Dad's last few years were difficult as he declined mentally and physically. I had the honor of helping him through the days, but he hated needing the help. Today, 1 year after his passing, I remember him more as the vital, laughing, intelligent man that he was, rather than the enfeebled elder that hoped for a speedy demise. Love you Dad!

Dad and Mom were married for 60 plus years. It wasn't easy - over the years they lost two children and survived five teenagers at once. But they loved and needed each other just as much in their 90s as when they were first married.

I'm thankful for the characteristics I inherited from Dad - the impulse to work with my hands every day. I garden, cook, and do artwork, and derive enormous pleasure from it. That's all from him.

Dad was a complicated person. Sometimes it's necessary to read between the lines to see the good. He tried to teach us to be tough. It seemed harsh, but he was trying to make us able to get through hard things in life. He sure cared about us - this I know.