my father

[vinnie]

My beloved father, Vincent, passed away Dec 18, 2010. While we knew he was sick for several months, we didn't expect him to pass as soon as he did. I'm sharing this with you all as an encouragement to get as much genealogical work done while it's possible, and to ask family members to test. Since I knew of my father's illness in August, I asked him if he would give me another sample "just in case", and I was able to share with him his PF results. Unfortunately, he didn't finish work on his memoirs, but at least he had started on them. Unfortunately again, I didn't audio record what he knew of his father's dialect, and now I can't remember some of the details (exact names and dates) of stories he had told over and over. So please do what you can to preserve what you can while you still have the opportunity.

Vinnie

[efgen]

Vinnie,

I'm so sorry for your loss

Had a similar situation with my grandfather a few years ago, only I didn't get new swabs from him in time and we unexpectedly lost him. So I certainly agree with your encouragement to get older relatives tested ASAP and get as much genealogy info & memories as possible from them now, while you can.

Elise

[nolnacsj]

My beloved father, Vincent, passed away Dec 18, 2010. While we knew he was sick for several months, we didn't expect him to pass as soon as he did. I'm sharing this with you all as an encouragement to get as much genealogical work done while it's possible, and to ask family members to test. Since I knew of my father's illness in August, I asked him if he would give me another sample "just in case", and I was able to share with him his PF results. Unfortunately, he didn't finish work on his memoirs, but at least he had started on them. Unfortunately again, I didn't audio record what he knew of his father's dialect, and now I can't remember some of the details (exact names and dates) of stories he had told over and over. So please do what you can to preserve what you can while you still have the opportunity.

Vinnie

Vinnie, I am sorry to learn of your loss.

My mother is 94 and for Christmas I bought her a digital voice recorder so she can record all the interesting stories about her life, and also her family genealogy. I also had her test with Family Finder.

Again, my condolences.

Judy

[J Honeychuck]

Vinnie,

My condolences on your loss.

Those are golden words of advice.

Could I just add the advice to hang around your elderly relatives as much as you can. Something out of the blue will jog their memory and give you valuable information if you're there to capture it.

Regards,
Jim

[T E Peterman]

My father passed away on Dec. 25, 2009. In August, 2009, I upgraded him to the full sequence mtDNA test. He was still in good health at this time. Since he was 91 years old, I asked Family Tree DNA to send another kit (just in case), which they did.

It turned out they didn't need the extra sample to get the mtDNA result. In March 2010, Family Tree DNA rolled out the new Family Finder test. I called Houston... They were able to use the extra sample for Family Finder & now, he has a number of Family Finder matches.

I had no idea in 2009 that Family Finder was just around the corner. Nor do we know what new wonders genetic genealogy might bring in 2011 or 2012. I think it makes sense stored samples at Family Tree DNA for older family members. Tell Family Tree DNA of the situation & ask them to send a couple of extra kits. They will most likely comply.

Timothy Peterman

[vinnie]

Thank you, all, for your kind words of sympathy.

Vinnie

[Javelin]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Vinnie.

You're right, too, it's important to test while we can. Yes, better technology will be available in five years, but certainly not better ancestors.