The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Archived Threads => Homepin => Topic started by: Homepin on September 28, 2015, 10:08:57 PM
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It is with a very heavy heart that I make this post on AP.
My darling wife of 38 years, Karen, passed away on the 24th August. Karen & I were soulmates from a very early age, meeting when she was 16 and I was 19.
Karen really was "the girl next door". We were together for a total of 40 years as we dated for two years before marrying (the first time). We were poor in
those early days and so had a registry office wedding in Brisbane - later in life, 17 years to the day, we were more flush and so I organised a surprise wedding
for us with all the trimmings that we missed out on the first time around.
Karen was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer about three years ago and she did many things to change her lifestyle including diet and investigated numerous other
avenues.
Sadly nothing suceeded in the end as the cancer spread to her liver and she went downhill fast after that. Fortunately she didn't suffer and really only the last month
was where she faded fast. Grant, our son and only child, was with her right until the last moments but I was stuck in transit and found out when I arrived in Brisbane that
Karen had passed away.
It was fortunate that we had spent the previous couple of weeks together in the factory in Shenzhen, it was time I will always remember fondly.
We certianly did not have the perfect marriage, who does? We did however know each other exceptionally well and were both able to forgive each others weaknesses and
concentrate on the positives. I miss the daily talks I had with Karen already.
Karen left very specific instructions for her funeral (see her letter below) and I'm pleased to say Grant & I managed to comply, and I think even improve, on her wishes
by having a celebration of her life at our home in Kuranda.
Things move on no matter if we like it or not so the factory is working full steam ahead, just as Karen would have insisted! Without Karen's help and guidance,
Homepin, and the Homepin factory would not exist!
I put some pictures here for those interested and I do ask that those who wish me harm refrain from being insulting or making any negative comments, in jest or otherwise,
under the circumstances, thank you in advance.
Mike Kalinowski
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic1.jpg)
Our first date - Karen is 16 and I am 19
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic2.jpg)
Our first and second weddings
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic3.jpg)
Karen and I in the Homepin Shenzhen factory about a year ago
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic4.jpg)
Myself, Karen and Gary about three months ago (Karen was rushed to hospital after this picture was taken)
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic6.jpg)
Grant & Karen around the campfire at our Kuranda home a few years back
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic7.jpg)
The tribute as requested by her - with lots of flowers!
(we took all of the flowers to the palliative care unit of the Mareeba hospital the following day - this is where Karen was cared for in her final days)
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic5.jpg)
Karen's very specific instructions - in her own hand.
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/karenpic8.jpg)
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Condolences for such a great loss for you and your family Mike.
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I am so sorry for the loss that you and Grant are going through
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Thanks for sharing this very personal moment, my condolences.
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"behind every great/successful man there stands a woman"
My family's thoughts and prayers have been with you since we were saddened by the news. Thank you for sharing those photos and the touching letter Karen wrote - sounds like she still had a sense of humor in her final hours.
I'm sure that she is watching over both of you in the Homepin Factory. I'm sure she will be proud of the achievements over the coming years.
Rest In Peace.
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Very sorry to hear of your loss, my best wishes for you and your son.
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Sorry to hear of your loss Mike, thinking of you and your son at this difficult time.
Peter.
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Sorry to here of your loss.
my wife and i send our condolences
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So sorry to hear of your loss Mike deepest sympathy to you and your family
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We are all thinking of you and Grant in the difficult days ahead.
Thank you for allowing your 'extended pinball family' to be part of your lives.
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Very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing in a little part of Karen's life. Very sorry
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My thoughts are with you and your son Mike, sorry for your loss.
This brought a tear to my eye as it is a reminder to cherish what we have, while we have it. Thank you for sharing such a personal, private time in your life.
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Condolances and deep sympathy. Cary on with her legacy and wishes. Her strength and spirit will always be in your every day.
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Mike I am thinking of you and your family.
You are one of the most honest and decent blokes I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with so I know your wife and soulmate would be so proud of you and your achievements and the 40 years you shared.
You have a lot of friends all over the world who are thinking of you mate.
We are all here if u need anything at all.
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Very sorry to hear this, all the best Mike.
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So sorry to hear of your loss Mike, my deepest sympathies to yourself, Grant and your extended family.
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A very sad time but we Celebrate her life through you and your family.
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On behalf of the Perth Pinball Collector's and Restorers group.
We all in the west send our deepest sympathies and condolences.
Thankyou for sharing Mike.
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My sincere condolences Mike on the loss of your wonderful companion.
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A touching & honest account of some very sad news Mike. All the best to your son & you in the time ahead.
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My sincere condolences Mike.
Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute to your beautiful wife. The photos really personalised the whole story. May God bless her!
Kindest regards,
Jeff
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This brought a tear to my eye as it is a reminder to cherish what we have, while we have it.
+1
Sorry for your loss Mike, my sincere condolences are with you and you family during this difficult time.
Thank for sharing your tribute
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Sorry to hear that Karen lost her fight Mike... thoughts are with you mate..
Gav
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Condolences to you and your family Mike. Sorry to hear this news. She was so lovely when I spoke to her on the phone after I paid for TB in June last year.
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Sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing her story and a snapshot of the life she lived and the influences she had. Glad she lived her life how she wanted to.
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Very sorry for your loss Mike. A difficult time for you and your son. My sincere condolences.
Caleb.
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People are all that matter. Condolences. Don't stumble - as she wrote keep reminding yourself to be happy for the time you have had together. She wants you to be happy, as difficult as that seems at this moment.
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Sad news Mike, sorry for your loss.
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Sorry for your loss Mike, take care.
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Very sorry for your loss. Hope that time will bring some peace to you and your son, and all your family.
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My condolences for your loss Mike.