Uncle T

I always admired my Uncle Terry. He was a person who thought more than he spoke and I liked that about him. He was never unkind to me, always calm, and was about as wise as any person I have ever known. One could acquire a lifetime's worth of information and stories from him if willing to ask and listen. Whether the subject was car engines, geopolitics, or Greek philosophy, it seems you could bring up any subject and he was an expert. Despite this, there was never any bragging, arrogance, or condescension about him. He always seemed to retain a sort of midwestern humility. His lifelong interest in the acquisition of knowledge was not motivated by insecurity or self aggrandizement but a desire to know as much about the world as possible. It didn't matter if it was high minded debates about Locke and Rousseau's political philosophies or low brow pursuits like counter cultural music or drag racing, he simply wanted to know it all. I credit Uncle T a lot for my love of food and cooking - especially pizza. My earliest memories of him were of going to the house in San Anselmo for pizza nights. One time he even made a pizza shaped like a lizard - I'll never forget that. I got to visit him a couple times in Berkeley where he took me to the local markets, which is the kind of thing I have always loved. My last memory of him was going to visit he and Aunt Susan for beignets with Claudia, my Dad, Nick, Ayla, and my two kids. He told some stories and gave me the Brubaker family book. I know he always wanted to keep the memory of the Brubaker family alive, and knowing that I am interested in history, I think he gave it to me with a sense of meaning. I am glad he got to live such a rich and interesting life and my only regret is that I didn't get to spend more time with him and hear more of his stories. I definitely cherish the time we did have together though, and am deeply appreciative for it. I will do my best to keep his memory alive. Thanks,

Love,

Will