Lost my Dad yesterday 2/18/14
02-19-2014, 12:35 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Lost my Dad yesterday 2/18/14
My Dad passed away yesterday at 4:25 PM PST, just short of his 90th birthday.He went peacefully and relatively quickly, as he wanted.
George F Roberts was a member of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation". He served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII, and returned home to marry his college sweetheart and raise a family. His degree in aeronautical engineering led him to a career in the defense industry and aerospace, eventually settling into employment with Lockheed Sunnyvale in the early 1960s working on several classified programs.
He served his country once again during the Vietnam war as a civilian contractor for Lockheed working on then classified surveillance aircraft, being stationed at Tan Son Nhut airport during the Tet offensive, while I was in college. The Marines guarding the base and his program tossed him a locked and loaded M-14 and told him to look out for himself, as they were rather busy. Having taught me how to shoot, he was able to do so effectively.
Dad taught me about cars. He was primarily a Ford guy, but loved all machinery. My first car memory is of working with him to rebuild a flathead straight 6 in a 53 Plymouth. Later on he had a '63 Falcon convertible and then Mustang convertibles.
About his only automotive misjudgement was he thought I was crazy for buying my '67 Stingray for $1800 in '71. We laughed about that in recent years.
So long Dad, I'll miss ya!
RIP George Flounders Roberts 1924 - 2014
George F Roberts was a member of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation". He served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII, and returned home to marry his college sweetheart and raise a family. His degree in aeronautical engineering led him to a career in the defense industry and aerospace, eventually settling into employment with Lockheed Sunnyvale in the early 1960s working on several classified programs.
He served his country once again during the Vietnam war as a civilian contractor for Lockheed working on then classified surveillance aircraft, being stationed at Tan Son Nhut airport during the Tet offensive, while I was in college. The Marines guarding the base and his program tossed him a locked and loaded M-14 and told him to look out for himself, as they were rather busy. Having taught me how to shoot, he was able to do so effectively.
Dad taught me about cars. He was primarily a Ford guy, but loved all machinery. My first car memory is of working with him to rebuild a flathead straight 6 in a 53 Plymouth. Later on he had a '63 Falcon convertible and then Mustang convertibles.
About his only automotive misjudgement was he thought I was crazy for buying my '67 Stingray for $1800 in '71. We laughed about that in recent years.
So long Dad, I'll miss ya!
RIP George Flounders Roberts 1924 - 2014
Last edited by tuxnharley; 02-20-2014 at 11:28 AM. Reason: typo
02-20-2014, 06:57 AM
#3
Safety Car
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What great memories! Sounds like you had a great relationship and many experiences with your dad to remember.
I know that you'll miss him but keep these many memories close to your heart.
I know that you'll miss him but keep these many memories close to your heart.
03-01-2014, 12:39 AM
#6
Team Owner
Dad's are special. We each only have one, and it is with great sadness when they pass on. I only wish I had one that had loved me. My deepest sympathies.
03-08-2014, 08:40 AM
#9
Instructor
All sons today lower our heads in prayer and in honor of your father. Your father has completed his earthly journey and now rests at the side of the Lord. Peace be with you and your family.
03-08-2014, 04:04 PM
#10
Race Director
Thread Starter
Thank you all for your kind words!
