Yesterday, December 19, 2014, we lost an incredible man. Bobs dad. Joans dad. And Peggys Husband. He was also Clay and Erin’s dad. And surrogate dad to Dustin Ladd, whom he loved just as his own. There really are no words to express our grief. And this man himself is indescribable. He loved his children with all that he was. And the love for his wife was beyond the scope of anything anyone could imagine. Each time one of his 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren came into this world, he lit up with pride. And he truly cared for and loved each of his friends who walked beside him in this life. Duane lived such a full, beautiful life, that he left without leaving anything unfulfilled. He left such an impact, that he will live on. In his wife, his children. his grandchildren, and his friends. He would have done anything, for anyone. And he did. He gave so much of his life to the Lions, to helping other people, as you will read from the wonderful words Joan wrote in her dads final story. But this story is just the icing of the person we call Dad. She could have written a novel about him (and would have, had her grief allowed). His story would have filled a thousand pages, and you would have laughed, smiled, and cried with us on the journey we were allowed to take with him for part of his life. This amazing man has been apart of my life longer than he hasnt. I joined this family 21 years ago - unofficially (19 officially) and I am proud to have been a part of his life - his journey here on earth. I have no doubt that now he is playing a round of golf in heaven with all of those who left before him. And after, of course, they will go fishing. He will never, ever be forgotten. And he will never leave us. He will be in the sun that warms our skin, the wind that brushes our cheeks. And the rain will be his tears to comfort and remind us that he is with us, and that one day we will be with him again. He will be in our childrens smiles. Their laughs. And even their angry or cranky words. Our children will grow to be better people, because this man - their grandpa - was apart of their lives. Just as he has helped me to be who I am. He has helped raise wonderful children, and every day I am witness to that as I walk with Bob along our path. Bob is so much like his father, that I am unable to say that in this world there is no one like him. Because I know, for a fact, that his children, all of them, resemble him in one way, or another. And yesterday, looking at a baby Duane in a picture, Peggy had found, I saw Joey. That sneaky little smile will live on in Joey. Duane s life here on earth may be over, but his story does not have to - and wont - end here. His wife, his children, those of us who were born by blood, and those of us who were accepted into his life, his grandchildren, and his friends, will carry on his message. You, too, can help us make sure his legend will live on. Help someone else. Be kind to other people. Support a charity. Or, be part of one. Duane helped make sure that people tomorrow, will have a better day than today. I think he succeeded in every person his life touched. If you would like to remember him, or celebrate his life with us, find us tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday at Mumford-Hudson Funeral Home 116 Grove Street, Otisville, MI 48463 from 4pm -8pm. There will be a Lion’s Ceremony for him at 7pm on Monday. His funeral will be at 11AM on Tuesday December 23, 2014. There will be a 1 hour visitation beforehand, and we will have a luncheon following. We would love for you to join us. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Duane’s honor to Leader Dogs for the Blind – P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308-5000.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 20:15:58 +0000
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