I was deeply saddened to hear of my Uncle Oogie's passing.  Immediately fond memories of my childhood growing up and all of us calling him Oogie because it was too hard for us to say Eugene - plus it was more fun.  

The story that I want to share is one that had definiate life changing implications for me and where I ended up today.  Back when I was in my first and second year of University in Ottawa, my parents were living in Europe at the time and my closest family was in Toronto and it was at Oogie and Linda's place where I felt the most at home.  I would visit them during Thanksgiving or during extended weekend breaks or when I was going to visit my buddies at University of Toronto, I'd use their place as a home base.  

Even though Oogie worked long hours and was tired, he'd drive down to the train station in downtown Toronto and pick me up.  Sometime, he'd somehow find parking and meet me right on the station platform.  Sometimes, I'd "pour myself off the train" as he put it and he'd get me to the car after too many libations on the train.  I'd stay in Kathleen's room with posters of New Kids on the Block staring at me from all directions.  I'd get to have a beer with Oogie when he got home.  It gave me a sense of home when mine was 1000's of kilometers over the pond.  

The part of the story that had the most impact on my life was during one of my visits when I was in second year.  I was there for Thanksgiving in Mississauga.  Things were not going well for me.  I was struggling in classes and was contemplating quitting.  When we were driving back from the train station, Oogie asked me how things were going and I answered something along the line of "not great".  He didn't pursue it with me in the car, but after dinner, he invited me to go for a walk with him around the neighbourhood.  He donned his baseball cap and off we walked. He then picked up where we left off in the car.  I explained to him the issue I was having and had already started my application to join the armed forces.  I was ready to give up on school and join the army technically speaking.  I remember him explaining to me that I had almost finished halfway and that I should seriously consider staying.  I distinctly remember him saying to me.  "Hunker down with some friends you can work with and finish the year.  Do you think you can do that?"  I thought about it and said I'd try.  Our converation went on but it was those words, a little encouragement, that went along way.  Remember kids, there was no email or skype of internet when I was in second year.  My parents were far away and phone calls home were $5 a minute.  

Anyways, that small conversation set me on the path to getting my PhD in Chemistry because I did what he suggested.  I found a great group of friends - we made a pact to work hard and play hard and we all succeeded.  Perhaps if Oogie hadn't taken the time to talk who knows where I'd be.  But I will remember that conversation and I will definately remember him.  God Bless Uncle Oogie. 

Love, 

Chris White