George M. Reece & George J. Reece (1923)

This is the earliest photo I've seen of my uncle, George John Reece. His father, George Melvin Reece, is holding him. Uncle George was born in March 1922, and he appears to be about 12 to 18 months old in this picture. Their clothing and the open window behind them indicate warm weather, so this shot was likely taken during the summer of 1923. They lived in Ontario, Canada at that time.

Lloyd J. Reece (circa 1939)

My father, Lloyd J. Reece at the age of 16. I once asked my father about the pins on his jacket in this photo. They appear to be a shield (chained to a number 36) and a drum. He explained that he needed a jacket for the photo, but he wasn't wearing one that day. So he borrowed this one from a classmate.

George & Florence Reece with their dog

Here are my grandparents, George Melvin Reece and Florence Mabel Underhill Reece, with their dog, "Pat". From what I've heard, Grandpa really loved that dog. These pictures were taken in front of their home on North Avenue, in Niagara Falls, NY. I don't know the exact year, but it was probably the late 1940's or early 1950's. I guess I'm not the first Reece to have a soft spot for dogs.

Adios, Penny

Patti and I lost a friend this week when our dog, Penny, passed away. She died at home, on her favorite pillow. She was only 8 years old. She'd been a member of our family since the age of 5 weeks. This video is our goodbye to a loyal companion. She will be missed. So long, kiddo.