I just want you all to know that something that I have dreaded for all my life happened to me today. My Father passed away as a result of an accident in his and my Mother's home. He was 84 years old and had lived a full life and I guess it was just his time to go. He was my hero even though I failed to tell him that often enough. He was the best man I've ever known. Not just because he was my Father , but because he was. He was a craftsman in his own right. He taught me all about woodworking tools when I was just a kid. He taught me how to paint houses when I was a teenager and needed money in the summertime. He taught me to look at detail, not just the overall picture. He taught me that it never hurts to help someone in need even though they sometimes don't appreciate it. He lived that way. He was the ultimate Good Samaritan. He wasn't rich in the terms we most use for rich. He was rich in family, he was rich in his heart, he was rich in everything he did.
He will be sorely missed. I know I'll miss him everyday. I just wish I had spent more time with him while he was here.
Please think about my family and my dear sweet Mother in our time of grief. You are all my friends and my extended family and I just want you to know that you lost a good one today.
Thank you for listening, R.T.
Posted by Troy Haas (Member # 472) on :
RT, I find my self lost for words at times such a these. Our family will surely pray for yours and if there is anything I can do, just let me know, ANYTHING.
Your Friend Troy
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I'm sorry to hear of your loss RT. It's just been a week & 13 short months since my father passed, so I feel for you and your family.
quote: He was the best man I've ever known. Not just because he was my Father , but because he was.
I know that feeling to, & am thankful you too were blessed by such a man in your life.
Posted by Bob Bond (Member # 26) on :
RT, Our prayers are with you, your mother and your family. I (Jennifer) remember losing my father and then my mother, it was and is still sad even though I believe dad and mom are in a better place. I still want them here with me. "Call me selfish, but I want them back." Hang on to your memories, they will be with you always. Jen
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
He had to have been a very special man RT. Just look into the mirror to see the gift he gave to all of us here in Letterville. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by Bill Dirkes (Member # 1000) on :
RT I am sorry for your loss, you describe a wonderful man. I hope that as you miss him you will discover more and more that he is still with you. May the Holy Spirit grant peace and comfort to you and your family.
Posted by Chris Elliott (Member # 1262) on :
RT, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Even though a sudden accident is a tremendous shock, in some ways it's also a blessing. I think he lived a successful life because when I read your description of him, I realized that also describes you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by Jeffrey Vrstal (Member # 2271) on :
RT, sorry to hear of your loss. Your father will live on in you and the many lives that he has touched. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
RT I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know exactly what you mean when you talk about not telling him how much of a hero he was to you. His memory will live on with you forever as you go through life and revisit those things he taught you on a daily basis. It's obvious to me he was a good man, by giving us a guy like you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Sorry to hear this sad news R.T. he and your mother did a wonderful job making you the person we enjoy so much.
I lost my dad 4 years back and miss him all the time. For that I am thankful...I can't imagine never having known him.
God bless your family, it's a hard time but I can see you already remember the best things and thats the most important.
See you soon...
[ February 15, 2003, 08:48 AM: Message edited by: Monte Jumper ]
Posted by Bill Modzel (Member # 22) on :
RT, Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. You could have been describing my father who I lost 7 years ago. I'm so sorry for your loss and may God grant you and your family peace during this difficult time
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
RT, as I read your post I wished you wrote it prior to his passing because I wanted to meet him and get some of that influence on me.
Posted by Roger DiNofa (Member # 2781) on :
RT, I,m really sadden this morning by this news and hope you now that Paulette and I will pray for you and your family.Having met your family on a few occasions and worked with you for a few summers I,ve heard you talk about him a lot. I never heard you say anything but good things about him.You know we are here for you and give your mother our condolences. He was a great man. I will call you soon. Roger
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Rt,
Your post brought back some painful memories, and some good ones as well. It has been almost 3 years since my Dad died in an accident in his home. He was a carpenter most of his life(all of mine). Your description of your Father fit him to a T.
