1. Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas
&&
A Happy New Year!A Happy New Year!
This Holiday season, we want to take a moment andThis Holiday season, we want to take a moment and
wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas andwish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year.a Happy New Year.
As a special treat we have attached a specialAs a special treat we have attached a special
Christmas gift, the first chapter in the book Skip isChristmas gift, the first chapter in the book Skip is
writing about his father. It is about how George H.writing about his father. It is about how George H.
Canevit, Sr. viewed Christmas. We hope this brings aCanevit, Sr. viewed Christmas. We hope this brings a
smile and good memory to you for years to come.smile and good memory to you for years to come.
Angelina & SkipAngelina & Skip
Maza Ltd., Kang Tian Group,Maza Ltd., Kang Tian Group,
Kang Tian FoundationKang Tian Foundation
3. He was Never HomeHe was Never Home
on Christmas Eveon Christmas Eve
My earliest memory of my father takes me back to a smallMy earliest memory of my father takes me back to a small
cottage we lived in shortly after he had returned from Koreacottage we lived in shortly after he had returned from Korea
for the second time. The snow had been falling for a couplefor the second time. The snow had been falling for a couple
of days and steady since I woke up this December 24th. Atof days and steady since I woke up this December 24th. At
times it was so intense all you could be seen was a flurry oftimes it was so intense all you could be seen was a flurry of
white snowflakes falling in front of the window. Peering outwhite snowflakes falling in front of the window. Peering out
the window I could not even make out the picket fence whichthe window I could not even make out the picket fence which
surrounded our small cottage in Waukegan. The snowsurrounded our small cottage in Waukegan. The snow
drifting up the window was confronted by the heat emanatingdrifting up the window was confronted by the heat emanating
from the house created a crystalline frame on each sectionfrom the house created a crystalline frame on each section
of glass, leaving small portals to peer out into the night. Theof glass, leaving small portals to peer out into the night. The
reflection of the lights on the small Christmas tree in thereflection of the lights on the small Christmas tree in the
corner of the room added a gaiety to the otherwise simplecorner of the room added a gaiety to the otherwise simple
cottage. They treecottage. They tree’’s lights seemed to dance across thes lights seemed to dance across the
windowpanes as I peered out in the darkness contrast by thewindowpanes as I peered out in the darkness contrast by the
blanket of white reflecting brightly against the streetlamp.blanket of white reflecting brightly against the streetlamp.
He was the Staff NCOIC and one of three regular MarinesHe was the Staff NCOIC and one of three regular Marines
assigned to the local Marine Corps Reserve center in theassigned to the local Marine Corps Reserve center in the
Chicago Area. Decorated in World War II and Korea, he hadChicago Area. Decorated in World War II and Korea, he had
been stationed here upon returning from Korea and was nowbeen stationed here upon returning from Korea and was now
awaiting his next deployment at the Marine Corps Dataawaiting his next deployment at the Marine Corps Data
Processing School at Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico.Processing School at Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico.
Like a junior Marine, I took up sentry duty in front of theLike a junior Marine, I took up sentry duty in front of the
window, watching and waiting for my Staff Sergeant father towindow, watching and waiting for my Staff Sergeant father to
suddenly appear in our Woody.suddenly appear in our Woody.
4. Occasionally a snow plow would roar up or down the street,Occasionally a snow plow would roar up or down the street,
heaping an every growing pile of snow and dirt with a sprinklingheaping an every growing pile of snow and dirt with a sprinkling
of salt on the side of the road as they made way for those whoof salt on the side of the road as they made way for those who
were stuck at work to get home to their loved ones thiswere stuck at work to get home to their loved ones this
Christmas Eve. Mom was worried, but did her best not to showChristmas Eve. Mom was worried, but did her best not to show
it. You could always tell when she was worried by how sheit. You could always tell when she was worried by how she
fussed with her mouth and almost bit on her lip; this activityfussed with her mouth and almost bit on her lip; this activity
was usually accompanied by her doing something with herwas usually accompanied by her doing something with her
hands. Dad was at least an hour late, so for a distraction shehands. Dad was at least an hour late, so for a distraction she
was fussing about the kitchen decorating Christmas cookieswas fussing about the kitchen decorating Christmas cookies
while pies baked in the oven. Her labors left incense in thewhile pies baked in the oven. Her labors left incense in the
small cottage of the spices use in pumpkin, mincemeat andsmall cottage of the spices use in pumpkin, mincemeat and
apple pies. A smell to this day, which brings memories of manyapple pies. A smell to this day, which brings memories of many
a Christmas past.a Christmas past.
As I wandered into the tiny kitchen I could see momAs I wandered into the tiny kitchen I could see mom
fastidiously adding red icing to one Santa Claus sugar cookiefastidiously adding red icing to one Santa Claus sugar cookie
after another, a brown paper sack was sitting next to her filledafter another, a brown paper sack was sitting next to her filled
almost to the top with ham and cheese sandwiches; thealmost to the top with ham and cheese sandwiches; the
Wonder Bread package sitting next to them, the mustard andWonder Bread package sitting next to them, the mustard and
mayonnaise already back in the refrigerator. Another bag, notmayonnaise already back in the refrigerator. Another bag, not
quite so full sat proudly next to the sandwiches, perfectly foldquite so full sat proudly next to the sandwiches, perfectly foldeded
at the top. Mom was already starting to show for the brotherat the top. Mom was already starting to show for the brother
who would be soon joining our Marine Corps family. Althoughwho would be soon joining our Marine Corps family. Although
the kitchen was small, mom always had a place for everythingthe kitchen was small, mom always had a place for everything
and everything was in its place. She was able to serve a kingand everything was in its place. She was able to serve a king’’ss
feast from the most meager of circumstances. And Christmasfeast from the most meager of circumstances. And Christmas
is when her skills were at their peak.is when her skills were at their peak.
