Devoted Husband and Father

Dad was a man of character who loved his wife and the family they created. He saw his future when he met the beautiful woman who would become his wife of 64 years. They had four children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Dad worked hard, often two jobs, to provide for the family so his wife could be at home with the children. He never complained about long hours or hard work because he took pride in being the provider for his family. They proudly attended high school and college graduations as well as weddings for their children. His dedication to his family was never more evident than when he responded to a question asked by an oncologist regarding his willingness to start treatments in April for pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to the liver. Dad tilted his head to the side and said, “Man, I have a wife and four kids to take care of.” Having met Dad’s wife and some of the adult children, the doctor understood that family was the purpose of Dad’s life.

The value of Dad’s contributions to those who loved him are best measured by his impact on his family. He was the foundation of the family. His journey was one of honor and his destination is clear. As a believer, he is rejoicing in heaven. The decisions he made in life resulted in a wife, four children and their spouses, five grandchildren and their spouses, and five great-grandchildren who know that he loved them. He will be missed by many, but none more than those in the family that he created with his wife. May he rest in peace knowing that he was the foundation of a family that loved him, and that he will be remembered each day with love.

The sadness of Dad’s journey with pancreatic cancer is shared now because he was more than pancreatic cancer. He received the diagnosis on March 21, 2017 and transitioned to heaven on May 16, 2017. The family needed more than 57 days to adjust to his transition but relief from the pain for him provides comfort for us. He will continue to be the foundation of the family.