This post brought back the memories of that day, but whenever I think of Dad, I always remember all of the good times too.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
One of your many friends, Don
Posted by mike meyer (Member # 542) on :
Hey R.T. You have our sympathy from here in Mazeppa. I know the feeling as I lost my Mother in Jan '97. But there is not a day that doesn't go by that you will remember him in various ways. In the beginning you will still feel sorrow, but after a while, you will laugh, and be so thankful of the High Marks he is now receiving on his Lifetime Report Card! My Mom had some great sayings....probably rubbed off from her Dad, another Stout Irish Person! Here's one of my favorites....."That lady is so Ugly, she'd scare s**t right off a shovel!" Or..we would be called home for supper and she'd say "Sit down for SLUMGULLIAN!" Which later I found out to be a Stew that her hometown church made and had for all to eat on St. Patty's day! My Grampa used to get up on the tables in Bars and sing "Mine Irish Eyes are Smiling!" (They usually were smilin' too...thanks to Whiskey!ha)
Enjoy the Memories R.T. Now's the time to make some of your own! See ya here in 2005, your door prizes await you!!!
Posted by Mark Neurohr (Member # 2470) on :
R.T.
I am sorry for your loss. Keep those memories with you at all times!! I lost my Dad last April and it's been real hard for me as well (he was my best Buddy)!
Keep the faith!! Mark
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
So sorry to hear of your loss. My Deepest Condolences.
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
I am sorry too. Your Dad sounds like he was a very very special man.
Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
RT
I have repeatedly reminded my son and daughter that they will never fully appreciate their future spouse completely until they have had a chance to meet their parents. Only then will they know the true person they wish to share their life with.
I have met your father through you and can only say that you should be very proud to have had such a father as he. You continue his legacy!
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
It was hard to read this without crying outright. I know how much my dad means to me, and by what you said, I know how much yours meant to you. I know that day will come when I too will be in your shoes, and I dont look forward to wearing them. Your father was a wonderful man, thats evident by how you speak of him. God bless him for being who he was, and God blessed you RT by letting him be your dad. My familys sympathies to you and your family.
Posted by jimmy chatham (Member # 525) on :
R.T. Mary and I are sadden by the news hang in there my friend.
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
R.T., I am truly sorry to hear of your loss and pray that God will comfort and bless you and your family at this difficult time. He sounds like the kind of person I would like to have known and I'm sure he left a lasting impression on many peoples lives.
Posted by Larry Presnell (Member # 265) on :
RT: AS one good friend to another,sorry to hear about your dad. I feel your pain. If I can do anything to help you, just let me know. Your friend, LP
Posted by Linda Silver Eagle (Member # 274) on :
Oh dear RT, I am so saddened by your news. I buried my Father when my oldest child was just 9 months old, and now she is 20. Ironically I am living alone for the first time in 20 years, in the same mountains my father was raised in. I can relate to the loneliness your mother is going to have to learn how to deal with and I am so sorry she'll have to experience it.
You are a good man RT and I know you'll find peace with your Father's passing. I wish we could all hug you and your family, and it somehow make a difference. My prayers are with you all and if there is anything we could do to make the load lighter, please let us know.
See you in chat sometime...chins up honey, we all love you!
Posted by Mike Lavallee (Member # 320) on :
RT my friend I am so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. we send you our most heartfelt wishes for you and your mother. I hope the pain will pass quickly my brother. Take care of yourself and your mother. love ya, Mike and Rhonda
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
RT -
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He must have been a great man.
While reading all the replies, I found it overwhelming how many of us had lost our fathers.
It was this great board that cheered me up when my own father died three years ago.
You'll be in my thought during this tough time.
Posted by Stan McKinnon (Member # 2316) on :
So sorry to hear about your Dad.
My dad and mom are in their late 70's and live about an eight hour drive away from us here in Nashville. I find that we procrastinant (sp) every time we talk about going to visit them since its such a long drive and makes for a short trip. But after reading of your father I immediately called them and made plans for a visit. They have really been on my mind alot lately.
Take care.
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
Sorry to hear the sad news buddy you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
mark
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
R.T.,
An apple never falls far from the tree. You are the fruit of your Father's labors and he done did good.
May the Lord bless and grant solace to you and yours during these hard times.