The smallThe small PhilcoPhilco Radio was scratching out Bing CrosbyRadio was scratching out Bing Crosby
singing White Christmas, which only added to the ambiance ofsinging White Christmas, which only added to the ambiance of
the season. In my mind, this was the opportune moment tothe season. In my mind, this was the opportune moment to
execute my strategic strike. Using the volume from the Radioexecute my strategic strike. Using the volume from the Radio
to cover my sound; I stealthily crept like a Marine on a Reconto cover my sound; I stealthily crept like a Marine on a Recon
mission through the battlefield past the enemy stronghold, overmission through the battlefield past the enemy stronghold, over
to the counter behind the enemy observer outpost and just as Ito the counter behind the enemy observer outpost and just as I
reached for a piece of moist, mouthwatering, nut filled, freshlyreached for a piece of moist, mouthwatering, nut filled, freshly
baked divinity mom turned pointed her finger at me and said,baked divinity mom turned pointed her finger at me and said,
““Just one piece Skipper or youJust one piece Skipper or you’’ll ruin your supper.ll ruin your supper.””
5. As I hurriedly stuffed half a piece of the divine candy of theAs I hurriedly stuffed half a piece of the divine candy of the
angels in my mouth, I carefully hid a second and third one in myangels in my mouth, I carefully hid a second and third one in my
front left pocket, sight unseen, at least I hoped from my motherfront left pocket, sight unseen, at least I hoped from my mother’’ss
eagle eye. There was that nagging Christmas reality questioneagle eye. There was that nagging Christmas reality question
pounding in my brain. One of the questions you are supposed topounding in my brain. One of the questions you are supposed to
know the answer to, but there is no logical answer you can comeknow the answer to, but there is no logical answer you can come
up with. There was no logical conclusion I could draw. I knew thup with. There was no logical conclusion I could draw. I knew thee
facts about Christmas but this one unknown just did not sit withfacts about Christmas but this one unknown just did not sit with
me very well. I took my chances and just blurted out the questiome very well. I took my chances and just blurted out the questionn
to wit I had to know the answer to and could wait no longer,to wit I had to know the answer to and could wait no longer, ““Mom,Mom,
how is Santa going to come visit us when we donhow is Santa going to come visit us when we don’’t have at have a
chimney?chimney?””
““Well Skipper, that is the magic of Christmas, donWell Skipper, that is the magic of Christmas, don’’t you worryt you worry
about Santa, you just worry that he does not have you on hisabout Santa, you just worry that he does not have you on his
naughty list and that younaughty list and that you’’re fast asleep when he comes.re fast asleep when he comes.””
““But how is Santa going to get inside the house? The story youBut how is Santa going to get inside the house? The story you
read says he comes down the chimney and we donread says he comes down the chimney and we don’’t have one?t have one?”” II
pressed.pressed.
““Well I am not supposed to tell you this, but IWell I am not supposed to tell you this, but I’’ll let you in on all let you in on a
little secret. But you have to promise to tell no one.little secret. But you have to promise to tell no one.”” Mom saidMom said
with a sly almost slippery voice.with a sly almost slippery voice.
““Momma, I wonMomma, I won’’t tell anyone anything, I promise.t tell anyone anything, I promise.””
““Well, once youWell, once you’’re in bed we put out the secret signal andre in bed we put out the secret signal and
Santa will know he can come in through the side door.Santa will know he can come in through the side door.
Sometimes we even let him in. It is okay for mommies andSometimes we even let him in. It is okay for mommies and
daddies to see Santa on Christmas Eve, but children who stay updaddies to see Santa on Christmas Eve, but children who stay up
and try to see him end up with nothing but a lump of coal or aand try to see him end up with nothing but a lump of coal or a
switch in their stocking.switch in their stocking.”” She explained getting a more and moreShe explained getting a more and more
serious look with her tone getting more and more convincing theserious look with her tone getting more and more convincing the
further she got in her story.further she got in her story.
6. ““Ok mama, I understand,Ok mama, I understand,”” (well it really seemed logical at(well it really seemed logical at
the time)the time),, ““When is daddy going to be home?When is daddy going to be home?””
““Oh, he will be home shortly,Oh, he will be home shortly,”” she said clearly,she said clearly, ““at least Iat least I
certainly hope so!certainly hope so!”” She muttered as she often did when sheShe muttered as she often did when she
wanted to say something, but really didnwanted to say something, but really didn’’t want you to hear it,t want you to hear it,
““But he has to go out again for a while, donBut he has to go out again for a while, don’’t you worryt you worry
about him. Come on sit up here; eat your divinity at the tableabout him. Come on sit up here; eat your divinity at the table
so you donso you don’’t make a mess.t make a mess.”” As I climbed up on one of theAs I climbed up on one of the
rickety chair, I placed the remaining half of the candy on therickety chair, I placed the remaining half of the candy on the
table as if it were a precious gem of untold value, shetable as if it were a precious gem of untold value, she
nodded her approval.nodded her approval.
