This memorial website was created to honor the life and memory of Frank Waldron. He was born on December 31, 1926 and passed away on April 7, 2021 at 94 years old. He had a zest for life and an ever-present smile which left everyone he met feeling like the most important person in the world. He will forever be in all of our hearts.
Daddy O', Gramps, Dad, Pops, Sergeant Big Frank Waldron--he was known by many different names, but loved by all who had the pleasure to know him. First and foremost, he loved Mom and deeply valued family--a trait he has passed on to all of us.
Lisa often told him that she wanted to be just like him when she grew up. His are big shoes to fill, but she will continue to try to live life in the way that he did.
He taught us (and likely many of you) some fabulous life lessons and here are a few that stood out:
Nature Nurtures the Soul
Dad had a deep love and respect for nature. He introduced Mom, and all of us kids to it at an early age. We took many family camping adventures as well as backpacking trips to Sierra Lakes and the Grand Canyon.
Evidence shows that spending time in nature reduces anger, fear and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Somehow, Dad knew this instinctively. Maybe this is part of the reason he had such an optimistic outlook on life.
Life is Better with Chocolate
We're convinced that his love of sweets, and chocolate in particular, were one of the keys to his longevity! He always had a bowl of chocolate bars on his table to eat and share with family and friends.
He would tell a story of his days in the Army--he would trade the cigarettes in his rations with other soldiers for a chocolate bar.
Living proof that life is better with chocolate!
Whiskey is Better Without Water
Dad was never much of a drinker, but I do remember him asking for a cocktail at his 93rd birthday celebration with friends. The first cocktail came with water, and he commented about the fact that there was too much water. The second cocktail came straight up--and he commented that "this is more like it."
Be Kind and Genuine to Everyone you MeetNo matter where you went with Dad, people knew him by name: the boardwalk near his condo in Ventura where he often walked; the plumbing store where he did business, or Costco where he shopped. People were genuinely happy to see him, called him by name, or sometimes offered a hug. On a recent visit to the Costco hearing center everyone greeted him and I commented that it was like traveling with a celebrity because everyone knows him by name. One of the employees responded back by touching his hand to his heart, and telling me it was because he was a truly kind person to the core. That was our Dad.
Assume Positive IntentDad always saw the best in people. He told a story of an inmate who he was responsible for while he was a Deputy at the Peter Pitchess Honor Rancho. The guy was doing the right thing while he was there, but he wasn't getting enough to eat. So Dad recommended that he be allowed to work in the kitchen, where one of the perks was extra food for the inmate kitchen workers.
In the days when Dad worked at the Honor Rancho, he also slept there. Well one morning Dad overslept, and that same inmate came knocking on Dad's door to wake him. Dad assumed that the inmate would do the right thing; he treated him with respect, and guess what--the inmate did the right thing!
Never Miss the Opportunity to Comment About a Beautiful Woman, or Mention the Fact that She Had Packed on a Few PoundsDad had an eye for beautiful women, and never missed an opportunity to extend a flattering compliment--be it the nurse in one of his doctors offices or a waitress in a restaurant. And the women seemed to take a liking to Dad too, but the beautiful thing was that he didn't seem to recognize that. He was a flirt until the day he died.
At the same time, he never failed to mention to those he was with, when he noticed that a woman had packed on a few pounds, or that "she never misses a meal." Lisa would often tease him that apparently his mother never taught him the lesson "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." With his good looks and charm, he always seemed to get away with it though.
Lead by ExampleThese comments from those that worked for him and with him say it all:
- "Happy Birthday to the BEST (and MY favorite) Academy Sergeant the Department ever had. You had a major impact on my career! Thank you!"
- "Hello Frank! We have met a couple times, but your reputation precedes you. I'm a reserve with the Montrose SAR team, and I work closely with the Air 5 guys. I have the utmost respect for the work you did, establishing what has become the most highly respected rescue program in the country."
- "A leader and innovator who's professional child is a unit started in 1966 that has saved and salvaged so many lives that they are uncountable."
- "Best sergeant on the department."
- "Honored to know you and have worked in your great unit."
Growing Old Ain't for WimpsIt's been hard watching the man we all know transform; his body limiting him in more ways each day. I'm sure that it was hard on him too, but he did it with such eloquence and grace that it was clear to us all--Dad was no wimp.
Run free now Dad; join Mom and family and friends that have gone before you; make new friends, and continue to spread your infinite smile and kindness. We will miss you, but can find peace in knowing that yours was a life well lived.