Lost my dad today...
02-09-2015, 10:10 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Lost my dad today...
I just need to vent, I think it will make me feel better. I love this forum and have gotten to know some of you so wanted to post. Lost my dad today, he was a full on gear head, having many big block powered Chevies over the years, Donzi and more, all around great guy and this little boys hero forver.
Although he would never brag or boast, that is what I will do in his name today as my father has passed. They are not sure yet if it was a stroke or heart attack, he always had a strong heart and great blood pressure so we will learn more later. This is only a glimpse of who he was.....My father was a great man and he taught me how to be one. If I am a fraction as good as a dad as he was, I will be in great shape. He did the same for my brother, how to be a man, how to be a dad and care for others. He did the same with my sister, showing how to be a parent. He also taught how to be a business owner and salesperson. As a student he excelled with great grades, he also was a talented musician in the high school band all while being a standout athlete, particularly in hockey wherein if it were not for Vietnam he likely could have went all the way as some others in the family had. At 21 he left college, volunteering to go to Vietnam, he had wanted to fly but could not due to his color blindness, which later on turned out to be a gift (more on this later). He became a crew chief, rebuilding the helicopters in less than stellar conditions, which of course was in between flying reconnaissance missions. As an expert marksman he served as a doorgunner in the First Air Cavalry and also spent a lot of times in the jungle with the LRRPs, and Australian SAS. He endured horrific things during and after Vietnam and thanks to family and friends especially his best friend who is my mom. Together they did quite well in life. A few years back was diagnosed with both diabetes and parkinsons - both of which were due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. For those who knew him, he didn't let that slow him down. His greatest pride was in the family he raised and was a part of. He put three of us three of us through college, he was there at every turn to help us and share in the joy of life. The hard lessons he learned in Vietnam, gave him a unique perspective and one that enhanced his value of life and how important it was to find the joy in it. He was always quick to work on someones car or house as a favor. He was one of the most open minded people I have ever known. He didn't care what race someone was, what their religion was, if they were gay, straight or whatever, he took pride in knowing he served his country to maintain its freedom so that people could live in their own way whatever that may have been. He taught my brother, sister and I to be strong and by that he meant do not be afraid to speak out, do not be afraid to show emotion, make sure to always stay true to your word and to help out people in need. I will do my best as I know my family will in helping his little buddy Noah to fully understand the great and giving person that Big Grampy was, although I believe Noah is already fully aware of this.
Although he would never brag or boast, that is what I will do in his name today as my father has passed. They are not sure yet if it was a stroke or heart attack, he always had a strong heart and great blood pressure so we will learn more later. This is only a glimpse of who he was.....My father was a great man and he taught me how to be one. If I am a fraction as good as a dad as he was, I will be in great shape. He did the same for my brother, how to be a man, how to be a dad and care for others. He did the same with my sister, showing how to be a parent. He also taught how to be a business owner and salesperson. As a student he excelled with great grades, he also was a talented musician in the high school band all while being a standout athlete, particularly in hockey wherein if it were not for Vietnam he likely could have went all the way as some others in the family had. At 21 he left college, volunteering to go to Vietnam, he had wanted to fly but could not due to his color blindness, which later on turned out to be a gift (more on this later). He became a crew chief, rebuilding the helicopters in less than stellar conditions, which of course was in between flying reconnaissance missions. As an expert marksman he served as a doorgunner in the First Air Cavalry and also spent a lot of times in the jungle with the LRRPs, and Australian SAS. He endured horrific things during and after Vietnam and thanks to family and friends especially his best friend who is my mom. Together they did quite well in life. A few years back was diagnosed with both diabetes and parkinsons - both of which were due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. For those who knew him, he didn't let that slow him down. His greatest pride was in the family he raised and was a part of. He put three of us three of us through college, he was there at every turn to help us and share in the joy of life. The hard lessons he learned in Vietnam, gave him a unique perspective and one that enhanced his value of life and how important it was to find the joy in it. He was always quick to work on someones car or house as a favor. He was one of the most open minded people I have ever known. He didn't care what race someone was, what their religion was, if they were gay, straight or whatever, he took pride in knowing he served his country to maintain its freedom so that people could live in their own way whatever that may have been. He taught my brother, sister and I to be strong and by that he meant do not be afraid to speak out, do not be afraid to show emotion, make sure to always stay true to your word and to help out people in need. I will do my best as I know my family will in helping his little buddy Noah to fully understand the great and giving person that Big Grampy was, although I believe Noah is already fully aware of this.
