When I first met him, I didn't know what to think of this man with a huge personality. I was a shy little girl who didn't know the first thing about really playing and he flat out refused to let me hide in my shell the way I was used to doing. He took me camping and taught me to shoot, which I now proudly teach others to do as often as I possibly can.  Because of his guidence, I put my son in the boy scouts and he ended up reaching the rank of Eagle scout by the age of 14. I never felt any less his daughter than his three boys were his sons. He always made sure that I knew that as far as he was concerned, I was his. I learned to play and rough house... to never take things too seriously. I owe so much to this man that I can never hope to pay back, but I put my all every single day into paying it forward. This proud man will be greatly missed but I know that he is with his God now and he is running with the angels and most likely teasing his big brother mercilessly. I take great comfort in that knowledge. The next time I see him, it will be in Heaven and I can already see the smile on his face as he stands there on his feet with his arms held open wide ready to give me one of those legendary hugs he was so good at giving me growing up. My daughter says that her "Grumpa" was her favorite person in the world and I know that he was just as crazy about her.       

                     Julie (Collier) Covey