Even though he's not gone yet, I feel the need to start to write down some 'Memories of Rex'. He has always been a special influence in my life and I want my children to know him as well as anyone can. I welcome contributions and stories and "Rex-isms" by email at idispatch4911@gmail.com.
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He had 8 fingers, 100 projects and 1000 ideas.
Rex Howell McBride was born June 29, 1954 to Gerald Lee McBride and Bonita Gay Lewis McBride in Redding, CA.
He was a true mountain-boy and grew up most of his life in the foothills of Sonora, CA. As a child, Rex loved exploring the foothills, riding motorcycles, hunting for his supper, and participating in scouting. He always knew he wanted to be a woodworker.
Rex played many sports in high school including football, baseball, wrestling, and boxing. He pursued scouting activities and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Sonora High School in 1972. He always wanted to expand his mind and learn new things, but felt he was a poor student. He moved to Modesto to pursue his love of wordworking and strike out on his own.
Always patriotic and proud of his country, Rex considered service in the military but was eventually dissuaded by his father, a Marine with Raider Training from World War II. He always respected the veterans who served and afforded us so many luxuries.
Rex worked many jobs to afford serving an LDS mission at the age of 21. He proudly served in "the best mission in the world" Hawaii Honolulu from August 1973 to September 1975. He came home and continued his service in Church callings geared toward missionary work.
In his bachelor days, he honed his skills and love for woodworking and finish carpentry, and dated a little. He met and married Kristi Carson in 1979. They made their home in Modesto, CA. The couple had three daughters: Rachel, Aubrey, and Heidi. As a family, they enjoyed boating, gardening, swimming, and trips to visit family. They attended church regularly and were very active in missionary work and church service.
Rex stayed as close as a father could when his daughters moved to Southern Utah in 1995. There were many visits over the years and phone calls, emails, and text messages kept the father and daughters bonded. He tried to be a supportive influence over the many miles of separation and readily aided his three daughters when he could.
More recently, Rex became a father-in-law to Ryan and, eventually, a grandfather to twin granddaughters Adelyn and Chloe. He was a proud grandpa, sharing stories, pictures and videos of the growing girls. He remained a positive example on his family throughout the years and miles.
In 1994, Rex complained of pain and poor muscle tone in his right shoulder and arm. He was diagnosed with cancer and a series of surgeries commenced. He went into remission but the lymphoma came back several years later. More surgeries, radiation and eventually chemotherapy was scheduled. Again, the cancer went into remission.
By 2003, Rex felt more lumps and found out the cancer had returned. More chemotherapy and dozens of days in the hospital found Rex weaker but determined to fight. He had a bone marrow transplant which afforded him a few more years with his loved ones.
Doctors kept close watch on Rex and the mantle cell lymphoma. Again, the tumors enlarged and Rex began chemotherapy treatment. After some sudden breathing difficulties in 2009, it was determined that Rex had cancerous cells in his lungs and that the cancer had spread to other areas of the body.
He continues to fight, valiantly and stubbornly, loved deeply by the many lives he touched throughout his life.
(WMV / 651 seconds / 73 MB)