02-09-2015, 10:18 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
So sorry for your loss , thoughts and prayers for you and your family in this time of grief .
..Thanks for sharing your story & just remember he will always be there for you , maybe not physically but in everything YOU do in life .
..Thanks for sharing your story & just remember he will always be there for you , maybe not physically but in everything YOU do in life .
02-09-2015, 10:23 PM
#4
So sorry for the loss of your Dad, he sounds like a swell guy! I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that he didn't suffer thru any long term debilitating illness like my Dad. He is in late stage dementia, cant talk or communicate, doesn't even recognize his own family, he is in a rats nest of a nursing home. My Dad was a car guy also, a Ford man, but he appreciated any good hot rod. His dad lived to 82 years old, still completely self independent and sharp as a tack, he had a heart attack in a grocery store and passed away before he even got to the hospital. That's the way to go out.
So sorry again for your loss, God Bless.
So sorry again for your loss, God Bless.
02-09-2015, 10:30 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
So sorry to hear of your loss...reminds me to spend more time with my folks, even though they are several hours away. Pray that God provides peace for you and yours. Semper Fi - Bill
02-09-2015, 10:31 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
Very well written, your Dad would be and probably is from up above extremely proud of not only you, but your entire family. For it was the inspiration, values and the understanding of life that he taught and shared with everyone that made him so special.
I know what it is like to lose parents, and while it is very difficult to say the least, especially right now, believe me you will have many future moments of happiness and some occasional sad ones too, when you think about him. And you already realize and appreciate him now on the enormous impact that he had on all, during his lifetime.
He sounds like a very great man
....may he R.I.P. take care Tom
I know what it is like to lose parents, and while it is very difficult to say the least, especially right now, believe me you will have many future moments of happiness and some occasional sad ones too, when you think about him. And you already realize and appreciate him now on the enormous impact that he had on all, during his lifetime.
He sounds like a very great man
....may he R.I.P. take care Tom
Last edited by 74 LS4-454; 02-09-2015 at 10:43 PM.
02-09-2015, 10:37 PM
#9
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
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I'm so sorry to hear that B.C.
If there is any good news in this....it is this........that my Dad and my son Blake are greeting him in Heaven now.....and soon he will meet JESUS!
If there is any good news in this....it is this........that my Dad and my son Blake are greeting him in Heaven now.....and soon he will meet JESUS!
02-09-2015, 10:48 PM
#10
Drifting
So sorry for your loss. That was beautiful what you wrote. Your father was an amazing man it sounds. I always said I wanted to be like my father who was an amazing person as well. Your dad raised you and your siblings and with your mom did a terrific job. Our lives are fragile and we are just passing thru here. Cherish those memories and may he rest in peace but continue to watch over you and your family.
02-09-2015, 11:25 PM
#16
Racer
I just need to vent, I think it will make me feel better. I love this forum and have gotten to know some of you so wanted to post. Lost my dad today, he was a full on gear head, having many big block powered Chevies over the years, Donzi and more, all around great guy and this little boys hero forver.
