Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Vandy Anderson, "The Voice of Galveston"

About seventeen years ago, shortly before I moved to San Miguel, a friend and I attended a "Newcomers
Dinner" at a restaurant that no longer exists.

At that dinner, I met a delightful couple who changed my life forever.  The couple was Vandy and Sue.  It was instant laughter and like.  They mentioned that they lived on Galveston Island and the stories began flowing like fine wine.  Amazement, giggles and memories were shared that night and for many nights after that.

Upon returning to Houston to get rid of all my stuff, like my house, my stuff and my businesses, I visited
with Sue and Vandy in Galveston along with them driving up the Gulf Freeway to see me in Houston.

Little did I know in those early days all the joy and sorrow, laughter and silliness that the three of us would
experience over all these years.   Yes, I left Houston, but I was back up there enough or Sue and Vandy were down here enough for many, many memories and good times to ensue.

Vandy passed on to the great radio show in the sky last Saturday.  It was unexpected and devastating
for all the citizens of Galveston, me and the world. 

You see Vandy was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and funny men I have ever known.  Add to that
Sue as the co-pilot and there you had it.  Pure joy!

I could write ten blogs and never cover all the stories I've been told by Vandy about Galveston, flying, books, the port, the Maceos...........on and on and on.  Many of those stories were shared as the three
of us drove down the seawall in Galveston.  Windows down, wind blowing, hair be damned.  Vandy
smoking his cigar.

Then they would get to San Miguel and as the great raconteur he was, Vandy would talk about how he and Sue would fly down in their plane, land on a dirt strip out by the prison and pay anyone they could find to watch the plane for the time they were in San Miguel.  Whoever it was, was paid with oranges from the Texas Valley and pesos.  Oh the stories he could tell.  And the stories we created with our shenanigans.

My heart is heavy, is an understatement.  The memorial for Vandy is today at Moody Gardens in Galveston.
Not able to be there, but I know his spirit knows I wish I was there.  This post has been started and stopped since Saturday evening.  I just could not write it............something rare for me.   So much to say and not enough time!    Adios Senor Vandy.     Photos to share...........

4 comments:

Peter Kouwenhoven said...

Sad news indeed. It is difficult losing a friend. However, you have many memories of him and that is gold...

Babs said...

So true Peter. Just hated for it to all end.

Retired Teacher said...

Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. I know that losing a good friend is as difficult as losing a family member.
Take care.
Saludos,
Bill

Babs said...

Indeed so true Bill. Thanks for taking time to comment.