My oldest sister called and gave me the news that I no longer enjoyed the privilege of having 2 living parents. My dad had gone out to do evening chores and hadn't returned. After an hr and a half my nephew had gone out and found him fallen to the ground, gone- no sign of him struggling or even trying to break his fall. We'd celebrated his 79th birthday and my parents' 60 anniversary this past summer.
I'd have to say he's the one who encouraged me in math and piqued my interest in surveying during the summer of 1976 when He showed me the plans and explained the staking for the USFS rd we were building between West Yellowstone and Ennis.
This is a 4 generation picture of him, my granddaughter, son, and me.
This is a 3 gen pic of him, my son, and me a few years later.
now there are no more hunting opportunities like this, but many, many, fond memories and new opportunities for our family to build more great memories....
Rest in Peace Dad. I love and miss you...
I'm sorry for your loss. Parents can be some of the most special friends.
May he rest in peace.
Very nice words from the heart.
Condolences to your family.
Sorry for your loss =(
It is a sad time, indeed. What has been the norm is now gone. Try not to linger on the long list of "why didn't I.....". Enjoy in the memories that can not be taken from you and others in your family.
My dad left us at age 67. I'm now 62. A reminder that I had better get serious about doing whatever it is that I want to get done.
Thank you for posting this. Your last few words remind me to call my folks.
I can see the Love between ya'll.
May he rest in peace.
Lost my mother in March of this year. I empathize with you, Mark.
May the memories only bring smiles.
Aloha, Mr. File:
So sorry for your lost! He is so blessed to have such great son you and family like yours--which very obvious from your note above!
Sad to hear of your loss, it is good to hear and know that you had a close relation to the end.
I'm so sorry by your loss. The greatest sadness and grief I've experienced in my life was when I realized I could no longer hear my father's voice or hug his neck (he hated it and made faces).
I'd like to tell you your sorrow will heal with time. And it probably will. But I still miss my father every day and it's been 25 years since he passed away.
Be close with each other and keep his memory alive. Carrying on is the greatest respect we can pay to our elder family members that have passed.
Sorry for your loss. Wish you the best, soon you and Mrs. Rankin will be the family monarch and matriarch.
Those pictures are a celebration of family. My condolences to you and your family.
Mr File,
Thanks for sharing. I can tell you really loved your dad, and it seems he left behind his blessing on you. That's pretty good. May be as good as it gets.
I am sorry for your loss Mark. He is in a better place.
Condolences from out west. I was thinking about my own father today -- still relatively robust at 90, but I know the day is coming...
My condolences on your father's passing. May happy memories eventually help to lessen the pain of losing your Dad.
Last week as I went to enter a convenience store I held the door open for a fellow of 75 or so to enter ahead of me. He said, "Thank you young man." I told him I didn't hear that expression very often anymore, based on my age and appearance with the Santa Claus beard. He asked, "How long until you hit 90?" I said, "28 years". He said, "I've got a year and a half." Gracious! I was underguessing his age by a dozen years or so. He must have been doing something right to be so hale and hearty at that advanced age. Those of you with parents that match his great physical and mental condition are very lucky.
Sorry for your loss. I know how you are feeling. I lost my back in 2008. Still miss him everyday. Stay strong and lean on the family and prayers.
