Tuesday night my beautiful Dad, Bill, died. He lived a long and very full life. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. He spent most of his adult life giving back, to his family and many others who benefited from his generosity. The last years of his life he spent volunteering as a foster grandparent at an elementary school in his town. Most mornings he was up early to get to school when it opened. He was known as "Grandpa Bill". After the LomaPrieta in '89, he helped the Salvation Army open and then managed a camp for people made homeless because of the Earthquake Because of his generosity my husband and I will be celebrating my BD on the PG June 4th. Thank you Dad!!

I'm so sorry for your loss, but what an incredible way to celebrate his life!

Oh Jeanine, I'm so sorry! It sounds like he was an incredible person. This is going to make your PG trip poignant, I know, but try to enjoy it in the spirit that he wished for you.

Jeanine,

I am so sorry about your loss of your beloved Dad. After reading your post, I expect he will be missed by many. I wish you peace and comfort, for this difficult time. :hug:

Betty

A sweet thing, for whatever time,
to revisit in dreams the dear dad we have lost.
Euripides, Alcestis, 438 B.C.
Greek tragic dramatist (484 BC - 406 BC)

Jeanine,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like your Dad's generosity extended in many different directions. How wonderful to know how many lives he touched. I hope you still look forward to your cruise, and enjoy many special memories. :hug:

While I am sorry for your loss and those who benefitted from his kindness, I'm sure he will be rewarded in heaven. What wonderful memories you have of this fine man.

We are saddened to hear of your loss, Jeanine. So glad you have the warmest of memories and that he's left such a positive contribution to his family and community. I can't imagne how much you must miss him. Thank you for the loving tribute. Hugs, Anne

Jeanine, your father sounds like a man that I would of been honored to know.

I am so sorry for your loss but heaven got another angel.

So sorry for your loss, Jeanine.

Please accept our condolences on your loss.

I am sorry to hear about your dad. You sound as if you were somewhat expecting this. Had he been sick for a while? That seems to be the hardest part for me. He sounds like he lead a full and exciting life.

I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a spectacular man.

Trish

Jeanine, thank you for sharing this with us, and all good thoughts are on your way. I lost my father many years ago, on the eve of my brother's wedding. It was wrenching. Nine days later, my 2nd child was born, and I told the visiting preacher I finally knew the lesson of eternal life. He will live on not only through you and your children, but all those impressionable kids at the school who will forever remember "Grandpa Bill"

I, too, feel for your loss.

I, and all of us here, would have been proud to have met him.

Doug

Jeanine - please accept my condolances - you will be in my prayers and thoughts as you go thru this very difficult time.

What a wonderful person your Dad must have been to give so much to so many others. I agree that he will be a special angel in heaven.

We should all live our lives with such a generous and giving spirit. Thank you for sharing this with all of us, as difficult as it may have been - there are many, many, many wonderfult people on this board who are there for you.

Jeanine, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers. It sounds as though he set a fine example for his family, as well as the rest of us.

Jeanine,

Condolences to you and your family.

Your father was a very special man who gave of himself, unselfishly. His legacy will live on in those who benefited from his generosity. While he will be missed, you have precious memories to sustain you.

Jeanine--the loss of a parent is one of the deepest losses to go through. Your dad sounds like a wonderful, giving person--I think Denise says it best, that his legacy will live on in those who benefited from his generosity and kindness.....You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My condolences to you and your family, Jeanine. Your father sounds like a warm and giving man. What a wonderful example he set for all of us. His giving spirit will leave an enduring legacy with all those he helped, especially the elementary children. I hope your memories of him will comfort you and that your PG cruise can be a celebration of his life and also your birthday. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanine,

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I am printing out your messages to keep in my memory box. You who were strangers I feel have become friends. Peace be with all of you.

Jeanine

We're sorry to hear about your loss as well. Your dad sounds like an amazing man.

Best wishes for you and your family, Jeanine. You and your dad will be in our thoughts ...

Masaki

Jeanine,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father must have been a very special person. His wonderful gift to you of your PG cruise will be the tribute for him and his life and will take on even more special meaning when you look back on it in years to come.

Jeanine,

So sorry for your loss and may I wish you and the rest of your family best wishes

Anthony

Jeanine,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a kind and generous person and will be missed by many people. Please enjoy your cruise all the more knowing it is in his honor.

Jeanine,
When my oldest brother passed away, a few years ago, he left my sister and me some money. He had been in the Navy, and when he talked about his shipboard experiences, he would tell us how he loved to go up on deck, at sunset, for quite time and reflection. He had said that he hoped that we (my sister & I) would use his money to take a cruise together. A few months after his passing, we did. At sunset, on the day we boarded, I took my sister's hand and said, "We have an appointment up on deck." We sat together and watched the sunset and said a proper "Thank You" to our wonderful brother.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Betty

Wow, Betty---that is beautiful....if gives me goose bumps......what a touching story.

Jeanine---and also with you.

Jeanine - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. But it is so nice to know what a wonderful man he was, and am glad you will have such fond memories.

Betty - I, too, have goosebumps.

Gil