[Dan Fahey]

Tribute from Donna Buddemeier (niece)

Uncle Stan— you were often the one we wanted to show up and we were never quite sure if you would. You were wonderfully? mysterious. ; )

Sometimes you would show up out of the blue— and it was the best surprise. We knew that when you arrived there would be games and fun. Despite the fact we had to relive each play of the game if you didn’t win— we still enjoyed playing games with you.

If you lost at CLUE— which was a rarity— we learned to defend the reason why we didn’t show you the “Mrs. Peacock” card or “the candlestick” or “the hall” when you vehemently questioned us at game’s end and went over EVERY SINGLE play. You were that brilliant. Your memory was extraordinary— which is why I am sure the army wanted you for the secret services you performed with codes and such. You’d never reveal what you did with the army— but the fact you were able to remember so many intricacies was of value to your country and a testament to your mathematical genius.

I’m sure you’ll remember the night you came to our house in Conshy in your Road Runner and “dropped your engine” in the driveway. The whole neighborhood came out— and people wondered if the world was ending or if there had been a sonic boom. You enjoyed that spectacle. We enjoyed it, too— and we loved going to ATCO to watch you race. You being a cameraman at Channel 17 gave us many benefits.

The load of gifts you’d bring us from the promotions on Christmas Eve were monumental. I loved the soft ice cream machine. And I had the added benefit of you getting Johnny Bench to sign a baseball for me because you filmed the Phillies games. He was my favorite baseball player and it was amazing to get that ball. “To Donna, Best Wishes! Johnny Bench.” Thank you!

We had many long and deep conversations over the years. We wept over Aunt Peggy and Uncle Tom = your parents=my grandparents. We wept over my dad— you were raised brothers. I know we wept over my mom— whom you loved and respected. We argued about God. You weren’t a fan. And then you started to ask for prayer. I know the Lord knows your name. As your Father and Maker—> He knows your name. May your peace be in Him and with HIm. I trust Him with you. I love you, Uncle Stan. Thank you for your love over the years. I will miss you.

Always, Donna