Bob,

I had the honor of not only working for you while you were in Bagdad, but also of becoming good friends with you and Sally.  I respected you and loved you as a boss because I knew you were hard working, kind, and a straight shooter!  Honesty was very important to you, as it was to me.  


Our Children, Christy and Mike went to school together, and played tennis together, and we shared many fun times with my husband Jack and your Sally cheering our kids on, as well as the rest of the team.  We had dinner together at the out of town games, we sat in the heat in Phoenix and burned up watching our kids play, but it was important that we all be there.  That's the kind of parent you were.  You were there for your family, and that also was important to us.  You shared the same values we shared.


We will miss you Bob, you were a very special man, but you have left a wonderful legacy!  Rest in Peace my Irish friend!  We will meet again one day soon!


Love,

Barb         

      

    

Remembered Joy (An Irish Prayer)

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me,
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief-
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.


This Irish prayer reminded me of my Dad.  I miss him so much.  I think he would have loved this prayer!   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
I

This picture was taken in Mesquite on a trip we all took together to celebrate Bob & Sarah's 50th wedding anniversary.  There is no one I'd rather golf with than these two!  I am a horrible golfer, but they took all the pressure off and made it so much fun.  Bob would always tell me to just take a mulligan and drop a new ball if I had a bad shot and he'd make sure to be-friend the person driving the beer cart early on so we always had a cold one - a day on the course with them was so much fun.

How lucky I was to have Bob as a Father-in-law!  This was obviously taken on Mike and my wedding day.  It was such a nice day and Bob was in his element - surrounded by his family on a very happy occasion.  

On June 14, 2011, my son, Kyle (Bob's grandson), graduated from Southeast Career Technical Academy.  Most of our family came to celebrate with Kyle.  After the graduation ceremony, at the Orleans Arena, we had a delicious dinner at Al Fornaio Restaurant, at New York, New York.  My dad so enjoyed hanging out and visiting with everyone during dinner.  He was still talking to his grandkids at 3:00 a.m., when we insisted that it was time to call it a day.  Dad loved spending time with his family more than anybody that I know.

April 3, 2012

Dad, Mom and I visited the VA in Prescott, Arizona.  Dad was thrilled to show us around.  He was extremely proud of his service, in the US Marines, during the Korean War.  After touring the VA, we had lunch at Red Lobster.  I had two margaritas and Dad had two cold beers.  We toasted and talked about old times.  Dad said, "Cold beers have never tasted so good!"  We really enjoyed ourselves that day! 

MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO


When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,
MISS ME, AND LET ME GO!

For this is the journey that we all must take,
and each must go alone!

It's all part of the "Master's Plan."
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,
go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO!

By: Robyn Rancman 

Today was a very difficult day for me.  I missed my dad so much, my heart ached.  I was helping my mom with some paper work, and I found this poem taped to one of my dad's insurance papers.  I know that it was a sign from dad.  The poem helped me, so I wanted to share it here.