Baby, I can’t begin to say how grateful I am for who you are, how you loved me and changed my life, and what we did together. You were a loving, devoted, and supportive father and grandfather. You were generous with your affection and time, willing to share whatever you had with others. You were genuine and always told the truth. You were kind and loyal and always there. You were optimistic and forward looking. You bravely faced any challenge. You were intelligent, eager to teach and never making others feel they weren’t. You were patient and determined.
You loved me unconditionally. You’d rather be together than apart. You let me be me. You encouraged me, respected me, and supported me. You gave me a family, a gift I cherish and couldn’t live without. You loved my family happily joining with us. You introduced me to sailing sparking a love for boating and the water that will never leave me. You shared your friends making them mine too. You made me laugh and smile and cry.
I have so many memories of our time together. My first race on Trump, thank you Kerry, and all the craziness that followed. Sailboat races too numerous to count. Cruising Florida and the Abacos, how I miss the pretty water right now. Vintage car races in Sebring. Fourth of July with the kids. Caring for you. The list is long but not as long as I wanted.
This is not goodbye. You are a part of me and everyone who loves you. You truly live on in your family. Now you touch us through our hearts and memories.
Love you Baby