Although he would never brag or boast, that is what I will do in his name today as my father has passed. They are not sure yet if it was a stroke or heart attack, he always had a strong heart and great blood pressure so we will learn more later. This is only a glimpse of who he was.....My father was a great man and he taught me how to be one. If I am a fraction as good as a dad as he was, I will be in great shape. He did the same for my brother, how to be a man, how to be a dad and care for others. He did the same with my sister, showing how to be a parent. He also taught how to be a business owner and salesperson. As a student he excelled with great grades, he also was a talented musician in the high school band all while being a standout athlete, particularly in hockey wherein if it were not for Vietnam he likely could have went all the way as some others in the family had. At 21 he left college, volunteering to go to Vietnam, he had wanted to fly but could not due to his color blindness, which later on turned out to be a gift (more on this later). He became a crew chief, rebuilding the helicopters in less than stellar conditions, which of course was in between flying reconnaissance missions. As an expert marksman he served as a doorgunner in the First Air Cavalry and also spent a lot of times in the jungle with the LRRPs, and Australian SAS. He endured horrific things during and after Vietnam and thanks to family and friends especially his best friend who is my mom. Together they did quite well in life. A few years back was diagnosed with both diabetes and parkinsons - both of which were due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. For those who knew him, he didn't let that slow him down. His greatest pride was in the family he raised and was a part of. He put three of us three of us through college, he was there at every turn to help us and share in the joy of life. The hard lessons he learned in Vietnam, gave him a unique perspective and one that enhanced his value of life and how important it was to find the joy in it. He was always quick to work on someones car or house as a favor. He was one of the most open minded people I have ever known. He didn't care what race someone was, what their religion was, if they were gay, straight or whatever, he took pride in knowing he served his country to maintain its freedom so that people could live in their own way whatever that may have been. He taught my brother, sister and I to be strong and by that he meant do not be afraid to speak out, do not be afraid to show emotion, make sure to always stay true to your word and to help out people in need. I will do my best as I know my family will in helping his little buddy Noah to fully understand the great and giving person that Big Grampy was, although I believe Noah is already fully aware of this.
Although he would never brag or boast, that is what I will do in his name today as my father has passed. They are not sure yet if it was a stroke or heart attack, he always had a strong heart and great blood pressure so we will learn more later. This is only a glimpse of who he was.....My father was a great man and he taught me how to be one. If I am a fraction as good as a dad as he was, I will be in great shape. He did the same for my brother, how to be a man, how to be a dad and care for others. He did the same with my sister, showing how to be a parent. He also taught how to be a business owner and salesperson. As a student he excelled with great grades, he also was a talented musician in the high school band all while being a standout athlete, particularly in hockey wherein if it were not for Vietnam he likely could have went all the way as some others in the family had. At 21 he left college, volunteering to go to Vietnam, he had wanted to fly but could not due to his color blindness, which later on turned out to be a gift (more on this later). He became a crew chief, rebuilding the helicopters in less than stellar conditions, which of course was in between flying reconnaissance missions. As an expert marksman he served as a doorgunner in the First Air Cavalry and also spent a lot of times in the jungle with the LRRPs, and Australian SAS. He endured horrific things during and after Vietnam and thanks to family and friends especially his best friend who is my mom. Together they did quite well in life. A few years back was diagnosed with both diabetes and parkinsons - both of which were due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. For those who knew him, he didn't let that slow him down. His greatest pride was in the family he raised and was a part of. He put three of us three of us through college, he was there at every turn to help us and share in the joy of life. The hard lessons he learned in Vietnam, gave him a unique perspective and one that enhanced his value of life and how important it was to find the joy in it. He was always quick to work on someones car or house as a favor. He was one of the most open minded people I have ever known. He didn't care what race someone was, what their religion was, if they were gay, straight or whatever, he took pride in knowing he served his country to maintain its freedom so that people could live in their own way whatever that may have been. He taught my brother, sister and I to be strong and by that he meant do not be afraid to speak out, do not be afraid to show emotion, make sure to always stay true to your word and to help out people in need. I will do my best as I know my family will in helping his little buddy Noah to fully understand the great and giving person that Big Grampy was, although I believe Noah is already fully aware of this.
02-09-2015, 11:35 PM
#17
Drifting
Reading your words on how he lived makes me wish I lived more like that. I would like to be remembered like that by my kids. Your tribute shows that he succeeded in being someone we all look up to. I know what he would expect of you now. He would want you to pick up where he left off and be the strong one now for your family. Just the way he has taught you. Live like him and you will see him again.
02-10-2015, 12:05 AM
#18
Race Director
All of us who have lost our Dads know what you are feeling right now. You will have a myriad of emotions, let them all play out. It will get easier to make it thru the day and night, but we just don't know when that will be. Hang in there. Many people are saying prayers for your Dad and you, hope you can draw on that to help out. Bless your Dad.
I lost my Dad 22 years ago this October. Not a day goes by that I don't think about a fond memory. Have faith. God bless you and your family.
