Dad, a good man

[ripley16]

My Dad passed away last night. He was a good man. He had just last week come to live with me because, at 92 years old, he was no longer able to live alone. Six short days later he went to join my mother for his eternal peace and reward.

He was a WWII vet. The picture is of his visit to the Memorial. He served in the Pacific.
He joined the F.B.I. in 1941. Retired in 1975.
He and mom raised us three boys as well as our cousin when that need arose. To me she is my sister.
He was a deacon in his church.
He was active in Boy Scouts.
He was active in his local government as a volunteer. He leaves a fine legacy. Among the many things he accomplished was the lone leadership in the concept, donation gathering and construction of the town's veteran's memorial.
He was a "getter done" kind of guy.
He was a good husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He was a good man.
I miss him already.


http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/WWII%20Memorial%20trip/WWIImemorial010.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/WWII%20Memorial%20trip/WWIImemorial010.jpg.html)
Dad and my brother at the WWII memorial in D.C.

[AIRret]

Hey Ripley16, I'm so sorry for your loss!!
It doesn't matter how old your wonderful parent lives, it still hurts like hell. I've lost both of mine and I feel like an orphan. It's amazing how tough it is when you realize you can't just pick up a phone and call them....even if it's with a silly question.
You and your family are in my prayers
God Bless

[downtownv]

My deepest sympathy. Stay Strong, brother!

[Popeye]

Ripley 16, Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Sounds like he had a pretty good run living to the ripe old age of 92 and accomplishing the things he has and the volunteering he has done for the betterment of the community and it's veterans. May he rest in peace.

[addictedhealer]

Sorry for the loss. Thoughts for you and yours, and may he always be remembered.

[TheTman]

I'm sorry for your loss Ripley16. Losing my Dad was the most traumatic thing to happen to me so far. Mom had Alzheimer's, so it was a blessing when the lord took her. Not a day goes by I don't think of them. I'm glad to hear he lived to a ripe old age, but still it doesn't make it any easier when they are taken from us. You have all the good memories, and those will stick with you.

[340pd]

I am sorry for your loss. Remember what he taught you and pass it on to others. It sounds like he left you a lifetime of wonderful memories. You are a lucky man. When you are feeling lonely, get on this board and vent.

[xsailer]

Feel for you.
Your comments of him describe a successful "Old School" guy that lived a good long time and a good life. You look just like him in the face.

[ptoemmes]

My condolences. You just "taught" a very important lesson about life, time, and family.

I was not as close to my father as I wish I had been - after he passed.

[Bawanna]

What every body else said. Man I'm sorry for you. I'm happy that you got to have your dad till he was 92.
Anything we can do to ease the pain, you name it.
More pictures of dad would be good when / if your up to it.

[kahrseye]

Sorry to hear about your father Ripley. I know how you feel. My father died when he was 58. My mother died of alzheimer's at 77, but we lost her many years before her body gave out. You should celebrate your fathers life and legacy as it is something to be proud of. You should also be thankful to have had your Dad as long as you did.....I'd give anything to have mine with me again. God bless you and your family.

[knkali]

pm sent

[deadeye]

So sorry to hear of your loss. My dad who fought in the South Pacific in WWII died at 63 unexpectedly in 1983. I still feel the shock and sadness that only the passing of a parent can bring. Our prayers are with you. God Bless.

[Tinman507]

Ripley,

I am sorry for your loss. As a longtime Scouter, your dad would appreciate the trail symbol for Gone Home. It's what we put out for a Scouter who's passed on. It is on Robert Baden-Powell's headstone as well.

For your dad:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~wkowalchyk/troop/gonehome.gif

[gb6491]

Ripley,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. May your memories of him bring you some comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
GB

[getsome]

Very sorry to hear of your loss Ripley, That your Dad was involved in Scouting speaks volumes about his character....My son received his Eagle last Saturday and as I sat through the ceremony I thought of all the boys that don't have a father figure in their lives and find one in their Scout Leaders....Your Father was a Good Man and Good Men raise Good Sons...May he Rest in Peace....

[skiflydive]

I also lost my Dad 8 years ago so I feel your pain. Like most Dads and sons we had our spats over the years but I get comfort now only remembering and smiling about the good times. It sounds like you have a good start on that.

[muggsy]

I feel your pain, Ripley. We buried our mother last week. Mom was a "Rosie the Riveter" at the Bomber Plant during WWII and raised four kids on her own. She was 89 when she passed.

[AIRret]

I feel your pain, Ripley. We buried our mother last week. Mom was a "Rosie the Riveter" at the Bomber Plant during WWII and raised four kids on her own. She was 89 when she passed.

Sorry for your loss muggsy!
Rose the Riveter. Now that is what women's rights should be about; not all this silliness. A good woman does what it takes to make her, her family, her community, and her country better!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like your Mom did that!

[O'Dell]

He sounds like quite a man. Please accept my condolences.

[Dino]

At least you got to spend the last days with him, that's got to be worth something. God Speed my friend, he is better off than you or I now.

[Alfonse]

Sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing the story of a life well lived and a true hero.

[kwh]

Lost my Dad 7 yrs.ago at age 94. A WW11 volunteer.I really respect the generation that left the farm and small towns , fought a war, and returned home to run businesses and raise a family. Most never even talked about the war. Congratulations on having a great Dad.

[Tinman507]

I feel your pain, Ripley. We buried our mother last week. Mom was a "Rosie the Riveter" at the Bomber Plant during WWII and raised four kids on her own. She was 89 when she passed.

Mugs,

God bless your mom. Sorry for your loss.

[AJBert]

My condolences and prayers. Sounds like he was one helluva man and I would have loved to hear some of the stories he could tell!

[muggsy]

Sorry for your loss muggsy!
Rose the Riveter. Now that is what women's rights should be about; not all this silliness. A good woman does what it takes to make her, her family, her community, and her country better!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like your Mom did that!

Thanks AIRret. She always did her best.

[muggsy]

Thanks, Tinman. I appreciate the sentiment.