Contributions to the tribute of William Lewis Wrigg

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Wednesday, May 19, 2021

It’s nearing the 2-month mark since my father’s passing, and my thoughts have become more orderly. I have been thinking of the many stories shared between Dad, my sister, Bebe, and me, especially of a historical nature, due to my father’s background as a teacher of American History. I still marvel at Dad's capacity to remember the plethora of facts about his topical focus, the Civil War, right up to his last days. We had many discussions about the recently televised 6-week series which CNN produced on Lincoln (the last episode aired shortly before Dad passed). It was an exceptional production and provided so many opportunities as jump-off points for Dad to further contribute his factual enhancements. Dad’s mental sharpness in recollecting his field of study at a time when his clarity was inconsistent, presented such a stark contrast. He never lost his knowledge of history. The most startling aspect of Dad's last hours occurred 2 nights before his passing when he unexpectedly recited an excerpt of a poem by Rudyard Kipling. I had not previously heard Dad reference the section or the writer. It was as though Dad wrote his own obituary. I needed to research the poem in order to determine Dad’s selected passage (which turned out to be close to a word-for-word recitation): 'if' by rudyard kipling … If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) As a believer of life after death, a recent dream I had which featured both my Mom and Dad arriving together to visit my sister and me, confirmed what I most needed to know. My parents are reunited after a painful separation of almost 15 years, and they continue to pursue what is most familiar to them: they are still looking after their two daughters as they always did and assuring us of their loving vigilance. Thank you to the wonderfully compassionate staff of Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, especially Kelly, who tended to my sister and me during the emotionally challenging times we faced following the passing of my Mother 15 years ago and my Father’s recent departure. The professionalism and humanity demonstrated by all Emerick contacts, provided immense support to my sister and me when our hearts were broken.

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Bebe Wrigg posted a condolence

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

In loving memory of William and Helen Wrigg; my parents, teachers, confidantes and friends. My parents were a cohesive team that kept our family close through thick and thin and instilled in me values like loyalty, decency and responsibility. Mom and Dad were a matched set and one couldn't be mentioned without the other. My father was the embodiment of the highly admired “greatest generation”, whereby the spirit of patriotism and family unity were the true codes by which life was lived. Dad completely identified with the WWII era from his time of service in the Navy until his last days. Although Mom preceded Dad in death by nearly 15 years, out of habit to this day I still find myself seeking her advice when faced with difficult choices and questions. A mother's wisdom and patience leaves an indelible imprint on our soul and psyche - it endures forever. Dad, I'm adrift and bereft without having your constant presence. You were the remaining bridge that spanned the years from my infancy to my adulthood. Once I knew the time had come for me to move closer to help you (in 2012), for the past 8 years and 7 months we were able to spend a lot of good times together. We took many day trips and vacations to historical locations until that was no longer possible due to your declining health. I'm so thankful we had a few years to add some good memories while we could and that you and I enjoyed those new adventures. Now the house feels empty and all the familiar, carefully listened-for sounds have gone silent. Permanently absent are my nightly 'Jeopardy' partners where the popular quiz show was required viewing for us as well as the collective peals of laughter that came from favorite shows and movies that we all used to watch regularly. I'm on my own now and missing you both more than I can say. I'd like to think that somewhere my parents are together again. And, just maybe, at a later time, we will all be joined as one. Your devoted daughter, Bebe

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Pamela Posted Apr 17, 2021 at 5:18 PM

I am so so sorry for your loss Bebe. Your dad was one of a kind and he will be missed. May his memory be a blessing. Thinking of you and Chi-Chi.

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The family of William Lewis Wrigg uploaded a photo

Friday, April 2, 2021

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Daniela, Theresa, & The Girls purchased flowers

Friday, April 2, 2021

Daniela, Theresa, & The Girls

purchased the Basket of Memories and planted a memorial tree for the family of William Wrigg. Send Flowers

Bebe, we love you so much. YOU are The Most DEVOTED CARING WONDERFUL daughter. We send you all our love! With deepest sympathy,

William Lewis Wrigg

1927 - 2021

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