Death of an Owner

[SamSam]

I am looking forward to May. Even though Steve will not be there, I will be reliving many years of happy memories. I don't cry when I remember the wonderful times I have had with my husband. I enjoy watching our videos and pictures. Disney World is tied closely to our family fun -- and will be for many more years.

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

I love your attitude towards your May trip. It's what I would have suggested you do...use the trip to heal, to remember many, many good times that you obviously had with Steve.

Hugs to you!

 

[CarolAnnC]

My wonderful friend, companion, and husband of 19 years passed away last week. We have fabulous family memories of our 14 years of DVC ownership and over 50 WDW vacations. We are a Disney family through and through!!

I am trying to go through all the legal and financial paperwork that needs to be done at a time like this. I was hoping someone on the board could give me some advice on how to handle my DVC.

Do I need to report the event to Member Services? I don't plan to sell or change anything. I believe we are owners with joint tenancy?

Is there any hurry to change the deed? Can I just sit on it for a year or two?? or ten? I am the one who makes all the plans and reservations. So his involvement is just in the joy and fun of the vacation.

I thought maybe someone may have experience with this and could give advice.

Our next trip is planned for May and it is going to be hard to be there without the love of my life.

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear husband. I will relay to you my experience when I lost my husband suddenly 10 years ago. I did call Member Administration to inform them of what had happened. I did have a balance at that time on my joint DVC loan, but I actually ended up paying it off early the following year, though I could have continued on just making payments.

They removed him from the account, and I have not yet done anything with changing the Deed. As others have stated, until such time as I am going to sell my ownershp, or pass on myself, there is no pressing need to make the change.

I have since remarried, and have changed my name. The only possible issue is that if I were renting out points and a potential renter desired to look me up at the Registry of Deeds to verify, they would not find me listed as those particular contracts are still listed in my previous married name. No problem though since I don't plan on renting (at least not at this time).

The first trip back to WDW will be difficult, I cannot deny that. But, it will get better, and I find WDW to be a place of peace and comfort with the beautiful memories I have of my children with their daddy there.

Hugs to you...

 

[laura-k]

I don't have any information to help you, but I just wanted to let you know I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[ticofan]

The advice has been great. It is soothing to know that others have been through this. I am thankful for the time I have had with my wonderful husband. I can't imagine ever not having a wonderful experience at WDW. I know Steve will be watching and rooting me on to enjoy myself.

It sounds like there should really be no problems with the DVC contract. I like the idea of not doing anything right now. I have so many other things to deal with that taking one thing off my plate seems very welcome.

 

[zalansky]

You seem to have received some great advice, I just wanted to offer you some hugs as well.

Thinking of you!

 

[ticofan]

Thank you again for the support.

It was nice waking up this morning to hugs and support. I have a wonderful family that give me lots of help. I also have three great kids, 15, 14, and 11, who give me hugs and kisses every time I tear up.

I will have to write in May when we get back from WDW. I know I will have a great time because we always do. It will be nice to be someplace with only happy healthy memories.

 

[RutgersAlum]

Ticofan, I just found this thread and it touched my heart. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Peace and healing to you and your children

 

[lizanne]

So sorry for your loss. It's sounds like you had a wonderful marriage and I hope your happy memories will help you get through this difficult time.

 

[ticofan]

My kids and I took off for a short trip just the four of us. We have spent the day talking about Dad. My 15 year-old drove (he loved the idea) while I typed down the memories my kids had of the last year. Tonight we watched a slide show of the last 10 years on my iPad. They are all happy memories -- we laughed and cried happy tears for all the good times we have had. We are going to have many more. I know Steve wants us to be happy and have fun. He wouldn't want us to be sad.

I love and miss him.

Thank you so much for everyone's support!

 

[ticofan]

Thank you again for all the well wishes. I am back from my May trip and wanted to let all those, who were so kind to show interest, know what a great trip it was.

