Thursday, April 30, 2009

Uncle Loyd's Birthday

Happy 90th Birthday Uncle Loyd!!
 
Wow, something to look forward to.  Here's to you and making this year your's.
 
Uncle Loyd has always been the inquisitive one.  Not to say that everyone else in the family wanted to know how you were doing or what was going on with your life, but Uncle Loyd always seemed to ask the off the wall questions that caught you by surprise, made you laugh and then tell him something you wouldn't normally think of. 
 
Our family reunions have always been fun to catch up with all the elder generation especially those we hadn't seen in a while. Too many things to remember from the reunions except to say...did you give up on the fishing?
 
Although living in GA we didn't make it to Ann Arbor too often, I do remember spending a few days there and especially one day when a pit was dug in the back yard and a pig was cooked in that.  Although I've seen and heard of that since then, I would have to say at the time age 5-7, I just couldn't understand why you had to bury the pig to cook it, but it sure tasted good.
 
Anyway, hope your day is wonderful and I look forward to the reunion.
 
Love Darrell

A happy birthday

I have laughed, loved, and lived with you for almost 60 years - let's keep a good thing going
God Bless You!

Guess Who?

Happy 90th birthday, Loyd!
 
Best wishes from across the pond in Switzerland =)

Have a special day!

Love,
 
Sarah Quinlan and Katen Manion



See all the ways you can stay connected to friends and family

Loyd's Birthday

Uncle Loyd,

 

Happy Birthday Uncle Loyd!

I hope you have a very Special Day!

I’m sorry I’m not going to be there to celebrate this occasion with you, but I’ll be with you in spirit.

 

When I think of you Uncle Loyd, I think of all the magic tricks you use to do and still do for our entertainment.  I think of all the coins you use to pull out from behind our ears and all that crazy fufu dust you had in your pocket.  I never really asked but didn’t that wash out of your pockets in the laundry?  And I never really could find that stuff at the magic store.  Also, I remember all the collector coins you gave away.  I still have them and cherish them (What a treat!).  Of course, I’ll never forget what a great sport you were when I gave you the hat with the ponytail on it.  It fit you well and I hope you had some good laughs from it.

 

Uncle Loyd I am Blessed to have you as my Uncle and I want you to know that you’re on my personal list of Heros.

 

God Bless and have a Wonderful Day!

 

Love,

 

Randy

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Rockford 1954 Memories

Rockford Backyard Picnic, 1954

Rockford "605" Friends




Leona and Carl













Rockford, August 1954


Happy Birthday! From Leona Frey


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

90th Birthday

Happy 90th Birthday, Uncle Loyd!  What a terrific milestone!  Hope you have a fantastic day with family and friends- wishing you a very Happy Birthday! 
Rene' Wicks Hammarback-Speer (Noel and Lou's daughter)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOYD

You are one great guy! We feel lucky to be related to you. Your positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, active lifestyle, and thoughtfulness inspire us.

We are looking forward to celebrating your special day with you, Fran and your family.

Gayle Anne (Wicks) & Ken Boyd

Bremen, Germany, 17 May 1946

Heading Home from WWII

Happy 90th Birthday Blog (from Leona Frey)

Happy Birthday Loyd!
I think your family is making some wonderful
plans as you celebrate your 90th birthday. During the
50's and 50's in Rockford I remember you as a young
fella!
Remember the Rockford Peaches? The four of us,
you, Frances, Carl and I helped fill those stands at
the Beyer Stadium in Rockford. I especially remember
the times we would get together and share a meal at
your 17th(?) Ave. apartment. I haven't forgotten the
time you gave me a hard time about the salad I
brought! Often we'd sit out on your back porch and
talk, and I especially remember one night we all
watched a lightning storm. Sometimes the four of us
would open a bottle of wine and would you believe I
still have two of my little wine glasses? They bring
back memories. You often joined some of the '605
Gang' when we ate together at the friendly lady's
home for her home cooked meals. Remember that nifty
car you drove those days? Speaking of the 605 Gang -
now that was a special group! I'm sending you a few
pictures to recall those days.
Oh yes, I saw it all happen as the romance with
you and Fran blossomed. I often tell the story of how
my friend Fran sewed her wedding dress in her
bedroom. I was there on your wedding day and one
special memory I have is of Fran coming down the
long, spiral staircase at her parent's home. I've
never forgotten your first son playing in your
apartment and not always agreeing with Frances about
going to bed.
We had a lot of fun during the 40's and 50's and
I'm glad I have this opportunity to be a part of your
birthday celebration Loyd. Best wishes to you and
Fran for future happiness and health. Enjoy!
Your friend,
Leona Frey
(Rockford, Illinois)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Birthday Wishes