After successfully pulling off the ruse of only taking oneAfter successfully pulling off the ruse of only taking one
piece of candy, I deftly crept out of the kitchen and againpiece of candy, I deftly crept out of the kitchen and again
took up my post of peering out the window through thetook up my post of peering out the window through the
curtains as the snowflakes fluttered in the breeze whilecurtains as the snowflakes fluttered in the breeze while
waiting for my father to appear. Every now and then, ever sowaiting for my father to appear. Every now and then, ever so
cautiously, I stole a nibble here and there from thecautiously, I stole a nibble here and there from the
contraband divinity. Each time I pulled it from my pocket, Icontraband divinity. Each time I pulled it from my pocket, I
was careful to look over my shoulder first and see if momwas careful to look over my shoulder first and see if mom
was looking,was looking, ok she is still doing the cookiesok she is still doing the cookies, nibble here, nibble here
nibble there. Mom started singing with the radio,nibble there. Mom started singing with the radio, ““II’’m notm not
getting nothing for Christmas, mommy and daddy are mad,getting nothing for Christmas, mommy and daddy are mad,
oh Ioh I’’m getting nothing for Christmas,m getting nothing for Christmas, cuzcuz II ainain’’tt been nothingbeen nothing
but badbut bad…”…” She looked up from her cookies at me, smiled,She looked up from her cookies at me, smiled,
winked and asked,winked and asked, ““is that what you should be singingis that what you should be singing
tomorrow morning?tomorrow morning?””
““No, I have been good!No, I have been good!”” I replied with just a bit of guiltI replied with just a bit of guilt
creating a twinge in my stomach.creating a twinge in my stomach. I think she is just toyingI think she is just toying
with mewith me, I thought, but just to be sure, I placed the precious, I thought, but just to be sure, I placed the precious
remains of my divinity on the window sill. Just in case, youremains of my divinity on the window sill. Just in case, you
never know when mom might have suspected somethingnever know when mom might have suspected something
and demanded aand demanded a ‘‘health and comforthealth and comfort’’ search of my pocketssearch of my pockets
for illicit contraband. The last thing I needed was for her tofor illicit contraband. The last thing I needed was for her to
catch me with the goods on me, especially with her not beingcatch me with the goods on me, especially with her not being
under the required code of having to be in bed when Santaunder the required code of having to be in bed when Santa
arrived. There would be no telling what she would tell himarrived. There would be no telling what she would tell him
and I was not going to take any chances.and I was not going to take any chances.
7. ““Well then get up here and eat your supper so you can setWell then get up here and eat your supper so you can set
out some cookies and coco for Santa and get to bed.out some cookies and coco for Santa and get to bed.”” SheShe
said as she pulled some pies out of the oven and placedsaid as she pulled some pies out of the oven and placed
them on a cooling rack. Like an elf in Santathem on a cooling rack. Like an elf in Santa’’s workshop shes workshop she
went from the pies to placing the ham she had just bastedwent from the pies to placing the ham she had just basted
with one of her homemade concoctions into the portablewith one of her homemade concoctions into the portable
electric oven. Then turning back to the cookies she quicklyelectric oven. Then turning back to the cookies she quickly
placed the freshly decorated confections in a box with theplaced the freshly decorated confections in a box with the
layers separated by wax paper and patted the lid as shelayers separated by wax paper and patted the lid as she
placed it snugly on the box. A bowl of homemade spaghettiplaced it snugly on the box. A bowl of homemade spaghetti
sat on the stove, waiting to be reheated for dad, it looked likesat on the stove, waiting to be reheated for dad, it looked like
an advertisement photo, the color was perfection,an advertisement photo, the color was perfection,
homemade sauce and noodles looking like it was just servedhomemade sauce and noodles looking like it was just served
up by oleup by ole’’ Luigi from the restaurant bearing his name downLuigi from the restaurant bearing his name down
the street. I think in my whole life, the only time I ever tastethe street. I think in my whole life, the only time I ever tastedd
““Chef BoyardeeChef Boyardee”” was when we were eating at a neighborwas when we were eating at a neighbor’’ss
house. Even after my mom went back to work, she wouldhouse. Even after my mom went back to work, she would
batch cook on the weekend so we could just heat up abatch cook on the weekend so we could just heat up a
homemade dinner during the work week.homemade dinner during the work week.
Just then there was a roar out in front of our house. HJust then there was a roar out in front of our house. How isow is
it possible, I leave my post at the window for just a momentit possible, I leave my post at the window for just a moment
and life changes in a flash of blinding light filtering throughand life changes in a flash of blinding light filtering through
the partially threadbare curtains and flurry of show flakes. Ithe partially threadbare curtains and flurry of show flakes. I
ran to the window not knowing at all what it could be.ran to the window not knowing at all what it could be.
Through the falling snow I could make out the outline of aThrough the falling snow I could make out the outline of a
USMC duce and a half, the bed in back protected againstUSMC duce and a half, the bed in back protected against
the blizzard with its tightly fit canvas covering, lights brightthe blizzard with its tightly fit canvas covering, lights bright..
