I would like, on behalf of all of Jerrys family, to extend to all of Dads friends and relatives our sincere thanks for all the love and support you have provided to us - for all of our life but especially for the past few days. It is truly astounding to talk to so many people that have been touched by a great man, sharing stories of escapades great and small, and reliving so many happy memories that all of you have of him. Dad left on his own terms, slipping away in his sleep as he wanted to. Of course, he did have one last joke left in him - Father Kelley, knowing that Dad served in the army during the Korean War was able to tie into the homily that with the pope now in Korea the Pope was the second holy man to step on the Korean peninsula, with Dad having been the first. Dad, of course, served in Germany during the Korean War but I am certain the he was up in heaven laughing up a storm with this one last great joke. These past few days have reinforced three ideals that Dad followed for his roadmap in life - Live, Laugh, Love. As we have heard from so many people Dad knew how to live life to the fullest and to help those around him in their lives. he also wanted everyone to celebrate life and to not be sad. In that spirit he pre-arranged for a half barrel of beer to be tapped at the house after the funeral in celebration of his life. In keeping with his request the relatives and friends enthusiastically joined the family in this celebration, enthusiastically enough that the half barrel was gone in under an hour. I am certain Dad was pleased. Without question Dad also knew the value of a laugh. He provided many, many laughs to those around him even in his last days. On one of his last days when live was particularly difficult he made a comment of wondering if he could get a shot. It was thought that he was talking about one for him but with the tenseness of the situation at the time he was asked if he meant one for him or for the people caring for him. His reply was to put his finger in the air and circle it around and said shots all around. That and the Korean joke were his last, but I have this feeling that we will have a lot of things come to mind over the coming days that will tickle our funny bones, and I would not be the least surprised if it involves Dad in some way. Dad also lived the precept of Love. He was married to Mom for over 61 years, years during which money was frequently tight and years in which not everything went right, but years in which his love for Mom and his family always shone like a bright beacon in the darkest hours. He loved all of his children and made each and everyone of them feel like he was the favorite, but at the same time never making anyone feel left out. As the kids grew up and got married he continued this love with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always loved meeting the newest members of the family and as they grew up spoiling them with candy, visits to the creek, a little fishing, or just making each of them feel special. His love was an inspiration that lives on in all of us, and we all hope that we can be half the person he was. The days ahead will be very different without Dad around, but we will always have the wonderful memories he provided to carry us though any difficult times and we will always feel his humor and love in our lives
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:19:36 +0000
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