In Memoriam: Imre Weil

The end of an era…

Imre Weil

Once again I sit here facing the reality that I have once again lost one of the most important people in my life. When Betsy was still alive and would tell me she wasn’t feeling well, I would tell her, “don’t you dare leave me to deal with him…I don’t know if I can do it.” Well she left Imre to me, and I must admit it was a very special two years of my life.

Throughout my career shadowing Betsy in real estate, I became more than just her shadow. I became everything: personal assistant, bodyguard, housecleaner, errand runner, but most importantly, I became, as they called me, “The Kid.” I was their kid…they were my people.

I was often asked how I could still be working with them. Wasn’t it hard? Everyday it was a challenge, but it was a challenge that I took and wouldn’t change it for the world. The love I was shown is something I will cherish for all my life, even now that I have to go on without them, they will always be with me.

Once Betsy passed, I had to learn how to handle Imre in a different way. He loved in such a different way than Betsy. He was stubborn and cranky…my nickname for Imre was Cranky…that’s what I called him, he was my Cranky pants. A cranky man with a heart of gold. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for me.

Throughout the years, I learned how to make a perfect bed, empty the trash like a pro and drive with my hands at 10 and 2…that was just his way and for the sake of sanity, it was best to do things “his” way.

Many of you know Imre as the avid skier he was, a long-time member of the ski club, your mentor and your friend. I will tell you, he cherished each and every one of you and your friendships. I believe those friendships are what kept him going the past two years. In March, when he fell and broke his hip, I was scared. As most of you know, once that happens it’s hard to bounce back. Well he did, and he was progressing so well, feeling good and looking forward to getting back on the water. He was determined by October to be back skiing.

Imre was home being cared for by a wonderful caretaker who took daily trips down to the slalom course with him on the golf cart…a simple pleasure that made him happy. In the weeks to follow, he was still progressing, but was tired and ended up back in the hospital with some other issues. He overcame them, though, and once again came home.

Shortly after arriving home from the hospital, I ended up taking him to Scripps Memorial at the suggestion of his cardiologist. Imre spent about a week there. He chose not to go to skilled nursing. He wanted to go home, so he did…and on Sunday, Aug. 23, he went to be with his beloved Betsy. He used to tell me he was just living…he really had no purpose since he had lost her.

Through all of this, I have learned that life is so unpredictable. Things can change so fast. With Imre, it was fast…one day we were at the house playing with the puppy and the next thing I knew, he was gone. My life will be forever changed having had both him and Betsy in my life. There was never a dull moment. The love I had from them both I will cherish the rest of my days. Rest easy my Cranky and tell my Chubs how much I love and miss her. Always know how important you both will always be to me.

I miss you…..I love you.

Tina aka “The Kid”