This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Ralph James Fuhrman, 81, born on February 10, 1931 and passed away on October 6, 2012. We will remember him forever.
Tributes
Leave a tributeBut we'll meet again someday
We'll pick up where we left off
Before you went away
Leave a Tribute
We all still miss you very much, especially me.
Poems I wrote for my Dad and to him
I Did Not Leave
Do not stand at my grave and grieve.
I am not there. I did not leave.
I am the sunrise that wakes you with a soft warm glow.
I am the refreshing rainfall that you have come to know.
I am the sunlight that dances on the trees.
I am the sweet and gentle breeze.
I am the eagle and the osprey that soar high above.
I am with you always because of friendship and love.
I am the setting sun at the day’s last light.
I am the twinkling star that catches your eye in the night.
So, do not stand at my grave and grieve.
I am not there. I did not leave.
- Lance Fuhrman 2012
The Last Day
It's only been a few weeks since you had to go and could not stay
But, I will never ever forget that oppressively sad and somber day
We were all gathered and reminiscing about family ties
When you tried to pull a fast one and slip away without our prying eyes
But then, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star played in the hall
Liz sounded the alarm and Steve made sure to gather us all
We came to your bedside to be with you and hold your hand
Silently we waited and watched as you departed for the Promised Land
We were sad to see you go but, took comfort in your long and adventurous life
You will be forever missed by your family and of course Mary your loving wife
Your friends will miss you as a mentor, storyteller, and true comrade
But, the saddest ones, of this I know, will be those that call you Dad
- Lance Fuhrman 2012
Just checking in
Dad, I was just thinking about you again today
Wondering what I could have done to be better along the way
I wish I could let you know how much you really meant to me
Hopefully you already know and that you will forever be in my heart and my memory
Yes, we will re-tell the stories to our children and grandchildren that you have told us
The ones of working on the tug boat, the narrows bridge, the viaduct, and driving a bus
We will reminisce about spending time with you in the car and at the lake hearing you sing
Especially of you belting out Cool Water and leaving our ears with a bit of a ring
We will share stories of how hard you worked throughout your entire life
There will be tales of your travels and adventures and wintering in Arizona with the love of your life
Of course we will talk of how much you liked Thanksgiving and Christmas time each year
How you were happiest when entertaining your friends and family and everyone who was so dear
We will speak of all the fun times and many friends at Mineral Lake, your favorite fishing spot
And how you loved to come back in to shore and say “Look what the Fuhrmantor caught!”
Your children and their children will all chime in and tell stories too
The tales of your strength and wisdom and how much fun it was just spending time with you.
But alas old and young will join in this all too familiar refrain.
Man, I wish he was still here so we could do it all over again.
One final note before I sign off for the night
I will talk to you again tomorrow; I hope that is all right.
- Lance Fuhrman 2012
"I've Been Everywhere"
I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road, When along came a semi with a high an' canvas-covered load. "If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride." And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside. He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand. And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"
[Chorus:] I've been everywhere, man. I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the desert's bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere.
I've been to: Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla, I'm a killer.
[Chorus]
I've been to: Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana, Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa, Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa, Tennessee to Tennesse Chicopee, Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake.
[Chorus]
I've been to: Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika, Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica, Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport, Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport, Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina, Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean-a.
[Chorus]
I've been to: Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado, Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado, Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika, Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika, Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City, Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity.
[Chorus]
http://youtu.be/3rLK3dfyfUo
This song reminds me of Ralph. When we were young kids and on trips back and forth from Spokane to Tacoma, Ralph would sing "Cool Clear Water". He belted this out with much gusto! We kids were quite embarrassed. Good times remembered! Please click the link above to listen.