Tribute to a Gentle-man
My father died August 18. At the age of almost 91, his body just couldn't keep going, even though his mind appeared to be as vibrant as ever.
There are some people in this world who don't have to say much to be heard. Dad was one of these folks. When he spoke, people listened. He would give his opinion when asked, offer advise when asked, and believe in the goodness of others until they proved differently.
When my son, Jim was about six years old, I remember him asking, "Why is Grandpa so smart?" The answer: he read. Everything.
Growing up during the Depression at the start of World War I in Southwest Missouri [Ozark country], with many mouths to feed in the family and not much money, life was not easy. Dad talked about being in eleven different school during twelve years of schooling, yet somehow he was able to get a good education.
Occasionally, he would allude to adventures after graduating from high school: hitchhiking to California, working in the forestry service with the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps], then serving in Africa and Sicily during World War II. His stories were funny, poignant and always worth hearing again, yet never too personal.
There was no money for college once he got home, but the drive for life-long learning was ever-present throughout his life.
Dad was truly respected as a 'gentle man', a person with strength of character and great honor. A humble man whose spirit touched the lives of more people than he probably ever realized. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
There are some people in this world who don't have to say much to be heard. Dad was one of these folks. When he spoke, people listened. He would give his opinion when asked, offer advise when asked, and believe in the goodness of others until they proved differently.
When my son, Jim was about six years old, I remember him asking, "Why is Grandpa so smart?" The answer: he read. Everything.
Growing up during the Depression at the start of World War I in Southwest Missouri [Ozark country], with many mouths to feed in the family and not much money, life was not easy. Dad talked about being in eleven different school during twelve years of schooling, yet somehow he was able to get a good education.
Occasionally, he would allude to adventures after graduating from high school: hitchhiking to California, working in the forestry service with the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps], then serving in Africa and Sicily during World War II. His stories were funny, poignant and always worth hearing again, yet never too personal.
There was no money for college once he got home, but the drive for life-long learning was ever-present throughout his life.
Dad was truly respected as a 'gentle man', a person with strength of character and great honor. A humble man whose spirit touched the lives of more people than he probably ever realized. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
posted by Sandie | 9:13 AM
1 Comments:
Hope you are doing fine now. It's sad to loose a family member. I definitely would not want to loose my dad yet. But then again, there's probably never going to be that day where I'll be quite ready for that.
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