More pictures of John Boston on Hazel's Picture Gallery
Hi Lynn -
My dad, Charley Roberts, was a co-worker (actually, employee) and carpool buddy of your dad's. I'm visiting their house for a few days and noticed the card and memorial for your dad.
I remember John very well, particularly from during my junior year at North Hi. That was the year I had an early class at school and rode my bike, often winding through the neighborhood. On that little trek, John was often standing out on the front yard, getting a smoke, waiting for my dad to come get him. He always had a nice greeting for me when I came by. I really appreciated that little kindness he provided as I made my way to my chemistry class.
I hope you're finding great comfort during your time of grief and are aware of the impact your dad had on many lives, even with a morning greeting.
Blessings,
Peggy Roberts
Dear Lynn,
I'm really grateful for sending me the flyer about your Dad. Great picture of my old friend. Just as I remember him. Especially the one of him on the horse. As I told your Mom when she called me about his passing, he is a highlight in my memories of our days in Alan Rumsey house. He was at the other end of the hall from me on the fourth floor. I can still see him coming down the hall on his way to supper. My roommate (who was also from the UP) and I often met him at that poing and walked down together with him to the chow hall.
One of things I remember about him was his droll smile. I never heard him laugh out loud, but he always had that smile even when there wasn't anything to laugh at. It seemed as if he knew something that amused him that we weren't aware of.
I don't know if he was kidding us, but he said that he was part Indian. A friend of mine had told me about his trip to Arizona where he had met some Indians. They told him a joke that he didn't see any humor in. "Some cowboys were driving a herd of cattle though a town and the cattle stampeded." The Indians thought it hilarious. The humor totally escaped my friend and me as well.
One time at supper in the dining hall I mentioned about my friend not getting the Indian joke. Then I told the joke to everyone at the table. No one laughed, which is what I expected. That is, no one except your Dad. He still had his droll smile. Maybe a little more droll this time, but he was also shaking with quiet laughter. Apparently he understood Indian humor. I'm still not sure whether he was kidding us about being Indian. But that seemed to validate it. Anyway, I've never forgotten that incident and consider it one of my treasured memories.
If I remember correctly, when your Dad graduated he made a whole bunch of peanut sandwiches and drove an old not too trustworthy car out to California. I think it was San Bernardino. I had never heard of the town before. It has stuck in my mind ever since. I can't remember whether he had a job waiting for him or not. But I admired his courage.
My roommate and your Dad got on especially well, being "Upers." He was from Tapiola, a tiny town near Chassel. He lived on a farm. I wound up in Korea just at the time your Dad got out of the service. He and I both were at the U.of M. on the G.I. Bill. Thank the Lord for that benefit!
At the moment I can't remember any more things except this. He, knowing that I didn't drink, kept bugging me about going to the Swaban Inn for a beer. I told him that I would do it if he would go to a church service with me. He never took me up on it. But I think we went to Metzkers restaurant once. Another German eating place.
If I remember any more, I'll write you about it. I sent your Mom a picture of your family, your grandmother included, taken outside my house in Detroit when when they dropped by to pay us a visit.
I'm glad I got in touch with your Dad several years ago. We exchanged Christmas cards each year since. I'm saddened by his passing.
God Bless you all and give you His peace as you grieve.
Malcolm Powers
Dear Lynn:
First let me offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. I am visiting my mom, Verena Coss (married to Richard - John's older brother) and have just learned of your fathers passing.
I saw the funeral notice out of the corner of my eye and thought it was a picture of my own Dad, who passed away in April 2000. My mom explained it was John and also showed me the card you sent - which she really appreciated by the way. She asked that I let you know.
Tonight she shared a few stories about your father; meeting him for the first time, a visit in Austria and another time they spent together in Trout Creek that involves a dime frozen in the snow they tried their hardest to extract. We will write those up tomorrow and send them to you.
Losing my father was so very difficult and I imagine you are suffering equally. I send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I really enjoyed reading about your dad. What a great man. I met him when I was 11 years old when he brought my younger sister Michelle and I to your home in California. I still have a photo of you and your sister along with Michelle and me. I'll have to dig it out and send it to you.
So all my best to you and I hope my mother's memories will lift your spirits.
Warmly,
Teresa Coss-Ettel
Lynn, Lori and Maria;
I'm Pam Coss, your Uncle Gil's daughter and we've met, but probably not in 50 years.
I'm so sorry about your Dad and Grandfather, he was highly thought of in town and in my family.
I am surprised to see he graduated from U. of Michigan, my eldest daughter, Natalie is in her junior year there, and my youngest is graduating from Ewen - Trout Creek this year and going to U of M in the fall - I didn't realize it's a family tradition.
Sorry for your huge loss, and love to you, Pam