My Dad's Passing

Dad passed away July 10, 2008, at home, surrounded by family, in the brief service of hospice. Dad had been ill for approx. two years, fighting Diabetes, ASHD, and Prostate Cancer, TIA's and finally a mild MI. Dad was cared for by Mom at home and had the services of a local home care company. Dad was hospitalized a few times during his illness, but his care was primarily provided by Mom who became an excellent nurse!! Dad's 88th b'day would have been July 27, so he just missed that. Dad was buried at Forest Lawn, West Covina in a very well attended and very emotional service, mainly planned and organized by my sister Helen. Julia provided many of the flower arrangements and Sharon sang beautifully as a tribute to Dad. Jim and Carolyn were brave enough to verbalize what Dad meant to them as well as my Uncle Bill. All did a wonderful memorial tribute. All siblings and Mom participated in the decision making of the funeral, which was pre arranged by Mom and Dad except for final details. Dad wasn't buried until July 21st as Nancy and Tom were on a well deserved cruise at the time of Dad's death. There was a gathering at the house following the services and Sandra helped prepare the luncheon. The young men in the family were the pallbearers, so all family members were able to contribute in some way to the funeral. If a service can be beautiful, it was. The officiator was Mom's cousin, Ray Vander Mooren, and he was so very good. I cried for most of the service. Mom was very brave and I admire her so much.