My wonderful Dad, Bill Morris, was born on September 3, 1922. He would have turned 101 this year, but Alzheimer’s took him away from us many years ago, in mind and spirit.
Dad was an extraordinary man, growing up in a large Irish brood in Chadwicks, NY. He served in the USAF in WWII when his plane was shot down. He was a brave POW in Stalag 17B in Krems, Austria where he was imprisoned for 18 mos. Following his release, he had the honor of earning a degree in Pharmacy from Fordham University in Bronx NY, thanks to the GI Bill. He secured his first and lasting job as Pharmacist with the Wayne Drug chain, landing in Canandaigua NY, his "The Chosen Spot".
Dad met and married his darling Ruthie, had 5 children, eventually purchased his Wayne Drug franchise and opened a second store, also in Canandaigua. His business thrived. His family thrived. Dad loved Canandaigua....and Canandaigua loved him. He lovingly referred to his life on his beloved lake as "Camelot".
Dad eventually had 11 grandchildren. He and Mom built their dream house on the lake and Dad was able to retire, selling his robust business to the then Fays chain. And that’s when Dad’s “Camelot” life was forever changed…..
Almost immediately following retirement, Dad's cognitive deterioration was evident and, as Alzheimer Disease does, continued to decline.
When Dad was just 69 years young, we were crushed to learn that our congenial, warm, conversational Dad was "diagnosed" with the dreadful Alzheimers. We watched this vibrant, gregarious, intelligent man struggle to remember familiar places, things, habits and eventually........his childrens' names. He kept his contagious sense of humor, but he became a shell of the wonderful man we all knew and loved. After consistent cognitive decline, we had to join Mom in admitting Dad to the newly opened Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua @1998. The “Gardens” wing was built specifically to serve as an inpatient Memory Care Facility . Dad received loving and competent care by the wonderful staff and Dr Harry Pitler but he lost his battle on 12/31/2003 at the age of 81.
Twelve years...............the "Long Goodbye", we all watched daily. His wife never lived with him again after he was admitted to CCC. What a loss to his family and friends.....While Dad was still at the Continuing Care Center, our family formed the "Bill's Buddies" team, walking annually in the "Walk To End Alzherimer's" to make a difference, to help find a cure, raise awareness for research, and to raise monies to support the Alzheimer's Association.
We are walking this year, especially in honor of Bill Morris's 101st Birthday and we invite you to join us if you can. This year's Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, beginning at 10AM ET at the Granger Homestead, 295 N Main St, Canandaigua. There is ample parking in the lot behind the Homestead and on adjoining streets. It's a lovely @3-mile walk, through city streets and Sonnenberg Gardens entrance, with an optional 1-mile walk if you prefer.
You just need to REGISTER as a walker on Bill's Buddies (link at top & bottom of this page). If you do not live near Canandaigua, please click on link to my Participant page, scroll to top and click “About”, scroll down options on left to locate a Walk near you!
If you wish to donate but prefer not doing so online, please print the donation form (at top of page) to ensure donation goes to Bill's Buddies Team) and mail with payment to: Alzheimer's Association: Canandaigua NY Walk, P.O.Box 1008, Pittsford NY 14534 OR send a check to me made out to Alzheimer's Association & send to: Kathy Menaguale, 281 Moseley Rd, Fairport NY 14450.
On behalf of Dad....thank you....thank you....thank you!
xoxo Kathy Morris Menaguale
Feel free to text or call with questions at
585-734-7234
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100
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