Obituaries

In the last several years, I have had to write two family obituaries, one for my father and one for my sister-in-law of 43 years. Painful as the writing was in each instance, I saw the obituary not just as a way to note family members' deaths, but as a way to celebrate what made him and her special and loved.

The same can be said of my cousin Carl's obituary, which I assume his sister Donald wrote. The death notice shines a light on his great kindness and generosity, qualities I noted even as a child.

We grow old, but we grow as well into the selves we have always been.

ANDERSON, CARL ELDRIDGE, well known Birmingham business man and civic leader, died at age 62 on September 20, 2009. Carl was born in Birmingham October 7, 1946. He grew up in Mountain Brook with his father, James, a former Navy Captain and his mother, Bertha. After attending the University of Mississippi, he returned to Birmingham where he was owner and manager of Ciao restaurant in Mountain Brook until his recent retirement. His love of children and enthusiasm for their development had led him, for the past several years, into active volunteer leadership in Boy Scouts where he has positively influenced many Birmingham youths and the Scouting program. Since 2003, he has been a committee member of Pack 95, a District Committee member and most recently served as a council employee overseeing camp food operations. Carl is survived by siblings: Donald (Richard) Roth, Jim and Currin Anderson; two sons: Gregory, Carl, Jr. and numerous other family members and friends who mourn his passing. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Shades Valley Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Greater Alabama Council Boy Scout's of America, 516 Liberty Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242.