Remembering Dad

Josh's tribute to Dad at the Celebration of Life . . . June 26, 2009
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Incorruptibility, soundness, completeness, sincerity, and honesty are all synonyms for an important word that my dad always emphasized, INTEGRITY. Throughout my dad’s life, he was THE perfect example of a man of integrity. During the last few months of his life, I would go to my parent’s house nearly everyday to see him and my mom. Even after asking, “What time will you be here tomorrow” and saying, “I love you,” he would always finish our conversation by asking, “What’s the word Josh?” And I would reply “INTEGRITY.” He really emphasized the word because he believed that whether one is at work, at home with family and friends, or at church, being a man of integrity in every faucet of life is the key to living a happy successful life here on earth and eternally with God.

I can remember one Sunday, a couple of months ago, my dad wasn’t feeling too good so my mom had to stay home with him and told me to go to church alone. The main part of the message that day was “integrity.” I was thinking the whole time in my head, “This must be a setup.”

I cherish all the memories I have of my dad. That includes trips to Florida every year, when I was young, to see family, go to the beach, and see Mickey Mouse (of course). . . going to Cancun (which I loved so much I had to go back but without parental supervision). . . Hawaii, Germany, France, various cruises, many family reunions (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, and Ohio). My dad always would lend a helping hand with the family reunions and even coordinated a couple of them.

I remember our family meetings we had when I was growing up, . . . riding around Peoria with my Dad in his truck. . . stopping off at small convenient stores to get Uncle John’s pork crackling and Zebra Cakes . . . going to all his rental property to help his tenants.

He (Dad) ALWAYS had a truck. He had an old ugly brown one, then a red one with colorful decorative painted splashes on the tailgate. . . that was odd. Thankfully, he finally upgraded to an SUV.

He (Dad) supported me in every activity I wanted to be a part. . . clubs, sports, and various camps. Even during my very brief football career, in grade school one year, he was in charge of the team’s concession stand and the families showed him much appreciation.

He attended nearly every grade school, high school, and college basketball game I ever played. He was supportive, and if I showed interest in something then he was interested too. When he was very ill and tired, he stayed up to watch that extremely hectic Bulls versus Celtics playoff series with me. . . including the triple overtime game that lasted til' about midnight.

I can go on for days with GREAT memories I have of times with my dad. He has been an immense help and inspiration to not only me but, his company, his friends, his family, his church, and his community.

He always put other people before himself. He really enjoyed the gratification he received from helping others. If you were happy then, he was happy. People always tell me that they have never seen him get mad (upset).

He has taught me everything I need to know and has prepared me the best any dad could to succeed in life and to live a life of INTEGRITY. He was a great father, a wise mentor, a strong hero, and a remarkable friend.

He will truly be missed AND I will always love him.

Josh