90-Wow! Wishing you a very happy birthday from San Antonio!

Wendy Wicks
(Manley's daughter)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Happy Birthday Uncle Loyd!!

And thank you! May God bless and keep us all.
Always,
John (Wicks)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOYD!!

90 years..WOW! A great milestone on a wonderful journey, and you have traveled it well. You are an inspiration to all who know you. Keep on going.

A quick glimpse of a few highlights of your early years as recalled by your "kid" brother. We all know that you were born on May 1, 1919, in Seneca, IL to Arthur and Bertha Wicks. IN the 1920s you attended grade school, peddled papers, and assisted your family in the construction of a full-sized clay tennis court, which provided much enjoyment for the family and many of the townspeople.

In the early 1930s, during the depression, you and the rest of the family built a first-rate log cabin where many happy days were spent. Many people from many places visited that cabin. While in High School, you excelled in studies, sports, and also cut hair at Diebold's Barber Shop. That is where i received my first "in-shop" hair cut.. ( I might still owe you for that!) After High School graduation, you went to work for the DuPont Company along with Earl, which helped pull us through those tough depression times. Thanks for that.

The 40s brought war to our country, therefore you older siblings went into service. You, after attending OCS, became a Lieutenant and served in Europe, along with Earl and Gale, while Noel served in the Pacific. Fern and June were both nurses. I was (and still am) proud of that. Thankfully all returned safely. After the war in 1946, I recall that you went to work in Rockford at the Illinois Water Treatment Company, where you found out all there is to know about water. There you met Fran, and on October 23, 1949 were married in Steward, Illinois (Fran's hometown.) I know this for a fact because I had the privilege of being there as your best man. I recall that Starved Rock was in the plan somewhere. Great Day!

During the 1950s you moved to Ann Arbor, becoming Michigan fans, and raising a wonderful family. Good job!

My memory is fading some, but I certainly remember that white Ford convertible....Great Car.Thanks again for all you have done for me. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Love you all,
Kent, Joan, and family

Happy 90th Birthday Loyd

Who in the Myrtle Beach Golf Group can forget Loyd and those hush puppies from the Captains Table. Loyd and hush puppies can definitely be mentioned in the same breath! We believe it was culinary love at first sight!

Loyd is quite the gambler. Myrtle Beach side bets on par 3's and AACC Couples Invitational. When you tally the wins, Loyd is leading the pack!

Happy 90th Birthday Dear Friend. We have enjoyed every moment spent with you and Fran. We are thankful for the great times we have shared. Love you both very much.

Dick and Sherry Gibson

Monday, April 20, 2009

Dear Loyd:
You are one of the sweetest men I know! I’m always happy to see you at FUMC.
Enjoy this special birthday with your family and friends. You deserve it!
Warmly,
Tina Alee
First United Methodist Church

Sunday, April 19, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOYD

Happy 90th Birthday Loyd.  The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet.
 