Just like Santa suddenly appeared in the fireplace inJust like Santa suddenly appeared in the fireplace in ““TwasTwas
the Night Before Christmasthe Night Before Christmas”” out bounded a silhouette I wasout bounded a silhouette I was
all too familiar with, in a flash my father came through theall too familiar with, in a flash my father came through the
mud room off the kitchen.mud room off the kitchen.
8. ““Merry Christmas honey,Merry Christmas honey,”” mom chimed as the Marinemom chimed as the Marine
fatherfather’’s fame filled the doorway bigger than life.s fame filled the doorway bigger than life. ““Where isWhere is
the car?the car?””
““Merry Christmas daddy,Merry Christmas daddy,”” I chirpedI chirped
““Yes, a Merry Christmas indeedYes, a Merry Christmas indeed”” replied dad as he bentreplied dad as he bent
over to grab a kiss from mom, rubbed my head and kissedover to grab a kiss from mom, rubbed my head and kissed
me on the cheek.me on the cheek. ““We were running late, will bring the carWe were running late, will bring the car
home when we are done if the streets are clear. I have to gethome when we are done if the streets are clear. I have to get
my Cold Weather Jacket, is it still in the hall closet Mary?my Cold Weather Jacket, is it still in the hall closet Mary?”” hehe
queried as he bounded through the kitchen in just a couplequeried as he bounded through the kitchen in just a couple
of steps. At six foot and three quarters of an inch he was aof steps. At six foot and three quarters of an inch he was a
giant to my small stature. His body perfectly toned as a leangiant to my small stature. His body perfectly toned as a lean
mean Marine, black wavy hair closely cropped in regulationmean Marine, black wavy hair closely cropped in regulation
form. A proper pure black regulation mustache warmed hisform. A proper pure black regulation mustache warmed his
upper lip. His shoes were still properly shinned, despiteupper lip. His shoes were still properly shinned, despite
having trodden through the snow, his overcoat falling openhaving trodden through the snow, his overcoat falling open
as he unbuttoned it while entering the house. Exposing theas he unbuttoned it while entering the house. Exposing the
Dress Blues Uniform of a decorated Marine Staff Sergeant,Dress Blues Uniform of a decorated Marine Staff Sergeant,
the four rows of ribbons, expert rifle and pistol badges, thethe four rows of ribbons, expert rifle and pistol badges, the
light blue trousers with a few spots of water near the hem,light blue trousers with a few spots of water near the hem,
otherwiseotherwise----perfectly pressed with their red stripe all providedperfectly pressed with their red stripe all provided
an orderly blur as he hurriedly marched past us.an orderly blur as he hurriedly marched past us. ””Yes,Yes,
perfect,perfect,”” he said as he peeled off his overcoat placing ithe said as he peeled off his overcoat placing it
neatly on a hanger and donning the Jacket, Cold Weather heneatly on a hanger and donning the Jacket, Cold Weather he
brought home from Korea.brought home from Korea.
““Skipper, I have to go out and give toys to the poor kidsSkipper, I have to go out and give toys to the poor kids
tonight. Make sure you are in bed and asleep when I gettonight. Make sure you are in bed and asleep when I get
back so Santa will be able to come, he may come early withback so Santa will be able to come, he may come early with
this storm being so big.this storm being so big.”” He admonished me.He admonished me.
““Why do you have to do that, wonWhy do you have to do that, won’’t Santa visit them?t Santa visit them?””
““Well yes, Santa will still visit them, but their mommy andWell yes, Santa will still visit them, but their mommy and
daddy candaddy can’’t afford to get them anything and so the Marinet afford to get them anything and so the Marine
Corps is helping them and Santa tonight.Corps is helping them and Santa tonight.”” He said with an airHe said with an air
of confidence,of confidence, ““Santa called on the Marines and the situationSanta called on the Marines and the situation
is well in hand!is well in hand!”” he smiled as he quipped back.he smiled as he quipped back.
9. ““Okay daddy if you see Santa when you are out there helpingOkay daddy if you see Santa when you are out there helping
him, please tell him I have been a good boy!him, please tell him I have been a good boy!””
““Okay,Okay, ‘‘Roger that son,Roger that son,’’ I have to goI have to go”” he said as he bent overhe said as he bent over
and kissed me again.and kissed me again.
““George, here are some sandwiches and cookies for you andGeorge, here are some sandwiches and cookies for you and
your men, also there is a thermos of hot coffee and some extrayour men, also there is a thermos of hot coffee and some extra
cups for you on the stove. I doncups for you on the stove. I don’’t suppose you have time to eatt suppose you have time to eat
your spaghetti, I didnyour spaghetti, I didn’’t think so. Now come here and give me at think so. Now come here and give me a
kisskiss SargeSarge and go take care of those kids and hurry back to me.and go take care of those kids and hurry back to me.””
Chortled mom as she puckered up for a kiss.Chortled mom as she puckered up for a kiss.
