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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I have been wondering about Curt's family situation recently, and have thought about Curt's dad.

I am very sorry to learn of his passing and the loss of a parent is a hard experience to go through. And as an only child myself, it's quite rough.

My thoughts are with you Curt, and hope we can ease the situation somewhat by our silly posts, discussions and camaraderie...

[Centaur]

Thanks, Joe. It's been a tough year for my parents' generation. Besides my natural father this week, we lost our stepfather (since 1963) four months ago. Much of my time this year has been devoted to serving as executor for my stepfather's estate. A number of my parents' friends and relatives have left us since last summer. My Mom passed away three-and-a-half years ago. So my three younger brothers and I are finally orphans. That's what happens when we reach a certain age. Fortunately, I did have a nice final visit with my Dad in northern California back in April.

Yes, indeed, I do still have brothers. In your case you would truly be left alone. At least you can be grateful that you have no sibling rivalries with which to contend. That never seems to stop.

My Dad (also Curt) was the one who nurtured my interest in astronomy. He got me my first telescope for Christmas 1957 when I was 12 (a nice little reflector called a Moonscope.) Although he is also the one who discouraged me from majoring in astronomy in his belief there was no money in the profession. In 1985 he bought himself a telescope to view Halley's comet. We had great fun together with those observing sessions. I will certainly miss him, but as he told me recently, "Making it to 84 isn't bad."