Eulogy for My Brother

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Eulogy for my Brother Toby Collins was my big brother – older than me by almost two years. He was born the middle child in our large family – a birth order that I’m sure had its blessings and its burdens. My early memories of Toby were as a protective big brother, a sweet boy; funny and rambunctious. He was also bold. I remember him in the summer time, when my family would go swimming at a favorite lake. Toby had no fear of the cold water, and would run to the edge of the dock and rapidly cannonball himself into the lake, showering me with the icy splash while I stood on the dock shivering in my bathing suit. I think this describes Toby’s personality well – use your whole self and make a big splash! Our family enjoyed playing board games. Sometimes we fought over board games. As a young boy Toby most enjoyed the game of monopoly – which he usually would win. He loved counting his money, and buying more real estate – he understood this game at a very early age in ways I still don’t understand it. As a youngster, Toby also enjoyed playing what he called “office”. A family friend gave him one of his all-time favorite gifts. It was an office wastebasket that was filled with office supplies – pads of paper, envelopes, ink stamps, pens, ruler, and stapler. This gift was foretelling as Toby began his first business while still in high school. Toby got along well with adults as a young boy. Our neighbor Beverly Hamilton remembered Toby spontaneously coming up to visit and play cards with her. He also frequently visited our other adult neighbors Alan and Clancy – taking an interest in these adults in a way that most kids just didn’t do. Toby loved earning money, and began working at a young age. He worked for a disposal service and I remember him coming home smelling awful, but he didn’t complain about it. When he had a chance to earn money by washing windows

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