MEMORIAL FOR MY COUSIN JOAN I first met my cousin Joan 40 years ago when I made my first visit to North America in January 1973 travelling from Australia via South Africa and England. She lived in the London area with her husband Stu (a WWII Bomber Pilot war hero). I think they owned a shoe shop as she was trying to give me a pair of shoes as a present. I remember them having a small farm with Aberdeen Angus bulls and eating one of those steaks. I also met her daughter Jocelain and son Bob. A few days earlier, I had stayed with her mother, meeting my cousin Garry and Yolande's daughters Jane & Suzan who I had written to as pen pal & Jane's daughter Melanie. I did not know at that time how significant London would be for me as returned in 1979 to work at the University of Western Ontario for several weeks, staying with Joan & Stu for 2 of those weeks. I returned again in 1985 driving from the Detroit to stay with them for a few days and remember playing Golf with them. I also visited in 1990 on a work related trip. Both Joan & Stu are an example and inspiration to all who knew them. Their generation is known as "The Greatest Generation" that grew up after the deprivation of the Great Depression and then went on after the War to develop a nation to be proud of. She loved her food and wine & we had many nights listening to music and talking about the world's problems. It is fitting that we say goodbye to her on Thanks-giving as we are truly thankful to have known her and be related. The vast distances that separate relatives prevents us seeing each other as much as we would like, but my visits were always enjoyable & I always looked forward to them. That is why I pay tribute to a beautiful Person who will be greatly missed by her relatives in Australia. Much Love From Dr Michael Dean, Mrs Eileen Barnett, & Mrs Asthore Dean Daughters Ms Katie Dean & Ms Bridget Dean
