How do I summarize the importance and life of my Uncle Karl in a few paragraphs? I’m not sure, but here I’ll try.
As mentioned by my Aunt and cousins, when I think of my Uncle, I think of family. Since I was around 12 when my Opa passed away, I viewed my Uncle as the figurehead of the Schiefer family. He was the Alpha wolf to our wolfpack. Unless it was a few of the usual topics that got Karl talking (politics, Wizard, the Maple Leafs, or whichever worldly topic was concerning him at the time) he usually sat back and observed his family around him, but when he spoke we listened.
My Uncle Karl was my Dad’s older brother. My father was loud, boisterous, often impatient, and usually a goofball. Karl was the Yang to my father’s Ying. He was quiet, patient, spoke with substance and was the only person I ever saw corral my father when he was being his goofy self. This wasn’t because Karl wasn’t fun, or didn’t have a sense of humour, it was due to the overwhelming respect and love that a little brother had for his big brother. With myself having many of the characteristics that I described of my father, I see Uncle Karl in these same standards.
I will forever cherish many of my memories with you, Karl. From encouraging me to stand on water skis when I was scared of dark water as a child, to watching you gracefully and respectfully dissect and fillet every fish we caught and ate so that you could see the health of the species and lakes. I remember the disappointment you would often have if the fish we kept were female due to your respect and love for fish/animals and our environment.
My memories of the family gatherings you and Bev would host at your home or ‘The Farm’ as I refer to it as are countless. The hikes through your property, the Wizard games we all tried to beat you at, and the ‘Schiefer’ memories name a few of my top ones. As amazing as ‘The Farm’ is, it just isn’t the same magical place because you’re not there.
You were a positive impact on my life and I miss you terribly. Your seat at the head of our family table cannot be replaced or filled. Thank you for everything you gave me.