Left to right Gloria, Shirley,Junko, Bill, Mal Gurian, Doris 21-2-87
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Dear Neville and Danny,
How do you express your feelings and thoughts when you learn of the loss of a dear person and friend? When we received Stan's email our hearts dropped sixty plus years. Needless to say we always felt we knew Marie all our lives. Meeting your family when we had the good fortune in New Zealand will always be a memory. Marie was not only a beautiful women but a fantastic hostess. Our only regrets are that she never made the trip here to the States so we could have reciprocated.
The passing of a parent is probably one of the saddest things in life we must all endure. One must contest these unhappy times as well as we have accepted the good fortunes and fond memories we have had. Saying that, please celebrate your Mother's life and not mourn her passing. The bond between Mother and Sons will continue to live on forever.
Our concern, as I'm sure yours, is the status of Bill's (Dad's) dementia, and how much of this deep tragedy will effect him or possibly help in this case.
I can't help but think as both Gloria and I are approaching our departing days that the loss of connection between the Chuns and Gurians might come to a close. I am sure Bill's wish as mine would be for Neville, Danny, Randy and Nancy and family's to continue this great long time across the world friendship.
Our prayers go out to your family and of course Marie, that she rest in peace.
Love to you all,
Mal & Gloria
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Dear Stan,
Your email was a shock, expected of course but nevertheless news not
wanted. What little Glo & I knew of Marie was beautiful and when we finally
met her on our NZ trip proved more-so. After reading your last email on the
Chun Family, we learned so much more about Marie that everyone cherished.
Please convey our deepest sympathies to the entire Chun Family on the loss
of this very dear lady. I sincerely hope Bill's dementia will spare him this
great loss. Our prayers go out to Marie that she rest in peace.
Mal & Gloria
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Dear Stan,
I am deeply honored that Glo & I will be part of Bill's service when that
sad day arrives.
Bill and I go back to the early days of our manhood during World War Two
meeting on an island called Emirau. We came from two different worlds with
one cause to serve our countries. Bill, the NZ Air force and myself the US
Marine Air Corps. Those were dark days for the world but I often think how
our youth at the time turned darkness into sunshine. Bill was one happy go
lucky Kiwi as he was known by. He spent so much time with the Leathernecks
that we looked upon him as one of our own. He mixed well, partied well and
fought the cause. Glo and I will always remember Bill's visit to our home
in New Jersey and of course our visit to New Zealand hosted by the Chun
Family. Bill and his smiling personality will be missed by all. I for one,
will be celebrating the good fortune I had knowing this man, not his
departing days. The end comes too soon.
"May the Eternal bless and keep him, bring warmth and protect him and
embrace him and grant him peace".
Cheers good buddy,
Mal
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Dear Neville and Family,
Today I have a heavy heart. I have lost a very dear friend, but will always remember the rewards of knowing him for over 60 years.
Gloria & I wish Neville, Danny and the complete Chun Family strength to go forward in spite of the great tragedy you have encountered this past month. I am sure this was Bill's wish to be together with Marie once again.
Much love,
Mal & Gloria
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