In Remembrance
of Harold and Stella Hubbard
For their children,
Betty, John and Don and for all the grandchildren who knew and loved
them, these few words cannot do justice to their memory or serve
to recall all of the wonderful times we shared. But for the younger
great-grandchildren and future generations who might wonder, let's
try to describe this unique couple.
They were really
a "couple" in every sense of the word, and that idea has been dominant
in describing their life together. Almost never apart, except when
Grandpa went to work, they were devoted to each other and to their
"family", which included spouses and a few close friends.
Stella was able
to do just about anything she set her mind to do. With hammer and
saw she helped build the little house in Encinitas. A few garden
tools and her magic touch and everything grew and bore fruit. A
talented artist, she played the organ at the Methodist Church and
entertained all of us at the piano and electric organ. With brushes
and paint she could do a mural of full-size horses racing across
a wall or a christmas scene in the patio or a life-like portrait
of a grandchild. She loved her home and made it a happy place for
everyone.
Harold was interested
in everything, especially the latest inventions. He was among the
first to have a radio, tape recorder, television set telescope with
camera attached and a dark room for developing and printing his
own color enlargements. Give him enough wire and friction tape and
he could fix anything. Why he didn't burn down every house they
lived in is still a mystery because he believed fervently in controlling
everything electrical from his bed. Music was a great love and he
couldn't resist buying records. Of course sales resistance was not
one of his strong points anyway.
Grandpa and
Grandma were great readers. They spent many happy hours reading
to each other from the classics, the Bible, history, politics, art,
religion. They devoured whole sets of thick volumes on civilization
and philosophy.
Our warmest
memories of Harold and Stella are of holidays, especially Christmas,
when they invited all of the family and friends to the very long
table at Del Mar. They cooked the dinner together and afterwards
we all sang while Grandma jumped back and forth from the piano to
the organ. And then piles of presents. Spending money at Christmas
must have been Grandpa's favorite hobby.
Their life together
serves as a sterling example of the meaning of "devotion" and "commitment".
Their dreams for the retirement years were not realized because
Stella's health failed after 70 active, fruitful years, but Grandpa
fought to keep their lives together, trying everything to maintain
their independence. His love never waivered and his energies were
directed solely to Stella's welfare and happiness. He overcame every
barrier to their staying together and she remained, as always, his
Stella.
Their search
for truth led them to a strong Christian faith, but they were non-judgemental
and tolerant of other's sincere beliefs. They were very proud of
their large family and we can all be thankful that they were there
to lead us in their gentle, loving ways.