Dear Cousins, Family, and Friends,

Some of you know but many others may not. In March 2007 Dad (Uncle Dick) broke his hip. Since quite successful hip repair surgery, he has been in a rehabilitation/skilled nursing facility. He has not bounced back as hoped. This incident combined with several other maladies he has had over the last several years, has made it difficult for his 93 year old body to fully repair itself.

He has now suffered a stroke, and although stable at present, this has further exacerbated his steady decline. Although we certainly could be wrong, we believe the end is near. When that happens, two memorial services are tentatively being planned. One will be at Cherry Creek Retirement Village in Aurora, Colorado, (where Mom and Dad have been living the last few years near my sister Sue) for local family and friends, and the other later in Seattle, Washington, making it easier for those who live in Washington state and other Northwest venues to attend. Anyone who may wish to contribute some memory of Dad (Uncle Dick) please email it to my sister Sue at ssvanoe@comcast.net with cc to me at genrichslt@sbcglobal.net. Your submissions will then be used in the memorial services.

At present, he is receiving excellent nursing and hospice care and appears comfortable and semi alert (he knows who his family members are) although he does sleep most of the time and doesn’t have much appetite. We are all hopeful that his final time with us will be tranquil and serene.

Periodic updates will be provided on the Svanoe.com bulletin board, Newsy bits and bytes section. For more information about Dad’s life, click on articles and scroll down to the article about him with pictures.

Manga Tusen Takk to all for your prayers and concern.
Richard F. Svanoe, Jr.