Brushing Fame

Grandma, Robin, Joan, AIDS and more

August 11, 2024

Originally posted Sept.6, 2014 Re-posted on the 10th anniversary of Robin Williams shuffling off this mortal coil. I’ve resisted writing this post because so many people have commented on Robin Williams’ passing- what could I add? The passing of Joan Rivers, a recent article about [read more]

Family, Identity

Uncle Orville Remembers Dad

September 24, 2020

This post is primarily for my nieces, nephews, and their various offspring. This is the text I read at Dad’s funeral. His brother (my Uncle Orville) was not able to fly in for the service. These are his memories of growing up with Dad. When [read more]

Family, Identity

Janis Ian, Mum, Sarah Partridge

July 15, 2017

Another mash-up post; see also My Father, Martin and Gene from 2012. What was going to be just a review of a new CD took a turn; my mind is like that. Ms Ian’s catalogue has long been a favourite, and all her songs are [read more]

Family, Identity

After The Bath

September 23, 2016

As a young gay man in the ’80s I was not only a regular patron of Toronto’s bath houses (“steambath” or “men’s health club“), I worked the overnight shift at one for a summer. Although I did not have the exact genealogical details memorized, I [read more]

Family, Identity

To My Nieces & Nephews

September 22, 2016

An Open Letter To My Nieces & Nephews: It’s been ten days since Dad (Grandpa to you) passed. Five since the funeral. You are each returning to your adult lives- partners, children, school, career, all those things that interfere with a good night’s sleep. I [read more]

Family, Identity

Dad

September 13, 2016

James Cameron Lyttle – June 13, 1927 – Sept. 12, 2016 Dad passed quietly a few minutes to midnight Monday evening local time. He was surrounded by family and passed peacefully at the age of 89. He is survived by wife Ann (pictured below), step-children [read more]