Dad passed on Friday the 13th - Montana Owners Club

Gramps · 03-03-2009, 11:51 AM

Dad passed on the 13th after a long stretch of failing health. He and I were never the close best friends that a lot of people talk about, when reflecting with family and friends, it's amazing what an impact he really had on my life.

He was a Marine during WW II in the South Pacific, a combat photographer. Went into the Marine Reserve after the war and later the Air Force Reserve. He was a photographer, an architec, a private and commercial pilot, a body and fender mechanic, a machinist, and a teacher, giving photo classes and teaching kids at the local schools how to build balsa models. Not bad for a guy with only an 8th grade education. He introduced me to so many new things and made me aware of the importance of hard work and doing a job well, as well as seeing the job through to the end.

He was also a 38 year veteran of the local Fire Department, and on March 2nd at 12:14 the Fire District paid him the ultimate tribute by sounding the Alarm tones for his last call and declared his service complete.

Thanks, Dad for making me who I am. Rest in Peace, You've done well.

Mrs. CountryGuy · 03-03-2009, 12:02 PM

You and your family have our prayers, he sounds like he was a terrific guy!

prariepoodle · 03-03-2009, 12:29 PM

Gramps, Ditto on what Carol says, you all have all our prayers and thoughts with you. He sounds like a great guy...

Bill-N-Donna · 03-03-2009, 12:34 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss, it’s never easy to give up a parent but with our memories they are always with us.

stiles watson · 03-03-2009, 12:59 PM

You have written a great tribute to your dad. You don't have to be too close to be a good parent. Your tribute reminds me of my own father who input so much into my life. My inheritance was given to me over the span of his life and it was so much better than dollars. It was a distinct honor to conduct his funeral. Those memories you shared will carry you through the grief process.

richfaa · 03-03-2009, 01:13 PM

Our sympathies. My Dad passed 5 years ago. He was my best friend and we owe our successes to His advise and counsel. I miss him.

NCFischers · 03-03-2009, 01:14 PM

What a beautiful tribute. It reminded me of the values that my father instilled in me and I thank him for them every day.

boylanag · 03-03-2009, 01:39 PM

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

**Rondo** · 03-03-2009, 03:16 PM

It is never easy to loose a loved one but your tribute to your Dad will not only be down in paper here but also in your heart forever! Dad is in a much better place now and watching over you and yours. May God bless you and your family and may his ideals and standards be with you and in your thoughts now and forever!

HamRad · 03-03-2009, 04:20 PM

Gramps,

It is obvious that you are very proud of your father and have given him a gift to make him proud. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you work your way through this difficult time.

Dennis and Mary Kay

fulltimedreamer · 03-03-2009, 05:09 PM

We are sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

Driftwoodgal · 03-04-2009, 02:05 AM

Sorry for you loss, it is never easy losing a parent. It sounds like he lived a full life and shared his joy for life.

I hope you share his story with your children. My dad never really talked much about his dad. Those memories were lost when he passed. People continue to stay alive in our hearts and memories. It sounds like your dad will have lots of stories shared about his life in the future.

Colleen

ols1932 · 03-04-2009, 03:19 AM

Our sympathies go out to you. Your Dad sounds like he was a terrific guy. My Dad passed away five years ago and I never really knew him. My Dad and Mom were divorced when I was four years old. I really envy you and the time you had with your Dad. I believe we all inherit things from our Dads that we aren't even aware of. I understand that my Dad was still clearing land in Wisconsin with his bulldozer right up until the time his heart wouldn't take it any more. He was 84. I believe I inherited a lot of his "stick-to-it" attitude.

Again, not to burden you with my thoughts about my Dad, my heart envies the time you had with your Dad. You will always have those wonderful memories.

Please know that our prayers are for you and your family.

Orv & Marge

nghelwer · 03-04-2009, 08:31 AM

Gramps,
You are in Nancy and My prayers.

Your dad sounds like he was a neat guy that shared his abilities with others.

Once again may God's peace be with you.

Gramps · 03-05-2009, 07:25 AM

Our thanks to everyone. Your condolences and prayers are greatly appreciated. This really goes to show that the members here are so much more than members of a forum, but [s]indirect[/s] extended family as well.

Dave, Leslie, and the entire Hanna family.

sreigle · 03-09-2009, 09:44 AM

Gramps, your post most eloquenly conveyed your respect and love for your Dad. I'm sorry to hear of his passing but glad you have those fond memories to cherish. I lost my Dad and my Mom in 2007 and I still miss them very much.

Fire1 · 03-10-2009, 02:52 PM

Robin and I send our best to you and as a brother Fire Fighter I know he answered his final bell as the hero he was.
Doug
Fire1 USN retired

Fire5er · 03-10-2009, 03:50 PM

Sorry for your loss, you and your family are in our prayers. As a brother firefighter I send him 5-5-5.

bob n pam · 03-11-2009, 01:59 PM

What a wonderful eulogy to your father. I know you'll miss him and always treasure your time together.

Jay Bird · 03-12-2009, 08:39 AM

Sorry to read about your loss. It is always hard to loose a parent. Having your father as a parent and a friend is very special. God Bless you and yours.

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