Christmas Blues
We’re celebrating a joyous Christmas season this year, but I have a touch of the Christmas blues. One reason is because I miss my brilliant old friend and Real Estate mentor, KDV, sometimes known as Ken DuVall. KDV’s favorite time of year was Christmas, so his memory looms large this time of year. Like me, he loved Christmas songs. And like me, KDV’s two favorite Christmas songs were “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley, and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” by Nat King Cole.
Hence, KDV’s two favorite Christmas jokes: 1, “Who is Santa’s favorite singer? Elf-is Presley.” 2, “What did the naughty Jazz singer get for Christmas? A lump of coal. Nat King Coal.” KDV always said, “I made up that second one myself!
Not bad, huh, bro?”
Every December, at the final Realtors’ Multiple Listings meeting of the year, KDV would start the meeting with a Christmas story, usually sentimental, sometimes funny, and often both sentimental and funny. KDV did that for most of the forty years he was a Realtor. Every year, he had that roomful of Realtors, a hundred or so people, enthralled with his deep voice.
There were more Christmas jokes, of course. KDV was a walking encyclopedia of jokes. Like: “Hey, I told my neighbor I bought my wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. My neighbor said, ‘I thought she wanted a new car.’ I said, ‘She did, but where would I find a fake Cadillac?’”
After KDV passed away eight years ago, I inherited that role he held at the December Multiple Listings meetings. So, now it’s up to me to come up with a Christmas story every year. It’s been easy for me, though, because every year all I need to do is resurrect a Christmas story or two about KDV. Like the Christmas season when he brought a car full of goodies and gifts to the decrepit little group of shacks occupied by migrant workers which he called Shanty Town. KDV threw open the doors of his car and blared ‘Blue Christmas’ by Elvis till all the people came out and celebrated with us. Shanty Town was on E. 9th Street and has long been demolished. Then there was the time he convinced me to go on a mission with him to each of our favorite restaurants and bars in town, have a drink, and decide which establishment most evoked the spirit of Christmas. The Hatch Cover won, with its decorations and music and a friendly rosy glow. The owners received a plaque presented by KDV. The Hatch Cover, iconic restaurant and bar that it was, is long gone, too.
KDV loved life. But more than life, KDV loved his wife. His dear Alla. KDV had one wish, the same wish, every time we broke a wishbone, which we did as a tradition on our respective birthdays.
“My wish, babe,” said KDV, “is that I die before Alla. My world is over without her.”
KDV got his wish in 2012. Alla has remained a great friend. She tells me stories from the Hollywood days as a hat-check girl in nightclubs, a dental hygienist, and meeting her crazy neighbor, KDV, who raced motorcycles and worked as a Hollywood stuntman. He became the love of her life.
Here’s the other reason I have the Christmas Blues. Dear Alla DuVall passed away last November. I was lucky enough to see her the day before she died. We sang her favorite Christmas song, Blue Christmas. Alla was 95 years old. Her granddaughter, Maura, who took care of her until the end, texted me with the news:
“I’m so honored I was able to help her and watch over her last act,” she said. “I made sure it was good. I played her ‘Blue Christmas’ and ‘Chestnuts Roasting’ as she passed. I placed my hand on her heart and told her I loved her as she breathed her last. I told her Ken was here to get her and it’s time to go. Goodbye Sweetheart.”
Merry Christmas, Ken and Alla DuVall.
Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico and would love to hear from you. Call or text 530-680-0817. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. See more columns at lovesrealstories.com.