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When we were young, Dad lifted us up into the air and made us feel secure and safe. He made us giggle and laugh. We saw the twinkle in his eyes and felt the warmth of his smile. We knew that Dad would never let us fall. He was always our supporter and protector. When we were little, he guided us to experience new things, to read good books and accept challenges. How well Barbara remembers how he helped her conquer the challenges of her math homework. Dad would draw cartoon figures of trains coming toward each other from opposite directions, or other pictures to clarify a problem. His patience was unending. His love of learning, contagious.
His hands held ours as he led the family in prayer. Dad and Mom's belief in God was strong. This gift of faith has carried us through good times and bad.
As we grew he shared with us his love of music. We'd stand around the piano to sing golden oldies, hymns or favorite tunes. Many dear times were spent raising our voices in song. Sometimes we'd join him when he played for people in convalescent homes. One day he came home to tell us about a usually silent lady who joined his songs. The nurse said it was the first time she had heard her voice in years. His musical talents brought joy to many.
He delighted us with card magic. His grandchildren Kimberly and Steven have happily stumped many of their friends with the same card trick that their Papa taught them. When we wanted to be entertained we knew Dad would pull out a puzzle or game. He was always willing to give of his time. A friend from the Village recently commented that when the Village bus was stuck on the way to Mt. Palomar, Dad entertained then too.
Dad also taught us how to cook - popcorn, popcorn and more popcorn! Oh, it was good. It was always a special request from his family and friends. Mom was amazed how we could eagerly sit down with a bowl of Papa's popcorn only hours after she had fed us a huge dinner.
When he was young, tennis and golf were his games. More recently he enjoyed the camaraderie of the Village bowling league. All of us, grandkids included, have bowled with him and marveled at how he could get strikes when he couldn't even see the pins. Mom would applaud and cheer when he'd get a turkey!
Dad was our trip planner. Our 1976 trip across the United States in a motor home was memorable, but we tested his patience when his clothes were washed with a red dress. Some of his things were pink for the rest of the trip. Such is the life when you live with three women.
What joy he had when Kimberly and Steven were born! He loved his new name "Papa" and their hugs. He was absolutely adored by them. They had many laughs together, playing dominos or cards, or romping and giggling in the swimming pool, or playing a game of shuffleboard in the Village.
Dad was always eager to join his family in many different places, whether to the Philharmonic with Lois, to a harbor restaurant in San Diego with Barbara, or hiking a desert sand dune or a mountain trail with Joan. He loved being with his family.
This past August we enjoyed a wonderful family
trip to the Williamsburg area in Virginia. Reflecting on that week,
how treasured that time is, for we had our three generations of family
together. We gathered with long-time friends from those early Navy
days in Norfolk, and also with Mom's sister Janet and her husband.
Janet is the soloist in the recorded music shared with all of you today.
That trip to Williamsburg was indeed a celebration of good friends and
family, of laughter and life and love.
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Dad was a man who was respected by all. Someone recently said, "I've never heard your dad say an unkind word about anybody - except a politician." He was a gentle man and a gentleman. His friends knew he was a man of integrity and faithfulness. Most of all, Dad was a man who loved deeply. He knows that those gathered here today return his love.
Dad, we will miss you dearly, but our love for you is forever.
