ALONZO A. CAINES

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• I am reposting at this site, the same tribute I posted with the funeral home... Lon has been a friend and part of my life for almost 30 years. He will be greatly missed. I first met Lon when I was teaching in Northern Manitoba. He introduced me to curling, as he needed a fourth and I joined the team. He enjoyed playing in the league and in the various tournaments. He always had people asking him to join their team. Scrabble, cards, Friday night gatherings to watch TV, cross-country road trips and parties at the social club (his special dance routine with Betty will be remembered always). The North cemented life-long friendships. It was on trips to Lon's home town that his love for nature really became apparent. Three of us went on a walk and Lon showed off the plants and the abundance of edible berries. In a one hour walk, he had us sample at least 13 varieties of berries. Lon's home in Newfoundland was a collection of plants gathered and cared for by both his father and Lon. Lon would come across plants to try and his father would plant them. When Lon arrived home for visits in the summer, the yard would be full of flowers, shrubs and roses. A passion shared by both Lon and his father, as they planned, planted and enjoyed the beauty of their efforts. Although he did not have a yard in Winnipeg, his patio was a small oasis of green and colour. No matter what he planted over the years, he always had his pot of fresh tomatoes growing in the corner. Those were his favourite. His door was always open for coffee and remained so for close to 30 years. When he got his place in Winnipeg, he and I would have coffee most weekends. When he spent longer periods here during the summer, and when he retired, we would have a visit a couple of times a week. His "Anytime you're in the area..." continued to when he moved to Vancouver. It was a city with which he fell in love: the sea, the buildings, certainly the plants, and the ability to be outdoors all year long. Memories are grounded in sights and smells. When I see a Golden Chain tree, images of the Northern Peninsula or the skyline of St. John's, I will think of Lon. All of these are part of who Lon was. He shared them with those around him. These are now part of my experiences, of who I am. When I sit at Joe's Grill on Davie in Vancouver, smelling the fresh coffee and plates of breakfast, I will think of the times we had breakfast there. The last time, he was full of excitement, as he had just moved to Vancouver that weekend. It will remind me of how much Lon enjoyed the urban life: people watching, coffee, breakfast at a diner. Certainly, when I am on the seawall in Vancouver, I will think of Lon and know that he lived a wonderful life: gathering friends wherever he lived. Family and friends. Ultimately, these were the two most important facets of Lon's life. He touched us all in different ways and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. He will be lovingly remembered, and missed, by many. - Posted by: Tom Flight (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2013

• Lon was a great friend and his loss will be greatly felt. Lon was always there for a shoulder to lean on and a willing ear. He was sincere, respectful and had a giving heart. I was very blessed to have been able to know him for over 20 years. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Marilyn Mealha (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2013

• Lon and I (and about 1000 mice) shared an Agency house on Stevenson Island in the winter and spring of 1982, right after the fire. He was a new teacher to the north, but was game and up for anything, and most anything went on in that house. It became social central for those six months. Lon became a good friend to both my wife and I, a friendship we both have valued over the years. I miss his cassette tapes, the Newfoundland Herald, and the canned lobster meat. Goodbye to a good friend. - Posted by: Paul Armitage () on: Apr 29, 2013

• My sympathy to Lon's family. I heard many stories of Tom's adventures & get-together with Lon. I know he will be missed. - Posted by: Dorothy Flight (Mother of friend Tom) on: Apr 29, 2013

• My deepest sympathies to your family. Lon was such an amazing soul, who touched everyone that met him. He was kind, loving and gentle. Words cannot describe the sadness in my heart, and the empty feeling. I know once the tears pass there will be smiles, remembering all the great times that we had. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Shibani Oberoi (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2013

• To a Great teacher and friend who taught us in Garden Hill in the 80's... you were always missed and we were still searching for you til now! very sad to hear your passing... Our deepest condolences to the family! God Bless - Posted by: Alpheus and Laura Wood (Past teacher and a great friend) on: Apr 28, 2013

• It was my pleasure to be Lon's friend. He was thrilled to have decided to move to Vancouver and I had many conversations with him about how he felt that it was where he was meant to be. On my visit with him last summer, we roller bladed around the sea wall, browsed through the many shops and went to the many beaches he enjoyed. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Glenn Dawyduk (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2013

• Me and parents offer our sincere condolences to the family of Alonzo Caines. They taught with him at Garden Hill First Nation School. - Posted by: Simon Little on behalf of my parents Peter and Kathie Little (Co workers in the 1980's in Garden Hill,Manitoba) on: Apr 28, 2013

• So many poignant memories...Meeting Lon in Garden Hill August 1982....Trekking around Garden Hill... fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling. Talking about work, gardening, spirituality...everything ....and regardless of the time between conversations 1 hour or 6 months it was like no time had passed and we'd just continue on. Visiting Lon in Newfoundland...walking on a sandy fog bound beach just north of Gros Morne..Sitting in an open air cafe in Cartagena watching the Columbian night life. Laughing at a question/comment Lon had made outside a Vegas wedding chapel. If this were paper you would see the tear stains on it, my keybords is flooded......Tears in Paradise. And especially "Dancing in the North" with Lon. Til forever. All my love. - Posted by: Betty Harrison (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2013

• My sympathies for your loss. I wish you and your family well. - Posted by: Rachel Elders (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2013