(excerpt from Eulogy, 1/14/15)
We will miss my dad. But, we've been missing pieces of him for a long time now. His painting, golfing, tinkering with cars and appliances became things of the past a few years ago. Of course, his variably funny jokes, his sense of rhythm and dancing, his goofy humor and whistling, and his love for Joanie continued on to remind us all that he was still here. I recently saw a saying 'Life isn't about surviving the storm - its learning to dance in the rain'. I think we all figured out how to do that the best we possibly could have over the past few years.
Dad’s final passing is still very fresh in our minds. We know that angels were watching over him, and God had a plan for him - we listened to God and played our roles like violins and bassoons in an orchestra in those final months - each coming in to play our part when he needed us. He made sure Dad had a final place to rest with wonderful care and loving people - and that Dad left our world peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and not alone.
I looked through so many pictures last weekend. We know his childhood was hard. But he persevered, and had an incredible, amazing life, filled with lifelong friends, family, hard work, fun, getting to see the world, and appreciating it through art, music, dancing, laughing and love. Joanie was his love, his organizer, his memory – and he never wanted to leave her side. Everyone I spoke with at the funeral
remembers Dad being kind, strong, funny, loving, brilliant, and hard-working. His paintings are now a wonderful legacy for our family. What a better role model could we have in a father?
Dad - You are always with us. Now, perhaps more so than ever. You raised and shaped us to be strong, smart, hardworking and funny people, loyal friends and spouses, and wonderful parents. We will not let you down. And we promise to take good care of Joanie.