I was blessed to have grown up next door to the Ververs, and have many wonderful memories of days spent playing at their house with Robert, Albert, Tina, Teresa, and Martie. Mr. Verver (and Mrs. Verver) seemed to be ever present - and though sometimes stern (as most parents were in those days), he was always supportive and encouraging of me. There are many memories, but my most cherished is one which I've told many times since. My first 'girlfriend' was Mr. Verver's daughter Tina, we had a routine in place were I would come over to her house at a prescribed time so that we could sit on the front porch - and maybe hold hands. We had done this successfully many times and I believed that our tryst was unknown to Mr. Verver. One evening, I knocked on their front door fully expecting Tina to answer - but instead, Mr. Verver did. I stared at him not knowing what to say, and as I did, I saw Tina approaching him from behind. In that moment I realized that there was only one choice to make - terrified, I asked Mr. Verver if Tina's brother Robert could come out and play. As she heard this, I saw Tina spin around and storm off down the hall. Though I assume that all would have been fine, and I trust that he knew all along - in that moment I wasn't willing to find out what would have happened if I'd revealed to Mr. Verver that I was 'dating' his daughter. Having a daughter now who will be 'dating' soon, I think of that moment often...
To Mr. Verver's family, my condolences - you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Johnson