My father
 

He told stories about how, as a child, he followed the horse-drawn ice truck, as it delivered ice in North Philadelphia. He was the sonar man on a minesweeper that swept Nagasaki harbor at the end of WWII. After the service he graduated from Temple University. He taught elementary Phys Ed for almost 40 years. He ALWAYS had a second job, and a summer job. He was handy, generous, kind, and a goofball. After a long illness in 2000/2001, he used a walker or wheelchair. For the last couple of years he has not known his family's names, who they were, and sometime where he was. Last week he kicked a nursing home aid in the chest. Yesterday he died of pneumonia as I held his hand.

So very sorry for your loss.
So glad you have such great memories of a great father.

Sorry for your loss, Spexx. :(

I'm sorry Spexx. He sounds like he was a wonderful person. What experiences!

Awww Spexx.

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Your memories you shared with us of him are wonderful. Though his body is gone, clearly he lives in your spirit, and always will.:comfort:

Goodnight sir, you did your job on this earth beautifully.

Yes Spec, I'm sorry for your loss
Your brief post shows a deep relationship with your Dad, and it's good that you were with him at the end.
A career of 40 years teaching is wonderful thing...a life well spent

Sorry Spexx, I'm familiar with how hard the not knowing names, and striking out at the Aids, is on the whole family. He's found his peace, I hope you can find yours.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad Spexx.
Saw this on a card and really liked it: "to live on in the hearts of those we loved is not to die."

Sorry for your loss. He must have been quite a man

Very sorry to hear that Spexx.
And I'm pleased that you were able to be there at the end, even if he couldn't appreciate it himself.
What a massive hole he will leave in your life - you have my sincere sympathy.

I'm sorry for your loss, Spex. He sounds like a great guy.

I'm sorry to hear this Spexx.

So sorry Spexx. You have great memories of good times with your father. Keep those bright and let later, sadder, ones fade as they should.

I sorry for your loss man, but it sounds like Dad's life was rich with experience and quite complete. I don't know how anyone could ask for more.

Spexx,
I am so sorry for your loss. What you have written here is beautiful, and it does great honor to your father. Thank you for sharing.

I'm so sorry, Spexx. Peace be with you.

Keep in mind the moments of happiness,
And forget everything else.

Spexx, I am so sorry.

Sorry for your Loss Spex , Sounds Like he had Good run

Sorry to hear your sad news Spex. Its good that you were there for him.

Seems like we are getting a lot of these kinds of posts lately. Both my parents are still kicking, and heartily at that, but I'm sure it wont be long before I'm dealing with this as well...Mom will be 79 this year and Dad turns 83. I wish my Mom wasn't so far away.

I am very sorry for your loss.

Thanks for all of your kind words and thoughts.

sorry for your loss....:(

I missed this thread somehow. I am sorry to hear of your loss Spexx. Belated though it is, you have my heartfelt sympathy and condolences.

i missed this thread also. my thoughts & prayers are with you

My hearts goes with you. I know everything will be fine after this. God bless.

missed it too spexx. i'm very sorry for your loss and know what you are going through. your father will live in your heart for the rest of your life. he's there with you friend. you are him and you make him proud! be proud and celebrate a good life!

Thanks again, all.

Sorry for your loss Spex.