There are a handful of people who, by my knowing them, have made life so much sweeter.
My 7th grade language arts teacher, challenged me to reach beyond my abilities and compete in the school spelling bee.
A former boss who gave me not one but two breaks in the work world.
Friends who taught me how to be supportive of others by example when they were by their being supportive of me.
And then there was my uncle Ragnal.
Uncle Ragnal was a tall, soft-spoken man who, nonetheless, knew how to get your attention when your attention needed getting.
I remember the funny stories he told in monotone that made them that much funnier.
He sent me funny cards in the mail after I sent him the first. I thought I was helping him at a low point in his life, but actually he helped me.
And Uncle Ragnal gave me a gentle kick in the ass a couple of times when I really needed it. There are few people in the world who will care enough about you to do that for you; treasure them.
My Uncle Ragnal died this week. I feel incredibly sad because I’ll never again have the chance to laugh at him, or feel the sting of his gentle rebuke.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ragnal.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
So sorry for your loss. But you have your memories.
A lovely tribute to your uncle. May he rest in peace.
Everyone here is sending you love and soft purring. We all need an Uncle Ragnal in our lives. You were especially blessed to have him in yours.
I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories of all your happy times together comfort you during this time.
So sorry for your loss… Thinking of you
I am sorry for your loss dear Jen, my thoughts with you. Rest in Peace your beautiful uncle. Love, nia
We are sorry for your loss. This year we lost two close relatives . . . so many memories and the older one is it seems harder, somehow. Pip
I’m sorry your lovely Uncle got his wings xx
What a lovely tribute to Uncle Ragnal. His legacy lives in you and in the rest of the lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear that this dear soul has left this life but he will still be watching over you and he will still make you laugh and pull you up sharp if needed.xxx
So sorry about your Uncle.
So sorry for your loss. It’s lovely that you have such good memories of him – they will last a lifetime.
So sorry for your loss. Everyone has a few people who are life changers and it sounds like your uncle was one of those!
My deepest condolences on your loss.
Sending big,comforting hugs to you.
So sorry to read about your loss. What you wrote is a beautiful homage to your Uncle Ragnal.
Very sorry to read of your loss, Jen.
I”m so sorry for your loss. You were very lucky to have had him in your life.
My condolences on your loss, Jen.
I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle, Jen. Losing someone dear is always hard…
So sorry for your loss. Your tribute to him was lovely *hugs*
So sorry for your loss; we are blessed by having such people in our lives; may sweet breezes of mercy float over and around you
What a nice tribute. RIP Uncle Ragnal.
So sorry for your loss of a clearly remarkable man. May fond memories cushion your loss and pain. 🙂
So sorry to hear of your loss…. Uncle Ragnal is now your Angel watching out for you from above ❤
I am truly sorry for your loss xx
So sorry to hear of your loss .. He sounded like a great guy
I’m very sorry for your loss, Jen….your uncle Ragnal looked so gentle… we can tell from his picture….I lost my precious aunt two month ago….I know that human don’t live forever but still feel very sad…..Please rest in peace Uncle Ragnal.
I am deeply saddened my your loss. I had this concept when I was a kid that people live forever than I loss my dad and I realized that it wasn’t true so we needed to hold on to the dreams they the instill in us and carry us through. Your Uncle Ragnal sounds like a wonderful man who knew when you needed that kick in the pants and when to give you a hug that is a wonderful aspect to have cherish your memories. RIP Uncle Ragnal