Brother Reuben

Brother Reuben (1942 - 2007)

Oldest of the ‘Bender Boys Three,’

Leader of the pack became his first calling.

He was ever in action, exploring all to which he had access,

Held captive by his proclivity for romping in the great out doors.

Sedentary, contemplative doings were not his forte,

Rather, the application of his restless spirit and precocious physicality.

Plagued by seasonal allergies,

Hay fever symptoms were found to disrupt his sleep and energy.

Grade school offered little to support his active nature,

Even escaping via an open window....prompting parental intervention.

An early exit from high school - three days were enough!

Created new freedoms and responsibilities

Mingling and working with and for local adults,

Led to a laudatory work reputation and a path to alcohol addiction.

Before he was eligible for a drivers license, 

Two arrests led to a long term friendship with a Highway Patrol Officer!

Purchase of a horse, motor scooter, car and motor cycle,

Expanded outlets for his spirit, with support from the town banker.

Purchase of a 1960 Chevy replaced an older 1951 model, 

Both used to retrieve his high school siblings from games and practices.

A foray into stock-car racing, via a reconfigured 56’ Chevy,

Led to multiple trophies and respect from his competitors.

All the while, defying his father’s disapproval,

He created a stamp of approval via surrogate figures.

His strong-willed manner often belied his social shyness, 

Yet never hid his generous heart and honest nature, most endearing. 

Unprepared and unskilled for marital life and step parent-hood though he was,

He met its challenges, albeit with varied results, loved by many, while hurting a few.

Though lacking common interests, we were able to bond through the years,

Making his early departure less of a grief-filled time, knowing he is in a better place.

Brother Nate - 7/15/2013