Dave & Selma Wicks (azwicks@gmail.com)

Monday, April 13, 2009

loyd's bday

Hopefully this is not too late to be included with the memories for Loyd's birthday.
Loyd is one of the finest men we have ever known, and both Bill and I are delighted that he is celebrating his 90th birthday in style.  We know Loyd from Ann Arbor Country Club and our many trips to Myrtle Beach. 
My fond memory of Loyd comes from the raffles that A2C2 holds during every tournament.  Loyd's advice when purchasing tickets is:  "It only takes one ticket to win!"  Sound financial advice in these economically challenging times!
Bill memories are: 1. Loyd's patriotic red, white, and blue attire and golf cart decorations for the Fourth of July tournaments at A2C2.  2. The year at Myrtle Beach when the Rev allowed Loyd to play from the gold tees  Fran wasn't too happy due to the impact on their "Side Action." Loyd responded with 15 skins for the week, the highest total for the men (and lots of quarters.)
Happy Birthday Loyd. Fondly, Judi Oldfield and Bill Schnorenberg 

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Our Golf Outing With Uncle Loyd and Aunt Fran

The Giuliani's Trip to Ann Arbor, 1997
Golfing at the Country Club

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Loyd!

Everyone is at Keith & Diane's today having Easter dinner. Everyone says "hi!"

Anna Resor
(Kristine's Daughter)


Friday, April 10, 2009

Letter to my Uncle Loyd

Dearest Uncle Loyd!

Well, first of all......I-L-L I-N-I!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still have a dollar bill that has traveled between
Illinois and Michigan AND Wisconsin!! Are you up to a little wager???

If you are reading this 'blog', you are enjoying your birthday festivities and
'memory book / blog' with many family and friends helping you celebrate your
special day! What a wonderful thing!! We are sooo disappointed that we could not
attend 'the event'...something about our jobs and work and not a good impression if you
don't show up for scheduled shifts....well, anyway....it would please us to no end to be there
with you and everyone else, so just try to imagine me / us giving you a big hug and kiss
and wishing you a VERY HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY...and MANY MORE!!!!

Sharing memories of you to me means going back to spending time with Grandma Wicks,
Uncle Ore and Uncle Earl in Seneca, and having rare opportunity to share time with
my cousins and Aunts and Uncles...but when we DID get together there, they were FUN....the
marble pond, Grandma's flower gardens, the property out back...they were all areas to explore
and play ball in and run until we were exhausted...but always happy exhausted. Grandma Wicks'
house was a constant in my growing up years as I spent many, many hours there.
When the extended family were there, it was truely magical to me....we were sooooo many!!!


As years past and everyone grows up and careers lead toward different paths and geographics,
the Wicks family has always had the wonderful knack to shorten any length that could be measured
on a map to mear 'that's not so far'.....mostly because of the strong 'family ties' that were instilled
in us all. You may not see one another for, literally, years....and when you meet again, it is easy and
exciting and .... well, family......

I did not know my Grandfather Wicks as he passed before I was even born. My Uncles, every one
of them, have always given me my bearings from the 'man's perspective' of being 'Wicks'...the stories of strengths and pride and commitment and love of country through the military perspective were
always brought home to me by listening to the stories told around Grandma Wicks' kitchen table or sitting out in the yards. Looking through pictures of 'days gone by', living with what the 'days were bringing' and dreaming of 'the days to come'. The oil painting of Grandpa Wicks from Grandma's living room wall was always such a wonderful thing for me to look at - a glimpse of the man who was a part of having you all in my life. I also have solid memory 'trails' of Uncle Noel and Uncle Gale that pretty much revolve around Grandma Wicks home.

I know, Uncle Loyd, that you have that picture of Grandpa hanging in your breezeway office, or that is where I remember you having it when we were there to visit those years ago on our trip through Michigan.
It was so wonderful to spend that time with you and Aunt Fran, getting to visit and play golf with you
was truely memorable to me! We have that 'duffer's connection', you know?? Uncle Earl and I had the 'bowlers connnection'....Uncle Kent and I have the 'Red Lobster' connection.....you will have to ask him about that! Ha.

I appreciate, more than you know, that you have continued to be a great part of my life by keeping our 'connection' active through letters and e-mail. It is wonderful to get your updates on yourself and Aunt Fran and the family!

I will sign off for now, but please PLEASE PLEASE enjoy yourself, take in the moments and
know that we love you very much!!!

Best Wishes!!!!

Your Niece Kathie, Ron and Sarah June!!!

kjg

Passing on Message to Loyd from June!