My brother George Ambrose died yesterday. His health had been declining, so my husband Ken and I drove 130 miles to Twin Falls, Idaho, to meet him at a restaurant overlooking the Snake River Canyon; a fixture from our childhood. He told funny stories, we drank wine, and we helped him to his pickup. He drove home and died a few hours later.
My usual response to pain is to crack jokes. After I learned of his passing, I asked, “But he ordered the house wine!”
He could have ordered top shelf anything, but he wasn’t like that. As much as we were similar in our ability to tell stories, sing, laugh, and savor good food, we were different because he was a humble, quiet man. My obnoxious public antics often embarrassed him, but we remained close in spirit if not in proximity.
Because he can’t stop me now, I’m going to write about him so others can appreciate his goodness. He was a talented artist. The drawing above was done when my older brother left home and shows my mother sobbing as she holds Little George’s hand while he’s grinning. My father plays a fiddle on top of one of his 18-wheel trucks. At the time, my father also owned about 6,000 hogs, hence the use of pigs in the artwork. (I’m not in the picture, but that’s for the memoir.)
George wasn’t encouraged to pursue his love of art because he was needed to help run the trucking company after he graduated from college. George also loved to sing; another passion that was discounted in the family work ethic requirements. He and I both were members of the Vandaleer Concert Choir at the University of Idaho. The Vandaleers only traveled on two tours outside the United States. I went with the choir to Europe, and five years later he traveled with the choir when it toured South America. I have a favorite photo that shows him adjusting my academic chords before graduation. He threatened to strangle me if I didn’t hold still.
Another memory is when were performed in the talent show at school. I was in high school and he was in junior high. I performed an original poem titled, “My Mommy Spanked My Bottom.” He did a reading of “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service. We won First and Second Place, which caused criticism from the town folk who thought we hogged the awards. The Robert Service poem continues to be popular in folklore and poetry. My poem, not so much.
One fun adventure with George and Marti, his wife of 30 years, was when they took Ken and me to Jackpot, Nevada to see the comedy show performed by “Larry, the Cable Guy.” I laughed and snorted for two hours. I recommend that to anyone.
My father’s health deteriorated when George was in his mid-twenties, and George took over most of the daily duties of the trucking company and the farms. After my dad died in 1989, George became the owner of Montana Express. For relaxation, he loved to fly his small plane, and continued flying until he could no longer pass the physical test. On the day he died, a friend took George and Marti flying one last time. The altitude change was bad for his health, but he went anyway. Then he drove to Twin to meet us at the restaurant.
I had no idea that was the last time I would see him. We talked about arranging a family get-together at a restaurant in Hagerman. He nodded. But, there was something in his eyes. I couldn’t stop staring at them. There was a glow that saw something beyond me that I couldn’t see. Now I believe he was making the transition to another realm, and to be included in that moment, I am honored and humbled. (Ha! He would love that!) At his request, there won’t be a funeral.
My father died at age 60. George was 61. I’ve outlived both and am getting nervous. I’m motivated to enjoy every day and will try to avoid crabby people, create some laughter, and hug my family. I treasure the memories of George, and I promise to live better. I probably won’t become as humble as he was, but I’ll try. God speed, Little Brother. Follow the light.
What a beautiful tribite to a beautiful man.
what a tender mercy to have had that time with him., and what beautiful memories you have of him. Your love showed through….it was the eulogy he would have loved.
Oh Elaine, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your brother. Sending hugs and prayers from afar. ❤ xo
This was a beautiful heartwarming tribute to your brother…when I saw your post yesterday I couldn’t believe you went to see him and a few hours later he died…I thought I was reading it wrong. How great that you got that one last time with him. I wish I would have had that with my sister. I feel the same as you, I think I am tempting fate…My Dad had a coronary at 66 and died immediately, my sister died at 59, she died choking on a piece of steak at a wedding…. I am 67…
Your brother really was a good brother. What a lovely tribute to his memory.
Your brother sounds wonderful.
