandfather of mine. My Grandmother did not speak of him at all to me and I believe through bits and pieces that he did not treat her that well. My father was only 8 when he died and does not have a lot of memories of him either and so he is in a sense my Grandfather Never Known.

The bare facts I do know are that he was a champion amateur cyclist and a qualified electrician and he died of a melanoma that was on his back and not diagnosed until it was well and truly in his blood system.

When I started the genealogy journey through our families I visited our cemetery to find his grave in a state of disrepair with his name spelled incorrectly ... part of me feels I would love to know more about this man with the black hair and strong face, but there are some stories that are never told.




4 comments:

  1. Oh that is so interesting. He sure was a handsome dude! Can you tell me what the headstone reads? It's hard to see on the screen.

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  2. How sad that part of your family history has been lost. I wish fervently that I had tried to trace our family history when I was younger, but I'm afraid it's too late now. I wonder what other secrets our families hold?

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  3. PS - you've been tagged! http://kellyansapansa.blogspot.com/2010/01/apparently-i-am-beautiful.html

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  4. Your Auntie Verna was about 18 years of age when her dad died so I am sure she would be able to answer many of your questions re your grandfather. I do know he loved fishing and shooting (remind you of anyone?) and spent a lot of time up at his beach shack with family and friends. We do have photographs of him on his bike during races.

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