My first very first blog posting, ever, was a dedication to my Great Uncle, Gregory “Skunkle” Cenzer, the single largest influence in my life and the spark which ignited my passion for automobiles. Entitled the Great Skunkle, my post introduced you to this legendary character. This posting resulted in some wonderful comments and a general embrace of the spirit of Skunkle.

Well, it is with a VERY heavy heart that I must report that my Great Aunt, and Skunkle’s wife of nearly 50 years, Rita “Teetah” Cenzer, too has passed.  

When Skunkle had succomb to his respiratory malady, and had gone to the big race track in the sky, Teetah was partly relieved that his ordeal was over. He didn’t deserve the suffering. Once reality had set in that he was really gone, her demeanor reflected the extent of her loneliness. Nearly 3 months to the day, she left this world to go be with Skunkle and all the others who have gone before us. She died of a broken heart... 

Teetah and Skunkle were as matched of a pair as could be had, and her impact on my own life, no less profound. Though she tolerated Skunkle’s automotive and hobby pursuits, she was an avid lover of sports, the arts, and reading. Her knowledge of sports, for a woman of her age was prolific, and impressive. She had an appreciation for the finer things in life, and was responsible for introducing me to the world of fine cheeses! What a legacy! She had a very gentle, but matter of fact nature about things. Something that is rare in this age of P.C. jargon, and beating around the bush. If she thought you were full of B.S. she would tell you, and tell you why! Her sense of humor was of the dry variety, and her laugh something I will never forget! Often betraying her prim and proper façade, she would come up with some of the best one liners, ever! Humor and laughter was something of a staple in their home… 

During my time at their home in the Detroit suburbs, we spent a great many night sitting in the living room discussing our recent  good reads. She ALWAYS had a book in her lap, and her reading spanned so many genres and formats that It’s difficult for me to think back on what her favorites really were.  

Teetah was famous for her cooking as well. She was the provider of the white bean (Great northern beans) casserole, and chocolate chip cookies, amongst other things at family gatherings! Something that I will really miss... I have her recipes, but they’re just not the same when they come from my kitchen. We spent many hours in her kitchen concocting a great many dishes as I was growing up. Any time I turn on a stove, grasp the handle of a pan or fine piece of cutlery, I’ll be thinking of her!  

Teetah and Skunkle have left behind one Son, Matthew, and his  wife Michele, Skunkle’s siblings, Karolyn, and Peter, Teetah’s Brother, my Uncle David and his wife, my Aunt Laurie, and their two boys, Brian and Steven - her Sister, my Grandmother, Victoria, her Son, my Dad, Michael, and Me.  

With these two legendary souls reunited in the great beyond, this bit world of ours is a little bit colder. However, the seemingly infinite expanse of fond memories of my time with them will help to keep things warm! Cheers, Teetah and Skunkle, save me a good spot at the table up there! We’ll be thinking ofyou, always...