Rest in Peace, Dad

My father was a very private man. A very intelligent man, but one who never really found his way to financial success. He raised three sons and a daughter. One son, a CPA/MBA, another a college athlete, and one black sheep, wanderer with whom he most likely identified. His daughter is successful in business in Oklahoma. My father leaves this world with very little material gain, but a woven fabric of values, memories and examples that will be passed on for generations. In this world, the material means nothing in the end.

He was a very private man, none of us know him that well outside of what he wanted us to see. He had a big heart, took in burned out hippies in the 70's, a poor black child in the 80's (who went on to play in the NBA) and spent his material gains helping others. He was voted most handsome in high school, married his first love and remained married over 50 years.

I love you pop. I remember fishing trips where you didn't cast a line, but spent all the time pulling kids lines from the tree. I remember camping trips where he listened to kids complaining about long hikes. I remember your joy at catching my first home run in Dixie League, your forgiveness when I left the stopper out of the bass boat.

Rest in Peace dad. You left a legacy not found in material things, but in the values and memories of your children and grandchildren.