When I think back over the years, I was blessed to have my father in my life, I can’t help but smile and feel incredibly fortunate!

I remember his great sense of humor and love of laughter!

I remember his zest for just living life to its fullest!

I remember while growing up - his strict lectures and stern looks when I may have done something possibly problematic, but I also remember these same lectures were always tempered with gentle understanding, unconditional forgiveness and unquestionable love.

I remember him always encouraging us to do our best, never give up, always be open to learning new things and to always strive to be and become our best selves.-Often when  we were young, if we asked him a question -why, what , where- about something- he would make us go to the library shelf and find the topic in the family encyclopedia set – for those who don’t recall that reference -as my dad would say those were information sources in the form of  hardcover books – no fancy gadgets talking back at you back then! We had to find and bring the specific volume with the information in it back to him before having a discussion about the topic of our question. I also remember many nights of seeing him sitting on the floor with an encyclopedia volume in his lap doing his own reading so as to be able to answer our many endless questions even more so!

I remember his deep caring and giving approach to life!

I remember he was always the first one to help anyone in need before he was even asked!

I remember his strong belief in community and sharing and as you all know, demonstrated by his many countless hours of volunteer work in community and church programs over many, many years, something that he also taught and encouraged in each of us as we grew!

I remember his loving and caring heart!

I remember his optimistic positive outlook – in my father’s eyes it would always be an even better and sunny day tomorrow, no matter how “dark and cloudy” the current day was!

I remember waking up in the middle of the night numerous Christmas Eves over the years to sneak a peek at what was under the Christmas tree only to be stopped in my brilliant plan by finding him sitting on the floor by the tree  still putting together one of that years toys so that it would be ready in the morning for which ever child had it on their Christmas list that year! 

I remember his pride and joy in all his grandchildren and his unconditional care and love of them. From my own children -  I remember my son Christopher’s  joy when he was just 6 years old when grandpa  took him for a ride on the tractor where he promptly fell asleep cradled lovingly in his grandfather’s arm and my daughter JenniferAnn’s face at 8 years old   a- glow  with absolute joy as her grandpa, with his big smile and his own face just as  much aglow with grandfatherly pride , gently taking her hand and showing her the baby piglets in the barn and teaching her how to hold the new baby chicks and duckling!  

So much of who I am as a person today, as well as a daughter, wife and mother is because of the incredible individual he was and all that he shared with me and taught me, not only as I was growing up but later in life as he continued to share himself with my own family!

Dad -I cannot even begin telling you how much I will miss you!

Your wonderful, caring, compassionate, protective, loving care and teachings will continue to guide me to be, do and act “the best” for all the remainder on my days!

Thank you, Dad, for being MY DAD!

Your loving daughter

Kay