TrixieTrixie, our cocker spaniel saw her chance to make a break for, our cocker spaniel saw her chance to make a break for
some attention and had escaped from the mud room and wassome attention and had escaped from the mud room and was
wandering in and out of dadwandering in and out of dad’’s legs begging attention as he bents legs begging attention as he bent
over and kissed his pregnant wife. Dad paused just a momentover and kissed his pregnant wife. Dad paused just a moment
to pat momto pat mom’’s tummy. Meanwhiles tummy. Meanwhile TrixieTrixie’’ss strategic positionstrategic position
between his legs made it impossible for him to walk as shebetween his legs made it impossible for him to walk as she
whined and whimpered for attention. Her whole butt and dockedwhined and whimpered for attention. Her whole butt and docked
tail began to shake with excitement as dad surrendered bytail began to shake with excitement as dad surrendered by
reaching down and scratching her behind the ear.reaching down and scratching her behind the ear. ““MerryMerry
Christmas to you tooChristmas to you too TrixieTrixie!!”” he quipped as he bound out thehe quipped as he bound out the
door while buttoning up his jacket, donning his gloves thendoor while buttoning up his jacket, donning his gloves then
juggling the sandwiches, cookies and coffee.juggling the sandwiches, cookies and coffee. ““Be back as soonBe back as soon
as I can Mary, good night Skipper. Be sure to be in bed beforeas I can Mary, good night Skipper. Be sure to be in bed before
Santa comes aroundSanta comes around””
I ran to the window as my father bound out the side doorI ran to the window as my father bound out the side door. His. His
silhouette contrast sharply against the white snow flurriessilhouette contrast sharply against the white snow flurries
highlighted by the streetlamp and the lights from the duce and ahighlighted by the streetlamp and the lights from the duce and a
half truck. He trotted over to the truck and as the door flew ophalf truck. He trotted over to the truck and as the door flew openen
he stepped up into the cab and I heard the hollow clang as thehe stepped up into the cab and I heard the hollow clang as the
door clamored shut. As the first truck pulled away, the streetdoor clamored shut. As the first truck pulled away, the street
light revealed dadlight revealed dad’’s truck was just the first of three, duce and as truck was just the first of three, duce and a
half trucks convoy parked on our street. The Marines werehalf trucks convoy parked on our street. The Marines were
giving two toots on the horn and waving as they passed by ourgiving two toots on the horn and waving as they passed by our
cottage, faces just visible on the passenger side through thecottage, faces just visible on the passenger side through the
partially frosted windows in the minus 20 degrees of the Windypartially frosted windows in the minus 20 degrees of the Windy
City. I caught a glimpse into the back of each of the trucks asCity. I caught a glimpse into the back of each of the trucks as
they rolled away in formationthey rolled away in formation——packed to the hilt with brightlypacked to the hilt with brightly
wrapped and unwrapped toys, enough to make Santa jealous.wrapped and unwrapped toys, enough to make Santa jealous.
10. And so began for me, what my mother had already grownAnd so began for me, what my mother had already grown
used to on Christmas Eve, a time when dad went out toused to on Christmas Eve, a time when dad went out to
spread the message of cheer and hope with little words andspread the message of cheer and hope with little words and
effective action. Dad was a quiet man, never made fanfareeffective action. Dad was a quiet man, never made fanfare
over his accomplishments; In fact it wasnover his accomplishments; In fact it wasn’’t until I was in thet until I was in the
Marine Corps and learned what the ribbons stood for that IMarine Corps and learned what the ribbons stood for that I
even realized he sported a Bronze Star with a V for valor. Ieven realized he sported a Bronze Star with a V for valor. I
still remember, long after I had learned the truth about Santa,still remember, long after I had learned the truth about Santa,
having to almost force my dad into telling me all about whathaving to almost force my dad into telling me all about what
he had accomplished in his life. After I became a Marine, ithe had accomplished in his life. After I became a Marine, it
was much easier to talk to dad about some things. But againwas much easier to talk to dad about some things. But again
as I said before, he was a man of few words about himselfas I said before, he was a man of few words about himself
and decisive action.and decisive action.
Dad was there with the Toys for Tots from the beginning ofDad was there with the Toys for Tots from the beginning of
its expansion into the Midwest in the late forties. Heits expansion into the Midwest in the late forties. He
continued to repeat this scenario, minus the Chicago snowcontinued to repeat this scenario, minus the Chicago snow
for countless Christmases. Even while attending school atfor countless Christmases. Even while attending school at
Quantico and later working at the Pentagon, he still foundQuantico and later working at the Pentagon, he still found
time to work with the Marine Corps Reserve and bring intime to work with the Marine Corps Reserve and bring in
record numbers of Toys for Tots. In fact his last Christmasrecord numbers of Toys for Tots. In fact his last Christmas
on earth, even though suffering from dementia, he stillon earth, even though suffering from dementia, he still
insisted on helping distribute toys and food baskets to thoseinsisted on helping distribute toys and food baskets to those
less fortunate.less fortunate.
After we had moved to the Marine Corps Supply Center inAfter we had moved to the Marine Corps Supply Center in
the middle of the Mojave Desert at Barstow, California hethe middle of the Mojave Desert at Barstow, California he
truly got into his element. He worked with the local servicetruly got into his element. He worked with the local service
lodges and actually got a number of them to work together.lodges and actually got a number of them to work together.
One would collect and help distribute turkeys or hams,One would collect and help distribute turkeys or hams,
others generous food baskets, another clothes and still toysothers generous food baskets, another clothes and still toys
and games with the Marine Corps Reserveand games with the Marine Corps Reserve’’s Toys for Totss Toys for Tots
Program. It was really something to see how he would getProgram. It was really something to see how he would get
the Catholics working with the Protestants, the Moose Lodgethe Catholics working with the Protestants, the Moose Lodge
with the Elks, the Rotary with the Optimist and VFW; briningwith the Elks, the Rotary with the Optimist and VFW; brining
them all together to work with the Marine Corps Reservethem all together to work with the Marine Corps Reserve’’ss
Toys for Tots program.Toys for Tots program.
