Dad you were a special special one and those that were privileged to spend time you quickly knew it too! It is difficult to put into words what makes you you but I do know it starts with your unquestionable love of Mom and family and recognition that your whole motivation in life was to create your family and support us. You constantly sacrificed personal gains and material things to focus on providing for your family and keeping a stable home life. We cannot thank you properly for this, only try harder to maintain and live your life’s lesson. Following is just a collage of some of the memories and lessons that stand out as I put words on paper: Love your Wife. Keep a pen with you at all times. Hum. Red barns and tractors. Suck the remaining ketchup from packet. Eat a banana rather than a chocolate bar but put sugar on the last pancake. Pen in pocket. Family first. Strong work ethic. “Paced”. Take pictures. Love your Kids. Enjoy getting ready to go. And always always “smell the roses” morning day and night. Family dinner. Wash your hands before dinner. Hum some more. Take your time after dinner - read the newspaper. Anticipation is as important as the event. Photos. Camping. Golfing. Dinner at Gull Lake. Centerville fair. Rolling fields. Smile. Open doors for others. Thanksgiving Dinner (or any meal for that matter). Fall colors. Love your Grandkids. Winter vacations in St. Pete. Beaches. Fishing with Grandpa. Disney World. Pen on chain around neck. Hum. Watch and smell the early spring rains from the cover of the garage. Farm odors. Pass the potatoes to (insert any table guest) he is almost out! Pigs and cows. Cornwells. Lighthouses. Make Memories with Kids and Grand Kids. Keep humming. What I would give to wait just one more time for you to get ready Dad or one more visit to Grandmas with all the family or how about one more “who will spot Dad first” while waiting in Big D parking lot or one more graham crackers and milk before bed or nightly summer “swim “ to admire the stars and discuss why something is or isn’t. Dad I will let out a secret, not sure exactly when but Steve and I knew you never wanted to harm anything on all those hunting trips to Yankee Springs, Bill Hargus’s, Burt and Carmen or John Georges – you went just to be with us and we love you for that. Dad, I never ever in my entire life heard you cuss. Dad, you had an uncanny ability to see the beauty in everything from the shape of that cloud to a beautiful sunset to the sweet smiling baby next to us at the restaurant or how about way you appreciated and commented on the smell of that wonderful Sunday meat loaf in the oven. Dad your love for Mom and family inspires all those who are married or have kids and you will remain with us forever. Though your departure was eminent there is a huge loss without you and you will be missed more than words can express. Love you Dad and thank you.