Those of us who grew up with him knew him by his middle name, Dennis.  When I met him in grade school, he had already developed the gentle giant personality that most big guys learn works best in social situations.  He loved having fun along with the rest of us, but he also had a serious and thoughtful side, which I found out about when he showed me a letter to the editor he wrote when he was 10.  I'm not even sure I was reading the newspaper when I was 10.

Later on in high school, we were on the football and wrestling teams together.  I still remember when he burned his student ID card on the steps of the administration building as students were rallying for a skip day after Dowling concluded its football season rated #1 for the first time.  There are some memorable pictures of him in the yearbooks from those years.  He of course went on to play for Iowa State.  I headed west, so we didn't see each other too often, but it was always good to catch up with him at high school reunions.  I will miss his  dry wit, quest for serious conversations, and most of all his generous friendship.  May he rest in peace.

I'm very grateful for everyone who came to Dennis' funeral last week. It's really touching that he had so many friends who care and miss him like I do. I'm also grateful for Deacon Rob Stark of St. Pious X. I had originally asked dad's cousin Stephen Boatwright but he was injured so he referred me. Very nice man and I may very well take him up on his offer for coffee. 

I'm also thankful for Mike Dwyer. His eulogy was so heartfelt and captured a friendship with dad so perfectly. As well as my father's caretakers Peterlyne and Jessica who watched over my father's medical needs over the last few years. As far as I'm concerned, you're all family.

Tomorrow I will be returning to work. Over the next few weeks in my off hours in addition to settling my father's estate I will be putting my web development skills to the test and building my own memorial website much like this one. I'm still relatively new at this skill so it might take me some time but i'll be sure to share it with you all. I have enjoyed hearing the stories and memories you all have with my father and if you have more I would love to use them on the site. 

I'll be sure to post updates for the new site. I can't thank you all enough. Good health and long life.