11. Most of this he did in stealth mode. That is to say, heMost of this he did in stealth mode. That is to say, he
would get it started, he would act as coordinator, but hewould get it started, he would act as coordinator, but he
never did so in such a manner so as to draw attention tonever did so in such a manner so as to draw attention to
himself. He might get hoodwinked into being a speaker, ahimself. He might get hoodwinked into being a speaker, a
master of ceremonies or on one occasion a VIP on stage,master of ceremonies or on one occasion a VIP on stage,
but he always brought attention and focus on the event andbut he always brought attention and focus on the event and
service, not himself. Whenever he was recognized for hisservice, not himself. Whenever he was recognized for his
deeds, he always started his response with,deeds, he always started his response with, ““Thank you, it isThank you, it is
an honor to servean honor to serve…”…” Looking back on it now, I see someoneLooking back on it now, I see someone
who was truly dedicated to making the world a better place.who was truly dedicated to making the world a better place.
He was not alone, there were several men and women whoHe was not alone, there were several men and women who
graced our living room or we theirs during those years whograced our living room or we theirs during those years who
were dedicated to honor, integrity and righteousness, just forwere dedicated to honor, integrity and righteousness, just for
righteousness sake.righteousness sake.
As with any service, there is always someone who comesAs with any service, there is always someone who comes
along and helps. It was shortly after we had moved into ouralong and helps. It was shortly after we had moved into our
new home in Skyline North, yes, on the North side ofnew home in Skyline North, yes, on the North side of
Barstow, that dad was united with his greatest rival ofBarstow, that dad was united with his greatest rival of
Christmas cheer; the right jolly oleChristmas cheer; the right jolly ole’’ elf and Santaelf and Santa’’s greatests greatest
helper, Ralphhelper, Ralph ““TinyTiny”” Francis Alexander. If dad was theFrancis Alexander. If dad was the ““ManMan
who was never home for Christmas,: then Ralph waswho was never home for Christmas,: then Ralph was ““TheThe
Man who Loved Christmas.Man who Loved Christmas.””
RalphRalph’’s girth, white hair and kind eyes made him one ofs girth, white hair and kind eyes made him one of
the greatest Santa Clausthe greatest Santa Claus’’ I have ever seen. Not one toI have ever seen. Not one to
skimp on Christmas, he had his Santa Suit custom made,skimp on Christmas, he had his Santa Suit custom made,
bought his own Santa Boots, would grow out his mustachebought his own Santa Boots, would grow out his mustache
and weave it into the beard so it was as realistic as possible;and weave it into the beard so it was as realistic as possible;
he even went so far as to buy a pair of glasses to match hishe even went so far as to buy a pair of glasses to match his
costume just for wearing with his Santa suit. From his blackcostume just for wearing with his Santa suit. From his black
well polished boots to his bright read suit, hat, mittens, belt,well polished boots to his bright read suit, hat, mittens, belt,
suspenders, the costume was as complete as a Marinesuspenders, the costume was as complete as a Marine’’ss
dress blue alpha uniform.dress blue alpha uniform.
So now there was a team bound to destroy any semblanceSo now there was a team bound to destroy any semblance
of humbuggery, one which would work in unison to thwartof humbuggery, one which would work in unison to thwart
poverty and look after the needs of the poor at Christmaspoverty and look after the needs of the poor at Christmas
time. First things first, Dad helped Grandpa Ralph to get atime. First things first, Dad helped Grandpa Ralph to get a
job at the Post Exchange at special services. This was reallyjob at the Post Exchange at special services. This was really
12. a job for a retired person and with over 35 years on thea job for a retired person and with over 35 years on the
railroad and a full pension, Tiny fit the bill. But the realrailroad and a full pension, Tiny fit the bill. But the real
strategic reason was, beings this was a Marine Corps base,strategic reason was, beings this was a Marine Corps base,
all persons working aboard the base needed to be preall persons working aboard the base needed to be pre
approved, even Santa Claus and his merry elves. So withapproved, even Santa Claus and his merry elves. So with
Grandpa Ralph now working at the base with a civilian ID itGrandpa Ralph now working at the base with a civilian ID it
could be arranged for him to be the Base Santa Claus duringcould be arranged for him to be the Base Santa Claus during
the Toys for Totthe Toys for Tot’’s campaign.s campaign.
