When you are a kid you dream - I dreamt plenty. I always wanted to be a magician and I always wanted to be Percy Abbott. He was my idol growing up and although I never got to meet him I have been honored and fortunate to have had such a great relationship with the Abbott family for these past 11 years. They have been so very kind and encouraging to me and my dreams.
This past Saturday the Abbott family became poorer with the passing of Percy's remaining son, Sydney. He was a wonderful person who was a spittin' image of his dad. Here you can see him with Jules and Linda - Jules passed away several years ago and Linda is still doing great! Oldest duaghter Marilyn (not pictured) left us in 2006.
Syd was a highly decorated serviceman with two - count 'em - three purple hearts! He served his country proud and made his family even prouder. He affectionately remembered his dad coming to Germany to meet up with him and how much fun he had - away from the shop and just being 'dad'.
The last time Syd was here, in 2010, he and I found time to do a little golfing. That was fun. His stories about being an Abbott and his travels with Bill Neff were colorful :0)
He was hoping to come back to Colon one last time this year. Maybe not in body but my friend you certainly are in spirit.
Rest In Peace
Austin, Texas —
Sydney James Abbott passed away quietly on July 21, 2012, at his daughter’s home in Austin, Texas.
He was born March 6, 1937 to Percy and Gladys Abbott of Colon, Mich.
Sydney graduated from Colon High School in 1955 and the following few years were spent driving truck and working at the Colmer Co. in Colon.
He joined the U.S. Army, served two years, became a civilian for a year and then re-joined the Army.
He served in Korea, Germany, four tours of Vietnam and numerous U.S. bases, earning numerous awards and medals, including three Purple Hearts. He retired as a first sergeant after serving 26 years in the military.
He and his wife, Eiko, traveled extensively throughout the United States in their motorhome. Eiko preceded him in death in January 2009.
He is survived by a daughter, Linda Cates of Austin; a son, Mike Taylor of San Antonio, Texas; a granddaughter, Jennifer Marino of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Linda Abbott Huff of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; nieces Robin Mundt of Tulsa, Okla.. and Larrinda Dinger of Lawndale, Calif.; and nephew Scott Richards of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Because of his heritage, he was an avid magician and became one of the charter members of the Abbott/Watson IBM (International Brotherhood of Magicians) Ring #386 in Colon.
No services are planned per his wishes. His cremated remains will rest with those of his wife.
He was born March 6, 1937 to Percy and Gladys Abbott of Colon, Mich.
Sydney graduated from Colon High School in 1955 and the following few years were spent driving truck and working at the Colmer Co. in Colon.
He joined the U.S. Army, served two years, became a civilian for a year and then re-joined the Army.
He served in Korea, Germany, four tours of Vietnam and numerous U.S. bases, earning numerous awards and medals, including three Purple Hearts. He retired as a first sergeant after serving 26 years in the military.
He and his wife, Eiko, traveled extensively throughout the United States in their motorhome. Eiko preceded him in death in January 2009.
He is survived by a daughter, Linda Cates of Austin; a son, Mike Taylor of San Antonio, Texas; a granddaughter, Jennifer Marino of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Linda Abbott Huff of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; nieces Robin Mundt of Tulsa, Okla.. and Larrinda Dinger of Lawndale, Calif.; and nephew Scott Richards of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Because of his heritage, he was an avid magician and became one of the charter members of the Abbott/Watson IBM (International Brotherhood of Magicians) Ring #386 in Colon.
No services are planned per his wishes. His cremated remains will rest with those of his wife.
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