Wednesday, May 17th, my dad turned 91. Thursday, May 18th, he took his last breath about five minutes before sunrise, surprising us when the next failed to come. Friday, May 19th, the wordle answer was "grief".
My dad had a long life and, I think, a good one. He had a good sense of humor, good health, good friends, and a good family.
I've been here in Sonoma for the last few rather difficult weeks and got to hear quite a bit about his adventures with his younger sister, growing up in Croton-on-Hudson. We found a video of water running over the dam there and he watched it for hours, pointing out the bits of beauty. I'm sure, if I had shown him this pic, he would have had more stories...
I'm not sure what dad loved most, whether it was telling bad jokes (or good ones), making and/or eating good food,
making wine (and drinking it, of course),
digging clams,
or just being around people he loved,
but he certainly enjoyed his life. He has left the world a bit better and he will be missed.
thank you for sharing these lovely memories. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteWell done, dad. :) ❤️
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory is sitting around a table (an old door?) in the back yard in Chatham, your dad opening clams, as fast as we all could eat them, along with potato chips and beer. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteSad to know your dad passed on. He had a full and wonderful life. Glad to had so many great memories my friend.
ReplyDeleteTruer words were never spoken/written. Thanks so much ,Skip, for sharing your words and photos of a memorable friend. Lovingly, Don n Bon
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute, Skip. You really captured the essence of my "Uncle Bill." I have a vivid memory of him and Elinor taking me out in the big surf of the outer bar when I was quite little. They each held one of my hands and we jumped over each wave. It was thrilling. I also loved staying with you all for a few nights at the Outermost House - it was probably 1969 or 1970. What a sweet guy. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this news, Skip. Thank you for sharing such a nice tribute to your dad. And the photos! I have a lot of great memories of your dad and our families mixing and mingling and up to all sorts of capers in Glendale, Ohio and California. Love to all. Rob Lovett.
ReplyDeleteI love this, Skip. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSkip - Sorry for your loss. A life we all yearn for. If you stop in Baltimore, stop by for dinner. - Tony & Tess, s/v Endurance
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I probably won't be in the Baltimore area until fall or even spring, but would surely enjoy seeing you.... and you could meet Monty!
DeleteI loved this remembrance and seeing these photos, Skip! So wonderful you were with him for his last days. He had a great life and wonderful, loving family. I’ll remember him as a handsome, punny boater, and will miss his bear hugs!
ReplyDeleteMany fond memories you must have. I can see the strong resemblances you have with him. I know it’s hard, I lost my Dad a few years ago. Hope to see you soon. We are hauled out in St Mary’s boat yard in Georgia doing bottom paint and other projects. Back in St Augustine in 2 weeks or less.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful simple tribute to your father Skip. Many blessings.
ReplyDeleteSkip, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. Bob and I send our love and hugs. Hope to see you soon. R.
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DeleteThanks.
DeleteI'd love to see you guys when I'm up in Maine in August or later...
Skip~ Thank you for the beautiful tribute! We are so sorry for your loss! What a wonderful life lived! May we all have that kind of celebration! We will be thinking of you as you spend these days celebrating the memories of so many wonderful years! Cheers Bill!! ~Sharie and Clint
ReplyDeleteA loving tribute indeed. Such wonderful photographs of a handsome man, wife, and brood -- and the places and activities they loved. Some resonances on our end as well: Croton-on-Hudson up the road a spell from Briarcliff Manor where I was a young lad. Sonoma, natch. And 91 just the age when Adie passed. A fellow who as you say of your dad had a good life, good sense of humor, good health and a good family. All the very best, Skip. David and Janet
ReplyDeleteSkip, How well I remember our many family experiences In Edina and at St Stevens Church. You were young when we gathered at several different sites for family weekends. We loved your father and how generous he was with his time with my son , George. Barbara Reynolds
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