Generous, kind, loving, imaginative, brave, wise, and forever my hero. I was truly blessed to have such an extraordinary father. Dad’s way of thinking and his humor made him such a unique human being. I have so many wonderful memories, like all the nights we sat around the dinner table laughing until we couldn’t breathe or Dad might bring up a topic for discussion. I would always learn something and usually he managed to present an alternative perspective that would turn my viewpoint upside down. I loved that about him. We could talk to Dad about anything and everything and could speak with a freedom that is a rarity in many families.

Dad loved his family so deeply and unconditionally. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for us and we knew it. I recognize now what a gift that is. I’m so grateful for the solid foundation of love he gave Laura and I as a launching pad into life. As an extension of that love was his generosity. If someone needed an ear, he was always there to listen. If someone was in need, he didn’t hesitate to offer to give what he could. If someone had an interest in one of his hobbies --he was more than happy to give you a book, a camera, a fishing rod, whatever it might be.

I loved how Dad would gain an interest in something and learn everything there possibly was to learn about it (....and buy every possible toy and accessory to go along with it.) His knowledge of guns, fishing, photography, cars, cameras, and literature knew no bounds. His knowledge in general knew no bounds -- medicine, science, history. There was hardly a question I could bring to him that he couldn’t answer. He knew everything about everything and was larger than life to me. He was my own personal Google before there was internet. Of course it wasn’t just facts that he shared with me with but that rich and deep perspective on life. Dad wasn’t a man of many words but when he spoke, he made every word count.

Dad used to have a saying, “When you least expect it, expect it.” I can’t let this occasion go without mentioning how Dad liked mentally walking through scenarios - often of self defense or apocalypse. My family took such pleasure in watching him prep for the apocalypse. He had a bag packed of medical supplies, water filters, a hand crank radio, fire starter kit, batteries, food, you name it. He would quiz me on the likely currency during end of the world scenarios. .....I know, I know, Dad. It’s liquor, cigarettes, and bullets. I'll get them. He always told me his Eagle Scout training stuck with him to always be prepared. He definitely was! He wanted to be able to protect the ones he loved. Being a hero and a protector was the core of who he was.
He truly was my protector and my hero.

The suddenness of Dad’s passing really knocked the wind out of me. I wasn’t ready. I may not have been ready but as I catch my breath and reflect, I think Dad was ready. He was no longer able to walk and his vision left him unable to read. That meant he’d lost his physical freedom and his mental escape and I know that was incredibly hard on him. I hope he is in heaven right now, seated by a scenic fishing stream, reading a great science fiction book, with a glass of whiskey, a good dog by his side, feeling satisfied with the honorable life that he led and the many ways he left the world a better place.

I could go on and on but I’ll end with some recent profound advice from Dad that I hope you will take to heart. We’ve had a tradition in my house since Matthew started kindergarten. Each morning when my boys leave for school I tell them RULE #1 Don’t do drugs & RULE #2 Be nice to nerds.
On the first day of school this year, Dad overheard me telling the boys the rules and he said, “Don’t forget rule #3”. I said, “What’s that?” He responded, “Rule #3 is Never go swimming with bow legged women.” So there you have it.