The
following memories of Charles Cyr, Sr. were shared at Charlie's funeral Mass by his family
members:
Shane Kelley, grandson -
I am thankful to have known our grandfather and would like to remember him for who he was,
which was a joyful and positive person. What I am going to miss the most is him
calling my name wherever that may be. We all love and miss you Pepérè.
Kristen & Travis Morin,
grandchildren ("the twins") -
We will always remember our grandfather as a very dedicated and compassionate man of faith
and of people. He was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever the need arose no
matter how big the task. When we were kids, he would often wake up in the middle of
the night, get dressed, and walk over to our house just to help Travis take his medication
as there were very few people Travis would do this for, my parents not being two of them.
Nothing was too big or too hard for him. He was a stubborn man, very
determined. Even when he was sick or in pain, nothing and no one could stop him from
doing what he wanted. He was very hard working and knew how to get things done, but
did not know how to rest ... "no rest for the weary." He was also a humble
man who didn't know how to complain. In fact, every time I think of him, I can hear
his voice echoling "I can't complain," a phrase he used even on the last days of
his life. I will always laugh fondly when I remember his sense of humor and jokes.
He taught us all how to get the last word in with any situation - he said "all
you have to do is say 'YES DEAR' after anything someone says, like if Memérè says
'Charlie, stop doing that before you hurt yourself,' I say "YES DEAR'."
There are many memories I will cherish, but I think what I will remember the most are all
the times he spent teaching me, and all of us, prayers and songs of praise to the Lord.
As a child I used to listen to cassette tapes of him and Memérè singing to help
me fall asleep. As Pepérè took his last breath, I could hear his voice in my head
singing "and on this day, Mama Marie, I give you all my heart, my soul, and my
mind." This song brought me great comfort once more as I knew in my heart, my
soul, and my mind that he was ready to go home and be with God. We will always miss
and love you Pepérè, may you finally be at rest.
Charles Cyr, Jr., son -
Had it not been for the love of both my parents for their children, we would never have
been able to raise our own children in our homes in the country, next door to their
Memérè and Pepérè. I will miss him greatly - he was the best Dad in the world,
and he was always there to help his son.
Diane Hussey Cyr,
daughter-in-law -
Pepérè loved his family so much. His face just lit up especially when the little
kids came around. He spoke about all his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids with
so much pride. He never complained about his health, even though he had lots of
health issues throughout his life. He loved telling jokes and bringing smiles to
others. Our children recall how his head used to shake from side to side as he
watched television when there were young, and when they asked him why, he replied "so
I can see both sides of the screen at the same time."
Jason Hussey Sr., grandson
-
When I was asked to write down my most memorable memory of Pepérè I knew it wouldn't be
easy; there are so many memories, how could I choose just one. So after saying this,
instead of sharing a memory I have decided to share something I see every day in myself -
it was something I shared with Pepérè, or rather, what he shared with me. Pepérè
always cared for others around him, whether it was family, friends, or a complete stranger
- he truly cared. When you were happy, he laughed with you. When you were
worried, he listened and gave advise. And if you were sad, he would try to cheer you
up, either with compassion, a joke, or a pinch on the knee. He was a great person, a
great friend, father, husband, and a great grandfather. I was lucky he imprinted
this on me - it makes me a better person. I love you Pepérè.
Amanda Cyr Walters,
granddaughter -
Pepérè was always helping others, not just through prayers and ministry, but in so many
ways. If he knew someone was struggling financially, he would try to find them a job
to do, either for him personally or through the Little House of Prayer. so that he could
help them out while protecting their dignity and self-image. He taught his grand-
and great-grandkids good work ethics by having them do odd jobs. Many of our first
jobs were working for Pepérè ... parking cars and working concession stands at retreats,
cleaning vehicles, doing housework, painting, and who hasn't mowed lawns for him.
Carrie Cyr, granddaughter -
Remembering good times instead of last days is hard sometimes, but great memories last
lifetimes, generations. Through stories of Pepérè, he'll last forever. Like
all the family outings, going to Storyland with us, saying the Rosary with him, which he
truly loved. When I was 12, i bought him a necklace that he never took off, and now
I'll wear it always. Simple things made him happy - especially his family - his huge
crazy family. A large number of people who will truly miss him always and love him
forever. Gid Bless you. Love you always.
Katie Kelley, granddaughter
-
My Memérè was always looking after my Pepérè's health, so they would usualy diet
together. I remember one time when I was younger, they came to visit and we happened
to have a cheesecake sitting out on the table. The moment Memérè left the room, he
gobbled down a slice, and when she returned to say that it looked delicious and that she
wished they could have some, he quickly asked "where's your will power?"
He was the greatest Pepérè you could ask for, and I miss him dearly. I love you so
much, Pepérè. Rest in peace, and God Bless.
Dani Gagne, granddaughter -
My grandfather was a great man who left us all with a lot of memories that will never be
forgotten. It's hard to pick just one to share, though my favorite memory would have
to be how I earned my nickname "the movie star." Anyone who knows me knows
I can be a bit of a drama queen. Growing up, whenever anyone would babysit, I would
throw a fit about something ... Pepérè would hear me scream "it's not fair"
from his house, he would come get me, and he would take me for ice cream. He was
always there to help anyone with any situation. I may not have been there to help
with all the time, but I can honestly say I was there when he needed me most in the very
same way he was there for me. To this day I tell people my dreams of wanting to be
an actress were inspired by my amazing grandfather, Charles C. Cyr.
Nickole Gagne,
granddaughter -
Out of all the memories I have of Pepérè Cyr, I have a few that stand out the most.
The first would be the lollipops he kept on hand for every grandchild except me,
because I would always ask for carrots instead. 'Pepérè, do you have any
carrots?,' I would say. The second would be his secret of hiding candy purchases
from Memérè, and then forgetting the wrappers in the vehicle for her to clean.
Lastly, I remember him embracing technology as he aged - he had a fascination of the bells
and whistles in life.
Dianne Cyr Hussey, daughter
-
My Dad and Mom have always been my greatest support system. I always knew they were
there behind me no matter what. I thank you Dad for all of the love and support,
fatherly guidance, and spiritual guidance that you have given not only me, but my family.
I will miss being able to come to you when I'm losing it, but I do know you will
still be here with me. I love you. - Dianne
---------------------------------------------------------
Above are some of the many
memories of Charlie's family members. I am sure that we all have our own memories
and that we will cherish them forever. We shall all miss Charlie, each in our own
way - but I know that we will all be together again some day soon. And when our
lease on life is up here on earth, Charlie will be in heaven waiting for each of us.
He will be with the Lord to greet us at the door and welcome us home.
Do not cry, for Charlie would not want you to weep. But rather celebrate his life
and use your memories of him and the many examples he set for each of us to touch others
and bring them to God's Love. For that is what Charlie would want us to do.
Good bye for now my friend, for I shall miss you dearly. Rest in the peace of the
Lord for it is well deserved. Watch over us all and help guide us Home.
Joan Briere, Friend |
