Yesterday, my sweet, beautiful, wonderful fella,
Gil Markle, crossed over to the other side after a brief illness. He was taken mercifully fast. The outpouring of condolences from people he knew around the world has been mind-blowing. But there's one thing that was only mentioned by one person -- Gil's love of dogs (and cats).
Around here, the pets and I refer to him as "Daddy". We bought him
a sweatshirt that depicts a spoof on the Godfather movie logo, "The DogFather"!!
His favorite dog was Hector. His favorite cat, Newman (aka "Hairball"). Gil gave every cat a nickname. Newman is "Hairball" because when he came to us, he had a skin problem and had been shaved everywhere except one tuft of fur on the end of his tail, like a pom-pom. Tux's nickname is "Bullet" because he flies through the air, without touching the ground. And Cali is "Lady Kitty" because, well, she's the only female!
During recent days and weeks, friends and family have been sending me photos of Gil from the past. I started noticing the dogs. So many dogs. I thought I'd share them here on the blog, as a tribute to our Gil, one who loved dogs (and cats) just as much as I do. Enjoy!
 |
| Little toddler Gil, with a pit bull (or Boston terrier?) 1944!! |
 |
| Gil, his mom, Connie, brother Bill, and sister Janet. Dogs are Salty (leashed) and Julie (being held by Billy) |
 |
| Gil approx 12 years old, with Collie girl, Julie |
.jpg) |
| Gil with his first Collie as an adult, Cassie |
 |
| The Markle family's first dog, Irish Setter, Molly |
 |
| Salty in the living room in front of the fireplace in Tenafly |
 |
| Before Hector, Gil's most beloved dog was the short-lived Schulz; another Collie mix |
 |
| Gil and Hobie, 2000 |
 |
| Hey, he likes to wear Speedos! |
 |
| Hobie the lap dog! Can you spot Hector in the picture? Look closely! |
 |
| Still at it! 2009! |
 |
| Gil, Hobie and me on the dock at Mike M's house |
 |
More recently, Gil admiring Hobie and Cali (Lady Kitty), around 2009-2010. Again, did you spot Hector in the picture?!
Hobie, Charlie and Gil at home, 2012.
All the "dogs" like hanging out with Gil when he's working, including Hairball |
 |
| During our last trip to Eastham together (who knew?!). Look at the admiration and love! August, 2014 |
 |
| Best friends, forever. Gil and Hobie, in Spencer, autumn 2014 |
 |
Gil would get so annoyed with collie-mix Charlie Brown, but....
the man's hand on the dog, and the dog's paw on the man's leg about says it all.
photo ca. 2014-2015
RIP to our DogFather
Gil Markle
July 7, 1940 - March 20, 2015 |
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss! He looks like a very sweet man, and a wonderful life-long dog lover. Such beautiful pics of him and his dogs. Thinking of you and sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to be behind on sending my deepest sympathies. A man that loves dogs all of his life is a wonderful man to love.
ReplyDeleteWell said, and so true! <3
Delete