Sunday, February 22

We buried Dad last Friday, February 20. Mom’s ashes were interred with him. He had a military honor guard and a firing squad. Nothing quite hits home like Taps.

Following is what I said about him at the service.

I’m going to say a few words about Dad.
He wasn’t perfect. He had his flaws and he fought his demons. Just like we all do.
I wouldn’t call him a god fearing man. He didn’t fear much of anything. Except maybe Mom.
He didn’t like pompousness or authority figures. Except maybe Mom.
There are things he wasn’t but there’s a lot of things he was.
He wasn’t perfect but he was a good man.
He was a husband. He and Mom stuck it out through thick and thin.
He was my father. Part of him is in me and my five siblings.
He was a grandfather. He loved his grandchildren. He was every kid’s Pappy, whether they were blood or not. This attendance is a testimony to that.
He was tough. He could tolerate more physical pain than any person I know. He taught me that you don’t whine. Even if it hurts, you do what needs to be done.
He was a mentor. He was proud of his work and he taught me my work ethic. He taught me to be proud of what I do. Be proud of it, don’t brag about it.
He was a friend. He taught me to stick by people even though others may not.
And, he was a veteran, serving in the US Navy during the Korean War. As a result of his service, two sons and three grandchildren also served in the Navy. They’ll understand what these following words mean.
Dad, You stand relieved of your watch. You can secure and stand down, I have the watch. May you have fair winds and following seas. Go in peace.