Bruce and Dana
Posted by Bill Biggs (Member # 18) on :
RT, My dad was nearly 90 when he just up and died. But he is with me everyday and always will be, like your father, he was a teacher and a good samaritan. You will honor him by continuing the tradition. I know you will! You and your family are in our Prayers, Bill and Barbara Biggs
Posted by Terry Whynott (Member # 1622) on :
So sorry RT. Your father sounded like an amazing man.
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
RT I am also sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I lost my father in Sept of last year. I know what you mean about, you wish you had told him more about how much you admired or loved him while he was alive. At his (my dad) funeral I read an eulogy in his behalf somewhat like you wrote. I think you should read yours in his behalf, even though he is resting, let those who didn't know him, know who he was. May he rest in peace...
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
RT, very sorry to read of your loss. Your description of him was beautiful.What he taught you, why, they're the key to a sane and peaceful life, I think. It sounds like you are living his legacy, and passing it on. You're so fortunate to have had him in your life all this time. My dad passed on in 1966, I was 21,sure wanted him around a lot longer.
it's maybe aa cliche, but time Does soften the pain, he'll always be with you, cause that's the way it is.
Best wishes, John Lennig
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
r.t. all you said about your dad....made him who he was then he left most of the same qualities in you my friend. your just like him....my sympathies...
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
RT - You touched all of us deeply with such a loving tribute to your father. His life will now live on in you. And his life was successful because he created you and left you with the same wonderful traits that he must have had.
All of us who are Dads hope that our offspring will become the type of people that we want them to be and in some ways were never able to achieve ourselves. You will carry on your Father's dreams and hopes in your own life.
When my Dad left this life twenty three years ago at the age of 80 I felt the same as you do today. One of the many things that helped me get through the sadness was the fact that I had told him many times how much I loved him and appreciated all that he had done for me.
If your Mother or Father is still alive, don't procrastinate - make a point of telling them of your love and appreciation before it is too late. When it comes their time to depart it will make the passing much easier. Some of the saddest words are "I wish that I had...".
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
R.T. just checked in and saw this bad news. Of course I am saddened to hear that you and your Mom and Sis are going through this. Our prayers are with you. You know that you can call on us for anything you need.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
So very sorry RT Your tribute is wonderful, and I'm glad you had this wonderful relationship, glad for both of you. When my Dad died, expectedly, over 20 years ago, a blanket of pain descended on me. But the good memories and the knowledge he is off to regroup and getting his just rewards, and happy, made that blanket lift back off over time. I'm thinking about you
Myra
Posted by Tony B (Member # 935) on :
I lost my mom in 99. There are really no words to ease this type of pain. It just takes time.
Just when you think you lost your father, in time you will realise you never lost him. . . . because he is in you.
From here on end you will be doing things,simple things like cutting a board or painting something and you will think back on how your dad taught you this. Those memories are never lost, there always there, and so is he, in mind, your heart, and soul.
Some people try to hold it in. I say let it out. You have something worth crying about. Sounds to me like this was a great man, and I see the same in you. Because you are and always will be your father's son, and he will always be your dad.
When I talk to someone who may have known my mom, I always say I'm Mrs Pearly's son. I never use the words "she was", because she lives in me, just like your dad lives on in you.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
From Tony, Aggie, Mallory & Katie Broussard
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
R.T., Thanks for sharing the sad news as well as the wonderful tribute to your dad. Many of us here have lost our parents and understand what you're going through. Another good friend's father passed away last week, and my wife and I both noticed that his funeral was more a celebration of his life than a lament of his death. If you can handle the emotional part, stand up and tell them what you told us.
Your dad sounds much like mine - they're gonna get along great. Our thoughts are with you, pal.
Posted by Delzell (Member # 1965) on :
Sorry to hear about your Dad passing. I am glad I got to meet you at Fred's last year. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Debbie
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
So sorry to hear of your great loss RT. Please accept the sincere condolences of my family. There is no shame in the tears that one sheds when something like this happens. Remember those good times that you shared with your dad, and those memories will help to ease your burden of pain.
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
Really sorry to hear bout your Dad, RT. Lost my Mother a few years ago and know exactly how you're feeling.
