Beeg at Anna and Rob’s Wedding
We had a permanent power failure of sorts in Oysterville on Monday. My cousin Brongwyn “BG or Beeg” Hook died while on a visit to the Red House. She was here for a few beach days with two of her six grandchildren. They went clamming, they took a hike and, knowing Beeg – or “Bug” as the kids called her — they were busy every waking minute.
Beeg would have been 67 this coming Monday. She was enough younger than I that we never really ‘knew’ each other as kids. But, even as a child, she was a memorable force. Always busy, always trying to push the envelope, often the instigator and usually the center of whatever activity was going on.
My first memory of her dates back to the summer I was thirteen or fourteen and she was one or two. I had gone visiting up to the Red House and came upon Beeg’s mom (my mother’s first cousin Barbara) in the kitchen, her hands busy in soapy water at the sink and tears streaming down her face.
Beeg with daughters Lexie, Anna, Abby – 2014
She told me that Beeg had pushed her buttons once too often that morning so she had turned her over her knee and spanked her with an old tin kettle that was at hand. In answer to my anxious questions she assured me that Beeg was fine (and probably up to some other daring-do) but she had dented the pot. Hence the tears. Barbara and I laughed about that many times over the years – “so typical!” she’d say.
A few years ago, I asked a few of my cousins to share their childhood memories of Oysterville. Here is some of what Beeg wrote:
I guess we felt that the Red House was the safest place on Earth. You could stand up in the Bay when you fell off the water skis, you could ride a horse down the middle of the street with no fear of cars or busses, you could ride old bikes with no brakes and ride horses with no saddles and questionable bridles. I can’t remember ever seeing an officer of the law in the town as there was no crime…
Beeg’s Grandchildren
If you have ever taken the wheel at age eight and driven up and down the Lane, you have tasted freedom. But more than that, one was free to pursue almost anything within reason. There was plenty of scrap wood to build anything you wanted—and rusty and hammers to help you along. Scores of old woolen blankets and quilts were available for forts and bonfires. There were boats to row and old water skis to patch up and take out at high tide. Inner tubes were reserved for floating around the Bay and rolling through the dunes at the Ocean but we had plenty of other water toys. Dad took an old storm door and ran a rope through the front of it—we would stand on that door with an old orange Mae West laced up, and be dragged around the Bay behind the Da-Le-Be and a 30 horsepower Merc outboard motor. For sure, we did not have the equipment that was advertised on the market—our things were usually improvised and took a great deal of jury rigging to work. But sitting on the tail gate of the station wagon (no seat belts, no helmets, no licensed person at the wheel) and dragging several six foot pieces of kelp from the Ocean to the Bay is about as fun and free as you can hope for.
That spirit of “fun and free” is what Beeg was about her entire life. Thankfully she left a good measure of it behind in memories we’ll always treasure. I don’t think I’ll ever cease expecting her to burst through the door with that cheerful shout, “Hey, Sydney! It’s Beeg!”
I am SO sorry to hear that my distant cousin BG has passed. Such a beautiful lively person and hopefully she went out of this world with the same flair she had in life.
Sydney: A question I often ask myself is the WHY? of a spirited light extinguished way too soon. Remembering the times you have shared stories of Beeg with me. the joys and sorrows of her well lived life, I realize that there is no need to ask the question. Your memories of her, along with the memories of all who knew and loved her (or were jealous of or some other emotion) will shine like 4th of July sparklers or candles on a birthday cake. Even the little grandchildren will have their own memories, enhanced and embroidered by other memories. My heartfelt sadness for all who are feeling the darkness of this loss.
Thanks Sydney for sharing my mom’s description of the Red House. Silas and I just read through your post and we think it does her justice! xo
You have helped us smile, Sydney. Thank you.
Thanks Sydney, a proper tribute to a sparkling life gone too soon. She will be missed by all who knew her.
great read! I can hear Bg’s voice speaking these words. There is a shift in the planet with Bg gone. Anyone who had the privilege of her friendship, was welcomed in to her family, and knew The Red House, will hold her memory deep in our hearts.
A beautiful tribute for my vibrant cousin. I too have many fond memories of our childhood at her home in Portland, mine in Puyallup and of course time at the Red House. Just unbelievable that her earthly light has been extinguished. Her spirit willbe with us forever.
thanks, Sydney.. Nicely put and SO sad…..
I have tears reading this, happy and sad! Happy to have had a friend in BG and sad for reasons not needing to be written. I loved reading the thoughts of the red house and the wonderful memories. I was so very thrilled to have visited last year and see and understand her great love for it and Oysterville!!!
Sidney:
Thank you for publishing my sister, Beeg’s reflections. That captured the reason why were independent and responsible. She brought that same sense to her grandchildren who will be similarly active, creative and responsible.
An active life was extinguished but not without setting an example for others. The highest calling one can have.
David
So sorry to hear of your loss. BG was one who would light up a room and energize everyone with her smile and enthusiasm. I remember having lunch years back and together naming the Supreme Court Juctices. We were quite impressed with ourselves knowing most would not have had a clue. We were all better to have known her. BG left a lasting imprint….a good, caring and compassionate person and most of all, so much fun. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. BG was a very special person.
Peggy and Bill Russo
Thank you for the lovely tribute to Beeg. Having enjoyed visiting in Oysterville and hearing such great stories in person, it was a joy to read her words again and in my head hear the pace and enthusiasm of her delivery! She leaves a wonderful legacy in her daughters and grandchildren and the indelible imprint she made on so many of our lives.
I didn’t know BG and had only met her a few times. What a pretty women with a vibrant personality and I can certainly understand how so many people loved and respected her. Our sincere sympathy to her family.
Beeg was an important part of my sister Susie’s life. She was instrumental in getting Susie and Kasey Kemmer jobs at the Camas mill. That is where Susie met her husband Bob. My mother always loved Beeg and would welcome her visits.
Such a wonderful story, told at a pace that B.G. would have been frustrated with – she of the always in action personality. We’re going to miss her and most of all miss being with her.
Although we lost touch over the years, BG was one of my favorite playmates as we grew up in the neighborhood on Menefee Dr. in Portland. My mother had no closer friend than Barbara, BG’s mother, so we were often together both in Portland and in Oysterville. Both incredible places and times. I’m contemporary with David, but, you know, he was a boy! BG always had to push the envelope, and as a consequence, was often in a cast, or trouble, but she lived so fully!
While she and Jim lived in California, we reconnected, but then transfers, kids, and life happened. I remember her energy, creativity, and joy. I am so sad to hear that she has died, and I send my deep love to all of you, friends, family, and everyone who loves Oysterville!
Bee Gee was a childhood friend and I often think of her. We were in the same grade and would bike to each other’s homes throughout grade school and high school. I am so sorry to just hear of her passing (from the 50th Wilson reunion Facebook page). I have not kept touch with my Portland friends, and wished that I might at the reunion. I’m sorry Beeg won’t be there. She was truly a wonderful happy silly joyful person and I’m glad to have had her in my life! I send love and condolences to all her family!