A death in the (extended) family

So one of the granduncles (theow kong) have passed away this morning. No, I have no idea what he died of.

Which no one knew until tonight when Mum finally returned her brother's call, who told her the news. Using the modern technology of both land line and cell, my parents got word out to the rest of Mum's siblings, where word would eventually spread.

He was my mum's uncle by marriage since he was married to her paternal aunt (who's always kind to me even though I'm technically not her granddaughter, but her brother's [my late grandfather]). I admit, I haven't seen him in the last few years, but the man hasn't exactly been lucid. But I vaguely remember when he wasn't, and that was YEARS ago.

Tis a pity that his granddaughter (my second cousin) probably can't make it back if she found out as she's on the other side of the planet, just like I was five years ago. But I'm just projecting; I'm not sure if she's flying back or no.

It's been several hours now since the 'rents have left to the crematorium to keep her aunt company while her son (Mum's first cousin) and daughter-in-law make the arrangements. The sibling and I are home (duh) tonight, but I'm sure that we may have to pay our respects over the next day or two.

It's so weird that I know my mother's extended family and how they know me better than I do my dad's.