I drove Mom to the funeral of family friend Bob today. Mom and Priscilla, Bob’s wife, have been friends since their late teens/early 20s aka the ‘old days’ and had some interesting adventures. And apparently Bob taught my Dad how to put the popcorn plaster on the ceiling (forgive them it was the 1980s) when my parents were remodeling their house. According to my Mother, they had a great time do it and told B.S. stories and drinking beer. Bob and Priscilla even hired me when I was between jobs or school years and years ago and I worked in their company on the assembly line for a few weeks. Very kind people.
It was a nice service, but due to the pandemic it was like a walkthrough funeral. We walked quickly through the Chapel and then got back in the car to go the gravesite. There were beautiful flowers and many fun photos of Bob, Priscilla, and the girls inside the Chapel, but then we were outside by the grave it was cold, snowy, and sad. At the grave I counted about 60 people, so a really good turnout. A few people told some funny Bob stories. It was short and we did not talk to anyone. Everyone wore a mask and you could not tell who was who with snow clothing, hats, and masks on. As I told Mom as we were leaving the house – ‘No hugging’ and yes, for every event there needs to be a reminder.
Here is the Bob obit:
Bob Barnick
“Barnick, Robert Clinton age 74, of Columbia Heights, passed away January 2, 2021. Preceded in death by parents Hubert Clinton Barnick and Mary Elizabeth Barnick. Robert owned and operated Metro Assemblies, Inc., for 47 years. Survived by wife of 50 years, Priscilla; daughters, Heather (Gus) Hanson and Jessie (Erik) Forston; grandsons, Wyatt Hanson, Everett Forston, and Eli Forston; sisters, Barbara, Diane, and Beth; and brother, John; many other relatives and friends. Services were held. Interment at Hillside Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel” (https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000378929/?fullname=robert-clinton-barnick)
