*** Thoughts on a Friends Dads Funeral Today *** (Racquetball friends especially this is for you) I attended funeral/memorial service for a good friend’s Dad today. Many of my FB fiends that are racquetball players know who Rick Betts is. He is a quiet, kind, generous and unassuming guy with a great heart. He has supported the sport we love many times over the years with his sponsorship of various tournaments. I never got a chance to meet Rick’s Dad but heard about some of his life at today’s service. Wow, what a guy! I’m not going to be able to do justice and summarize his whole life but I left that service feeling like I need to get going on my own life if I’m ever going to leave any kind of legacy like Rick’s Dad did. He was a war hero in the Korean War where he is credited in one battle single-handedly is credited with 11 enemy dead and saving the lives of many of the men in his platoon – most of whom were wounded and holding up in a building. While he helped administer to their wounds, at his own peril, he went outside by himself killing many of the enemy trying to attack that building and his men. For his efforts he received a letter from the President of the U.S. and the Navy Cross. And like many great men of that generation, he rarely ever discussed his heroics or what he experienced in that war. My eyes got a little misty the gravesite when the Marines performed a beautiful tribute to a fallen hero. First, there was a Marine helicopter flyover – which we were told was the 1st one ever at that huge cemetery. It was quite impressive. Then they gave him a 21-gun salute, a single horn player played the “Taps”, and then the formal folding of the flag and handing it to his widow. The military really does take care of one of their own – so touching. Rick’s Dad (Harrison “Red” Betts) also was well known in his community for service that most people only talk about but he actually “walked-the-walk” and many people’s lives were benefitted because of his generosity. Now I know why Rick is who he is – his Dad led the way… BTW: For those of you who know Rick, please send him a message of your condolences – I know he would appreciate it. If you dont have his contact info you can message me and Ill see that he gets your message. --- With love and feeling less adequate today, Tim H
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 01:08:30 +0000
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