What can a person say about The Best Generation?  I cannot say enough about this era of such fantastic people!  I look around and keep thinking of how very lucky I was to have one of them as my father.  I truly adore my dad.  I can never recall, in all the poeple that I have met of this generation....there is not one that would not steal your heart away.  They are truly, many of God's elect.

They were a strong and focused generation.  No feeling sorry for themselves in this bunch!  When they had a job to do, they just did it.  They strived to do the right thing at all times, and were pleased and proud of their accomplishments.  Job Well Done....was their motto!  They were brave and courageous when they needed to be and had total respect of God and Country.  In that order.  True to their families and friends.

My dad was one of those people.  His sense of "Doing Right" was up front and center.  We did not lie or try to wiggle our way out of bad situations.  He taught us to take the right road or take the consequences.  My sister Karen and my brother Gordon and I always respected our dad.  He taught us to do our best at everything and even if we fail, it's Ok because we tried.  He taught us to deal with our failures, pick up the pieces and go forward.  He made sure we went to church and were taught our values and the love of God.  He tried to point us in the right direction in life, and still supported us if we went the wrong way.  Instilled that we stand on our own two feet and not to depend on others to do our job or to get us out of situations WE created.  Stand up, fess up, and go forward.  Learn by your mistakes!  Carry your load!

My dad was a good husband, father and a dedicated pal to his friends.  He only had a few people he would let into his life, but they were lifelong friends.  He never tried to take advantage of anyone and tried to help others out when he could.  He was strong in his convictions and always believed in the bedrock truth, and as important........trust.

Dad was strong in more ways than one.  He knew what it was to have a sense of duty.  He learned so very much from the Navy and WWII.  He stayed strong and did what was demanded of him.  Trained by discipline, and never complained.

He was strong in the sense of letting go of loved ones.  He lost his father, mother, two sisters, a son and a daughter.  He knew grief and as time has its downfalls, he suffered a stroke 2 days after his beloved daughter Karen passed away from cancer.  Time has taken its toll on my father, and now it was a stance with endurance.  This was one of Dad's hardest things.  He had to come to terms of NOT being in control of his life.  Grief is one thing that can turn your BEING upside down.

He endured pain from old injuries of a leg that was broken 2 times and a hip that shattered and had a pin in it.  It was bone on bone and it was not easy to move.  He endured a lot of pain, but the pain in the heart was the one he had the most problem with.  Strong, yes........Dad endured what was coming and he found peace at turning the rest of his life over to God.

These last few years were very trying and you have run the race dad.....AND WON!!  Your courage was like a rock, and is with you still.  You did everything right and I am so very proud of you.  It's time now:  to let you go.

We believe that God has told us in Corinthians 5:7-8 and Ecclesiastes 12:6-7.  You are with the Lord and are Safe, Happy, and among all those that you longed to see again.

We will not say goodbye, but will see you later.  Isn't it amazing - that spring is coming up in a few months?  The cold winter will be leaving us and new warmth will be upon us.  Reminding us all - Life does not end - it just begins again.  God reveals himself in nature and reminds us of the Butterfly - life goes on...Only in a different dimension.

I once read in my devotions:  "As the blossom cannot tell what becomes of its fragrance, so, no one can tell what becomes of his influence."

You have been a great influence in my life Dad.  I will miss our conversations and your wonderful sense of humor!  There will never be another YOU!

Now, in HIS very Perfect Timing!  We Celebrate You Dad!  Thanks for the memories!  With great admiration and love..........God Bless........June