The circle of life....

Earlier today a life well lived came to an end. After 94 years, 3 months, and a few days a man whom I've admired for over forty years quietly took his last breath and ascended to the glorious hereafter.  Surrounded by family, it was a peaceful transition and his place in heaven is assured.

He was a man cut from the same cloth as many from his generation, honest, hard-working, and caring. If there was a job to be done, he willingly did it.  If there was a problem to be solved, he found a way to solve it. And, if there was a friend in need, he was the friend who answered the call.  When his country called him to war he readily served his duty, but on his return rarely made the time to talk of the experience. 

He was an intelligent man with a quick wit, a ready smile, and a kind word for all he met. He was active in his church and true to his God.  He worked hard at the same job for over thirty years, never complained, lived frugally, and provided a comfortable living for his wife and two daughters.  In the early fifties he built a modest house on an acre of land, and there he lived until his death.  It was a good house and he saw no reason to live anywhere else.  He bought used cars, took good care of them, and replaced them when needed. Nothing flashy, just dependable transportation, for he was a survivor of the great depression and the impact was evident.  He paid cash and didn't spend money on frivolous things. He appreciated things of quality and good value.

If anything he was organized to a fault, and a stroll through his garage or shop was truly an experience.  Every tool and implement was in its place and most had been labeled as to when they were purchased.  I used to think it was quirkiness on his part, but it's amazing how often we would look at the label to see how long ago he had purchased an item and what he had paid for it. Now that he's gone, those little handwritten labels will have new meaning.

His legacy has been written by the indelible marks he left on his family and his friends. There are no sons to carry forward the family name, but he will not soon be forgotten by those who knew him.  I learned much from this man and will miss him dearly. My father-in-law was as good of man as I've ever known.

The Husband of Doris, the Father of Elizabeth and Donna, the Grandfather to Jerod, Grant, and Sam, and the Great Grandfather to Jaxson, Elleigh, Lilah, and Wesley.  The void in our family cannot be filled.

God bless him and may he now rest in peace.