My family was staying at Warren and Daryle’s house on Islington for a month or so before we left for the west coast. Bearing in mind that our households had two different styles of parenting, mine being on the more permissive side. It probably wouldn’t surprise you to know that the Dunne's kept a wary eye on their son's older and more seasoned cousin.
One day our parents, inexplicably, decided to let us stay at home while the four of them went on an errand. After getting assurances that we would play nicely together and not get into any trouble, off they went.
Everything was going so well. Joan and Daryle, I believe, were Jumping Rope while Warren and I were playing with a ball. That started to get a little boring, so I asked if he wanted to see a little trick. Of course he said yes. I then proceeded to lob the ball, with a back spin, onto the garage roof. Down it comes, rolls to the edge of the roof hits the eves trough and launches into the air. After a couple of demonstrations, I was about to let him have a try. But no, on the last roll the ball popped neatly into the trough. Oh!
Not being one to waste a good ball, I asked Warren if there was a ladder. He didn't think so, but the roof was closer to the ground at the back of the garage. We found something to stand on and I, being about six feet tall, had no trouble boosting myself up on the roof. I turned around and told Warren not to follow as it might not be safe. I then walked over to the trough, retrieved the ball and looked up in perfect synchronicity with our parents arrival. While I was frozen on the spot, they emerge from the vehicle. My Uncle Jimmy just stood there, hands on hips and a scowl on his face. I was in trouble again! Well, might as well face the music. Turning around, there was Warren, smile on face, just climbing over the peak.
Looking back, I keep wondering, how the heck did he, at four feet, get up on that roof. Well, that was Warren for you!
In my late twenties, I was transferred from my job in Victoria to Delta, BC. Connie, the girls and I had recently moved into our new home and I was settling into my new job. I knew Warren had become a Pilot but we hadn’t been in contact for a while. One afternoon I was driving to work in my old Midget sports car. I arrived at a stoplight and waited for it to turn green. Up rolls this car along side of me. Suddenly, the air erupts with laughter (giggling) and this guy is looking down at me, sporting glasses with a rubber nose. The laughing continues for a few seconds and then his eyes go wide. Out he pops from the car, runs over to the passenger side and jumps in. Explaining in a very dignified manner that he’s laid over for the day, but has to get back for a flight. I said that we’re both in the same predicament as I have to relieve someone on shift. So for the next three kms we get to catch up and that was that for a couple of years.
Looking back, as I was wearing a full face beard, which he’d never seen me in, I’m wondering how he recognized me. Well that was Warren for you!
I remember a generous guy, adventurous and full of fun.
That was Warren to me.
Thanks for the Memories!