I am so sorry for his very untimely passing.
OH Elaine.. thank you for sharing this touching and, to me, motivating story. How often do we lay aside our creative talents and desires to “work hard”?
It is a blessing that you spent his last afternoon on earth with your GOOD BROTHER.
NOTE TO SELF: Always order the good wine.
Sending you waves of good outcomes and LOVE.
I love that drawing, What an artist! I am sorry for your loss. You wrote a lovely tribute.
So sorry.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Despite our differences, I can feel your pain and sorrow. A beautiful tribute to your little brother.
Elaine, I have a “little brother,” too. I surely do sympathize, my friend. How wonderful that you had that last glass of wine together. Thank goodness for family —
What a blessing to spend his last day with him overlooking the amazing Snake River Canyon. Every time I go there, I reflect on life in an amazing place that I didn’t appreciate until I left. Lots of memories in MV. (Both kinds.)
Love you!
So lovely, Elaine. Many condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Elaine. This was a sweet tribute to someone who held a special place in your heart. Thanks for giving us a glimpse.
So hard to loose someone you cherish. How fortunate you had each other – though never long enough for sure. If your brother is reading your comments:
(Sorry George – I laughed at your sister’s beautiful tribute. It started with her poem about being spanked. No doubt you were the more sanctimonious one. Hope you also are smiling at the rest-in-peace place as you remember her antics and love.)
Oh sweet Elaine, I am so touched by this beautiful tribute to your brother. You’ve shared so personally and so lovingly. My condolences to you and your family.
I loved this Elaine…RIP George, hug your momma for me.
The most memorable moment of George was football practice in high school. I was a paltry 120 lb running back and George, well he was not 120 lbs in fact I think he had long past that.
So picture this, I’m running into the line and run into George. You know he didn’t move just kinda stood me up and said hi. He didn’t tackle me just set me down and moved on. I’ve thought about that 20 second time frame many times and has always brought a smile
Wonder tribute and I love the pictures. Thanks for sharing these memories of George. Truly a special brother and man. You are all in our prayers.
Wonderful tribute and I love all the pictures. Thanks for sharing these memories of George. Truly a special brother and man. You are all in our prayers.
So sorry for your loss.
Elaine, Such a nice tribute to George. He was one of my good friends at Wendell High School where we played football together and later went to college and where we both lived at Farm House Fraternity. I’m sorry to say I’ve not kept in touch but wanted to let you know he was a great friend and wonderful person who always made me and everyone around him laugh! My sincere condolences to you and his family. Regards…….Kent Sisson, Dagsboro, DE (and also for my brother, Brad Sisson who is in Billings).
As always Elaine your wonderful writing skills gave a perfect description of a very special man. Both of you always had the unique ability to make those around you laugh and be happy. My sincere condolences go to your family and dear Marti. You are in my heart.
Elaine, George and I were pledge brothers at Farmhouse. Your blog brought back memories of things I hadn’t thought of in many years. George the artist, singer. I was able to stay in touch with George until I moved from Twin Falls in 2004. One of our fraternity brothers let me know of his passing. I feel like something good and stable left this earth.
Eric Steigers
So sorry about the loss of your brother, Elaine. Losing a sibling is tough stuff and I found it was a unique loss when I lost my sister. So amazing that you had that quality time with him the day he died. He sounds like an amazing guy.
Thank you, Elaine, for reminding me of these special people and the impact they had on all our lives. Through it all we are much better for having known them. They are missed.
Elaine, Marti and family,
Thanks for the brilliant piece about George, I grew up in Hagerman and heard many stories of George from John Mavencamp, Stan Standall and other older FarmHouse brothers before I even went to the U of I. I always enjoyed running into George over the years and drove for him for several winters. He was always just George and he lived life fully and always had an open door when I drove for him. Kind of a legend in his own time and it is sad that he has left us. Will miss his sense of humor and his larger than life persona!
Take care brother George and to those FarmHouse brothers that have passed on you will enjoy George in the next world!
Monte Bruhn