Dad was in the background making things happen for ToysDad was in the background making things happen for Toys
for Tots while at the same time writing some of the pioneerfor Tots while at the same time writing some of the pioneer
codec for application programming for his day job as a Datacodec for application programming for his day job as a Data
Systems Analyst. Grandpa in the meantime was there toSystems Analyst. Grandpa in the meantime was there to
kick off the campaign with a bang! Santa was going to arrivekick off the campaign with a bang! Santa was going to arrive
at the base at exactly 1100 hours on the Saturday beforeat the base at exactly 1100 hours on the Saturday before
Christmas. Unbeknown to mom, grandma or any of us kids,Christmas. Unbeknown to mom, grandma or any of us kids,
dad and grandpa had a grand appearance set up for Santa. Idad and grandpa had a grand appearance set up for Santa. I
thought I knew what was going to happen because I heardthought I knew what was going to happen because I heard
grandpa and dad talking. And they didngrandpa and dad talking. And they didn’’t seem to mind that It seem to mind that I
heard them, I just assumed this was because I was in on the,heard them, I just assumed this was because I was in on the,
““grandpa is just Santagrandpa is just Santa’’s helper,s helper,”” wink, wink, nod, nod, yeahwink, wink, nod, nod, yeah
right, got it. I can still see it now, in the middle of the tennright, got it. I can still see it now, in the middle of the tennisis
courts they had a big gigantic box filled with who knows what.courts they had a big gigantic box filled with who knows what.
In front of the courts they had half the parking lot roped off,In front of the courts they had half the parking lot roped off, aa
couple of the officers wives thought this was for their benefitcouple of the officers wives thought this was for their benefit
and after some hushed words to them by a butterball MPand after some hushed words to them by a butterball MP
they nodded and quickly moved their cars.they nodded and quickly moved their cars.
Then on the loud speaker came a very familiar voice, one IThen on the loud speaker came a very familiar voice, one I
had heard most of my life at home announcing,had heard most of my life at home announcing, ““Ladies,Ladies,
Gentlemen, Marines and boysGentlemen, Marines and boys ‘‘n girls of all ages. We regretn girls of all ages. We regret
to inform you Santato inform you Santa’’s reindeer were not able to deliver Santas reindeer were not able to deliver Santa
today. Unfortunately they need to rest up for their big nighttoday. Unfortunately they need to rest up for their big night
next week,next week,”” moans began to surge throughout the crowdmoans began to surge throughout the crowd
when that kindly voice brought further assurances to thewhen that kindly voice brought further assurances to the
audience,audience, ““Not to worry or fear, Santa called upon the UniteNot to worry or fear, Santa called upon the Unite
States Marine Corps to help him and the situation is well inStates Marine Corps to help him and the situation is well in
hand. In fact if you look over to the Northwest at this veryhand. In fact if you look over to the Northwest at this very
moment you will soon see Santamoment you will soon see Santa’’s special ride is on the ways special ride is on the way
13. here.here.”” As the chop, chop, chop of a USMC MAGAs the chop, chop, chop of a USMC MAG--16 Helicopter16 Helicopter
came flying in from over by the golf course. Coming in low Santacame flying in from over by the golf course. Coming in low Santa
could be seen waving to the children as the chopper flew overcould be seen waving to the children as the chopper flew over
the tennis court and parking lot. Then as if Rudolph himself wasthe tennis court and parking lot. Then as if Rudolph himself was
guiding them the young pilot landed the Huey on the money inguiding them the young pilot landed the Huey on the money in
the parking lot right next to the tennis court. Santa burst outthe parking lot right next to the tennis court. Santa burst out
waving to the crowd shouting Merry Christmas as two Marineswaving to the crowd shouting Merry Christmas as two Marines
escorted Grandpa Santa to his chair for interviews with theescorted Grandpa Santa to his chair for interviews with the
children.children.
It was then discovered, the giant box was a combinationIt was then discovered, the giant box was a combination
SantaSanta’’s chair and storage for toys. Santa would listen to the boyss chair and storage for toys. Santa would listen to the boys
and girls as they made their demands in the form of beggingand girls as they made their demands in the form of begging
wishes, expressing their heartfelt desires for gifts and goodieswishes, expressing their heartfelt desires for gifts and goodies
for the soon to be made delivery by the right jolly ole elf. Aftfor the soon to be made delivery by the right jolly ole elf. Afterer
hearing their wishes, each boy and girl received a token gift anhearing their wishes, each boy and girl received a token gift andd
a candy cane from Santa and sent on their way. As is always thea candy cane from Santa and sent on their way. As is always the
case, some kids were naughty some kids were nice and somecase, some kids were naughty some kids were nice and some
were just bullies in linewere just bullies in line——pushing and shoving and wreakingpushing and shoving and wreaking
havoc for their mom. Usually, this was the officerhavoc for their mom. Usually, this was the officer’’s kids, sorry buts kids, sorry but
the progeny of a staff NCO would not dare act spoiled in publicthe progeny of a staff NCO would not dare act spoiled in public
and bring down the wrath from the backbone of the Corps.and bring down the wrath from the backbone of the Corps.
The next thing that happened was one of those minor miraclesThe next thing that happened was one of those minor miracles
of Christmas. Two Marines stood on either side of theof Christmas. Two Marines stood on either side of the
exit/entrance gate to the tennis court at parade rest. They realexit/entrance gate to the tennis court at parade rest. They reallyly
looked sharp in their dress blues, each standing by a famouslooked sharp in their dress blues, each standing by a famous
Toys for Tots bin. One of the more obnoxious boys had receivedToys for Tots bin. One of the more obnoxious boys had received
his gift, he grabbed his candy cane in one hand and his toy inhis gift, he grabbed his candy cane in one hand and his toy in
the other and headed for the gate, his mother chasing after him.the other and headed for the gate, his mother chasing after him.
