Monday, April 23, 2018
My sincere condolences on the loss of your wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. My fondest memories of "Mr. Smiley" are as my neighbor and fabulous bus driver and go back as far as I can remember.
Mr. Smiley held a special place for me as my bus driver, safely transporting me from home to Lavoy all through my school years. All of his passengers loved him because he was always kind, patient, friendly and forgiving. A warm smile and "hello" was offered as we boarded and a "good night" as we disembarked. Bratty kids on a school bus could not have been easy passengers to deal with, yet, his kindness always prevailed.
I'll always remember the treats handed out at Christmas time, a choice between Neilson Willowcrisp, Goldenbuds or Slowpokes. It was a simple gift I treasured and being the luckiest kid as the last one on/first one off, I had my pick.
I was a perpetually late teenager and although Mr. Smiley would give a few reminder horn-honks to rouse me from my oversleep during morning pick-up, it didn't work often. His generous service to me as his client is something I can sure appreciate now that I'm older.
Mr. and Mrs. Smiley were frequent visitors; Lawrence would have my dad weld or fix something, while Mrs. Smiley and my mom were in the house talking W. I. business. When the welding and meeting-planning was done, they'd talk farming, the weather, or local politics.
I will always treasure my time spent on his always impeccably clean school bus and will miss him as a friend and neighbor.
God bless,
Rob Semeniuk