Disney has so many wonderful family memories, it was hard to be sad. I walked over the bridge to Mexico and remembered how 20 years ago, that is where my husband fell in love with me. I stopped at the new restaurant and remembered the many meals Steve and I had shared.

My husband was THE FUN PARENT! I was the Mom-who-makes-sure-the-homework-and-jobs-are-done-everyday!! So now I have to be the fun parent. I rode all the rollercoasters. I even went on Rockin RollerCoaster for the first time. I had to, because now I am THE FUN PARENT!!

We splurged as a family and got the Dining Plan. It was hard, but I was forced to finish the kids' creme brulee's when they were unable to. I even put the kids in the hammocks at the Polynesian and swung them until they fell off laughing.

We have many fabulous memories of the five of us at WDW. Now there are only four of us at WDW, but I know there is one close by looking in and checking up on us.

Thank you to all who cared. Life is going on. I still tear up everyday, but I have three wonderful children who need me, help me, and comfort me daily. I am truly blessed.

PS I just got back yesterday from another trip to BLT!! My baby boy (11 years old) and I had special time. We continued the family tradition of great memories at the Happiest Place on Earth!!

 

[bumbershoot]

 

[sleeperclan]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts to you

 

[sweetdana]

no other advice.

 

[zalansky]

So great to hear from you and to hear about your trip. It sounds like it was great and its also good to see that you are all continuing making memories. I definitely believe Steve was there with you!

 

[RutgersAlum]

It is such a special place, I am glad you found the fun and the laughter from and for your beautiful family through it all. Peace to you all, I am so sorry for your loss

 

[ssawka]

Your post reminds me of why we became DVC members. DD9 has Down Syndrome and as such will most likely never be able to support herself. She absolutely loves WDW though and asks everyday to go to "Mickey's House". Anyway, DW and I will not be around forever, but we want to be sure that she will always be able to go to "Mickey's House" so we bought the contract so that upon our demise, DD's guardian will still be able to take her.

 

[DenLo]

Thank you again for all the well wishes. I am back from my May trip and wanted to let all those, who were so kind to show interest, know what a great trip it was.

Disney has so many wonderful family memories, it was hard to be sad. I walked over the bridge to Mexico and remembered how 20 years ago, that is where my husband fell in love with me. I stopped at the new restaurant and remembered the many meals Steve and I had shared.

My husband was THE FUN PARENT! I was the Mom-who-makes-sure-the-homework-and-jobs-are-done-everyday!! So now I have to be the fun parent. I rode all the rollercoasters. I even went on Rockin RollerCoaster for the first time. I had to, because now I am THE FUN PARENT!!

We splurged as a family and got the Dining Plan. It was hard, but I was forced to finish the kids' creme brulee's when they were unable to. I even put the kids in the hammocks at the Polynesian and swung them until they fell off laughing.

We have many fabulous memories of the five of us at WDW. Now there are only four of us at WDW, but I know there is one close by looking in and checking up on us.

Thank you to all who cared. Life is going on. I still tear up everyday, but I have three wonderful children who need me, help me, and comfort me daily. I am truly blessed.

PS I just got back yesterday from another trip to BLT!! My baby boy (11 years old) and I had special time. We continued the family tradition of great memories at the Happiest Place on Earth!!

Thanks for sharing such wonderful memories with your husband and children. Sorry for your loss.

 

[wildernessDad]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad that you were able to enjoy many great memories with your spouse using your DVC.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks for reporting back, ticofan. You are doing a great job of becoming the "fun parent"!

 

[ticofan]

Your post reminds me of why we became DVC members. DD9 has Down Syndrome and as such will most likely never be able to support herself. She absolutely loves WDW though and asks everyday to go to "Mickey's House". Anyway, DW and I will not be around forever, but we want to be sure that she will always be able to go to "Mickey's House" so we bought the contract so that upon our demise, DD's guardian will still be able to take her.

I love this idea. You will be taking care of your daughter and watching her have wonderful memories even after you are gone! What a sweet thought.

Thank you. This was inspiring!