I met my "Great" Uncle Sherman for the 1st time in 1986 when I was 10 years old. I was in Canada at the Expo and he happened to be there at the same time on a cruise. I was there with my grandmother Helen and was so excited to meet her baby brother. She told me many wonderful stories about her brother growing up. I was amazed at the resemblance between my grandmother and Uncle. I have only met my Uncle Sherman 4-5 times in my life but they were very memorable. My dad Craig would also tell me stories of the memories he had of Uncle Sherman. I enjoyed asking Uncle Sherman questions about my great grandparents Max & Anne. I wanted to know more about my family history and he was able to share with me. He was a sweet and kind man. He will be forever missed and not forgotten.

What can I say about my father, the man who raised me, who encouraged me, who taught me how to tie my shoes, brush my teeth, ride a bike, and drive a car. Who saw my creative side and encouraged me to draw, paint, and play music. Who always told me to do my best but try harder. Who hated to argue and told me I should be a politician because I have an answer for everything. Whose dry midwestern humor rubbed off on me and comes out when I least expect it. Who punished me when I talked back but hugged and kissed me when I was hurt and heartbroken. Who was too busy to talk during the week because he worked so hard but tried his best to make up for it on the weekends. Who set up croquet and paddle pitch in the backyard, took us to Disneyland, and engaged us as much as he could. Who was there for my mom through her medical problems, and my sister with her mental illness. Who taught me by example to not let anything — anything — get the better of me, no matter what happened, what hardship, and to rise up and go on to live life to the fullest. Who walked me down the aisle and taught me to care for my husband and my marriage, to love each other and work at it. Who told me he was proud of me when I deserved it, and to work harder when I needed to. Who stayed with my mom and talked to her until her last breath, even though she couldn’t respond. Who I got to know on a whole different level after my mom died, eight years ago. Who I came to call my favorite guy (next to Bob), my hero, and my friend. Who I trusted more than anyone with my concerns, and who I (finally) asked for advice, and sometime listened. What can I say about this wonderful, kind, loving, affectionate, brilliant, humble man? Only that I love you, will miss you, and thank you for being my dad.

My cousin Sherman.....a man I always loved and enjoyed being with. He was always so easy going, kind, friendly and fun to be with. One of my fondest memories of time with my cousin Sherman was when my sister Susan was born. I was 2 1/2 and while my father was at the hospital visiting and during the day while he worked I got to spend time with grandpa Will and Sherman. I remember how special it felt to be with them all by myself...no parents, just me and these two wonderful men. Don't ask me what we did, where we went, etc. but I have the clear vision of our being together and my loving it. My feelings for Sherman were cemented for life! I remember many visits to see Sherman's parents, Anne and Max. In earlier days they came over quite often, and then as they got older we would go visit them....I remember the car rides to I believe it was Pomona. And there was the match making for Sherman and Doris. I remember sitting in our Aunt Bea's house listening to my mom and Aunt Bea scheming to set Sherman up with Aunt Bea's neighbor's daughter...how perfect they would be for each other. They would go on and on with planning a meeting and dreaming of what could be. These were conversations spoken in front of a young child no one thought was listening or understanding....but I caught every word. So I have a good memory of the excitement of their dating and then deciding to marry. We were all thrilled....and I say we cause I loved Sherman, too, and even as a little girl wanted him to be happy. I can hear his voice in my head. I can picture his mannerisms and gentle ways of conversing. I am sure I always will.

Cousin Sherman was a kind, gentle man. He and our father, Ted remained very close throughout life and so we loved him and your family also. I may be wrong but was it Max or Anne that spent time at City of Hope? I remember us driving out to see them several times but as kids, but we weren't allowed inside so we played in the playground outside. I also remember going to City of Hope with Sherman's sister Helen and her two boys. Once in a letter to Ted, Sherman wrote that you girls were growing 'as fast as corn on a hot August night.' My sisters and I absolutely loved that and to this day, we say it to each other. Anne, your dad seemed to have that mid-western, down to earth acceptance of life and yet he was always positive. With all that happened in later years, and then with his own health, I never heard him utter a disparaging word. May he rest in peace. He will be missed.

Sherm was a truly wonderful man and we were very blessed to have had him as part of our lives. Although there were thousands of miles between us, the Callot and McConnell friendship was a special one, starting all those years ago through a mutual interest in Olympic pins. It is a friendship we will never forget and hold forever dear in our hearts. Nicole & David McConnell