As he got to the Toys for Tots bins he all of a sudden froze, IAs he got to the Toys for Tots bins he all of a sudden froze, I
dondon’’t know to this day exactly what the motivation was. If it wast know to this day exactly what the motivation was. If it was
the Toys for Tots sign on the bin, a sudden realization he wasthe Toys for Tots sign on the bin, a sudden realization he was
being abeing a putzputz or the Marine Reservist in their Blues, but the boyor the Marine Reservist in their Blues, but the boy
took his new toy Santa had just gave him and put it in the bin.took his new toy Santa had just gave him and put it in the bin.
Behind him were other kids, I remember hearing them say,Behind him were other kids, I remember hearing them say,
““What is he doing mom?What is he doing mom?”” oror ““Look what that boy did with hisLook what that boy did with his
toytoy…”…”
14. ““He is giving his toy away to the poor kids with the MarineHe is giving his toy away to the poor kids with the Marine
Corps Toys for Tots program,Corps Toys for Tots program,”” said someonesaid someone’’s mom.s mom.
““Oh, okay,Oh, okay,”” said her two boys as they did the same, thensaid her two boys as they did the same, then
the girls, then practically every kid above the age of 4 gavethe girls, then practically every kid above the age of 4 gave
their toys back to help the Marine Corpstheir toys back to help the Marine Corps’’ Toys for TotsToys for Tots
program. No one could believe what was going on. Parentsprogram. No one could believe what was going on. Parents
were beside themselves. Some whispered to their kids and Iwere beside themselves. Some whispered to their kids and I
know urged them to follow suit. Others took the kids to theknow urged them to follow suit. Others took the kids to the
bins and just stood there while the kids deposited their toys.bins and just stood there while the kids deposited their toys.
Still the majority of the idea came not from the parents, butStill the majority of the idea came not from the parents, but
from the children and it all started with that one obnoxiousfrom the children and it all started with that one obnoxious
officerofficer’’s brat of a boy. The same boy, whom I later learneds brat of a boy. The same boy, whom I later learned
because of his behavior in line was told by Santa,because of his behavior in line was told by Santa, ““You hadYou had
better behave yourself if you donbetter behave yourself if you don’’t want to see a lump of coalt want to see a lump of coal
in your sock at Christmas time under the tree.in your sock at Christmas time under the tree.””
Yes, there were other ChristmasYes, there were other Christmas’’ the Man who was neverthe Man who was never
home for Christmas and the Man who Loved Christmashome for Christmas and the Man who Loved Christmas
celebrated and commemorated together, but I doncelebrated and commemorated together, but I don’’t thinkt think
even the timeeven the time ““SantaSanta”” parachuted out of a C130 or drove theparachuted out of a C130 or drove the
ladder section of the base fire truck ever compared to theladder section of the base fire truck ever compared to the
flurry of gifts that came in to Toys for Tots that one Saturdayflurry of gifts that came in to Toys for Tots that one Saturday
morning before Christmas.morning before Christmas.
I remember the day when Dad and I were sitting outsideI remember the day when Dad and I were sitting outside
on the patio drinking iced tea and just relaxing. It was shortlyon the patio drinking iced tea and just relaxing. It was shortly
after I was done with my tour of active duty in the Marineafter I was done with my tour of active duty in the Marine
Corps I asked dad why he got so involved over ChristmasCorps I asked dad why he got so involved over Christmas
and the rest of the year helping to poor and needy. I kind ofand the rest of the year helping to poor and needy. I kind of
knew where his head was at, but I wanted to hear how heknew where his head was at, but I wanted to hear how he
articulated his answer,articulated his answer, ““I have to help the poor and needy. IfI have to help the poor and needy. If
I do not help the poor, then I canI do not help the poor, then I can’’t be sure anyone will. If I dot be sure anyone will. If I do
help them, then I can be sure others will follow my lead.help them, then I can be sure others will follow my lead.””
15. You know the whole, mom, apple pie, truth, justice andYou know the whole, mom, apple pie, truth, justice and
the American way really meant something to this generation.the American way really meant something to this generation.
Looking back now, I think they may have had it right in theLooking back now, I think they may have had it right in the
beginning. It was just through their innocence of knowingbeginning. It was just through their innocence of knowing
that right makes might from experience and not an academicthat right makes might from experience and not an academic
perspective, which kept them whole. They were not afraid toperspective, which kept them whole. They were not afraid to
say Merry Christmas and Happy Easter to anyone andsay Merry Christmas and Happy Easter to anyone and
FridayFriday’’s were always fish day in the school cafeterias so thes were always fish day in the school cafeterias so the
Catholic Christians could have their day without meat. I hopeCatholic Christians could have their day without meat. I hope
all the future Christmases you celebrate after reading thisall the future Christmases you celebrate after reading this
will have deep and balanced meaning for you. Andwill have deep and balanced meaning for you. And
remember, one man or woman can make a difference, evenremember, one man or woman can make a difference, even
if that is you.if that is you.
We personally hope you enjoyed this chapter fromWe personally hope you enjoyed this chapter from One ManOne Man
Can Make A DifferenceCan Make A Difference, the life Story of George H. Canevit, the life Story of George H. Canevit
Sr. It has been adopted and formatted especially for thisSr. It has been adopted and formatted especially for this
Christmas Letter. We wanted to share with all of you a pieceChristmas Letter. We wanted to share with all of you a piece
of our legacy.of our legacy.
In Memory of
George H. Canevit Sr.
