As it ran in the Albany Times-Union two weeks ago. Posting it here in case it ever becomes hard to find there. Thought you might like to see what one family has lost to PKD, and yet how they’ve been able to keep love and joy alive. My manager considers himself lucky to have known his uncle for as long as he did:

Brazell, Richard C. SCOTIA Richard C. (Dick) Brazell, 64, of Cambridge Manor Drive, Scotia, died of a short sudden illness, Thursday, March 13, 2008 in Orlando, Fla. Born June 30, 1943 in Schenectady, N.Y., son of Ann Brazell and the late William T. Brazell. He was a graduate of Siena College and was employed by the Amica Insurance Co., with a 30 year career in underwriting. He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam Era. Dick loved and was loved by many. To know him was to love him. He had a zest for life and fun. Worldly accomplishments weren’t his thing, but helping others was. He was the “solution” man and many considered him their mentor. Affectionately known as Poppy, he avidly followed the grandchildren’s sports activities near and far over the years-most recently JT’s, Drew’s and Carter’s hockey, Devin’s dance and Jackie’s and Kaitlyn’s soccer. In the past, it was Jimmy’s baseball, David’s bowling and Sarah’s basketball and softball, not to mention friends’ kid’s sports. Golfing with his friends and family was special and he once had a hole in one. And there was fishing with the grandchildren and friends. Dick always made time for everyone doing what he could to help in a situation and was blessed with the gift of wisdom which he generously shared. Despite his many health issues over the years, Dick carried on, never complaining. He cherished his recovery life and leaned on his loving family and friends in his times of trial and sorrow. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Brazell married his wife, Margaret, April 26, 1975. Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by a daughter, Tracy (Jay) Rafferty; stepchildren, James (Sharon) McCullough, Margaret (Peter) Marshall, Marybeth (Michael) McLear, Michael (Wendy) McCullough; grandchildren, Carter and Devin Brazell, JT and Drew Rafferty, Jimmy and Sarah McCullough, David McLear, Jackie and Kaitlyn McCullough. Also survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, William T. Brazell Jr. and his son, Michael J. Brazell. Calling hours will be Monday, March 24, 4-8 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam. Services will be at 9:15 Tuesday morning from the funeral home thence to Saint Joseph’s Church, Scotia for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial donations in his name be made to PKD Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114-3367.