My thoughts are with you and your Mother.
Posted by coop (Member # 504) on :
RT,
I cannot add anything that has not already been said before in the the previous posts. We will say a prayer for you and your family. Let not your heart be troubled my friend.
Posted by Robert Davis (Member # 1641) on :
RT, Sorry for your loss...Carida and I will keep you and your mom in our prayers...A candle was lit in memory tonight...Robert
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Sorry to hear about your Father. It's a tough thing to go through!
My deepest condolences.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
Im sorry RT..
curtis
Posted by ticks (Member # 575) on :
Hi RT, Man that is VERY SAD news, I just want you to know we (down here in Australia)are all thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. I did get the opportunity to meet RT's Dad (and Mum and Sis) while I stayed with RT and I could tell he was a special bloke.
Hang in there man!
Rod, Denise, cindi, Amber and Maddi Tickle
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
R.T.
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Since my dad passed a year ago, I feel the pain together with you and our brothers and sisters on board here. (My Mom passed away when we were on our way to show her our newborn). That was 14 years ago and it seems like the present.
As we share sorrow, we can share hope. There is a reason, and I can't accept the fact that our loved ones are just gone, as I firmly believe that there is much more the whole picture. We're there for you, thanks for sharing with us, R.T., and I agree the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Take care and may a great peace be with you alway from here on.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
RT,
I'm sorry for the grief you are going through. No amount of words are capable of easing your pain. For what little its worth, you and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by R T Thomas (Member # 355) on :
Thanks guys,
You really don't know what it means to me for all of you to be behind me and my family right now. A few days from now I am going to print this string out and show it to my Mom and sister. Only then will they realize exactly why I do all these crazy things I do like running all over the world to Letterhead meets. Nothing can explain it better than what has been said right here and I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you from us all.
R.T.
P.S. Kathy, I got your message and thank you. Here is the information you asked for. Sorry I may not have time to return any phone calls to any of you guys. You may try to call me at my Mom's at 601-584-8207. Otherwise you may try my cell at 601-310-5901.
The arrangements are as follows: Visitation: 4pm-9pm Sunday Feb. 16th at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, MS
Services: 2pm Monday Feb 17th at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home, Hattiesburg, MS with interment following at Roseland Park Cemetery , West 7th Street, Hattiesburg, MS
[ February 16, 2003, 03:06 AM: Message edited by: R T Thomas ]
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
RT there's n0thing more i can say here that everyone else hasn't already said except that i'm sorry...
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
My heart goes out to you RT. He will live on in you.
May you find strength in the love that surrounds you, and peace in the memories you cherish.
You'll continue to make him proud. You, too, are a good man RT.
Nettie
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
So sorry to hear about your Dad Rt. Give your Mom and extra hug from us.
Suelynn
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
So very sorry for your loss RT. Your post hits home for me as well.
Lost my dad 8 yrs ago at 67 from a massive fatal heart attack. No warning whatsoever.
The mind plays tricks on us. I sometimes feel he just up and left and feel so lonely for his presence. Death is such a hard thing to overcome and understand.
May those close to you give you the support you and your family need to get through this difficult time.
Posted by Elaine Beauchemin (Member # 136) on :
My heart is with you and your family Love and frienship are important in those time The memories that he left you will keep your father alive. Keep those precious.
É
Posted by Jackson Smart (Member # 187) on :
We all come into this life...we play the game...and then we move on. Dying is as much a part of life as bieng born. I know it saddens us when it happens...however..please remember that we live on in another state of bieng. The dead are closer to us than we know. All you have to do is remember a certain time that was special to you and your dad...and he will be there...in you.
Love and Light....
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
RT
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your tribute to your dad reminds me why my dad is so dear to me. Thanks for sharing.
-dan
Posted by utter (Member # 634) on :
My heart goes out to you. I feel furtunate to still have my parents with me, but thye are in their 70's and one day it will be inevitable. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by John Jordan (Member # 2368) on :
To RT. G'day mate, I just checked in after a weekend away and was sorry to read of your loss.
Please accept all the thoughts, wishes and sympathies from all the Letterheads "Down Under"
Reagards John
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Sorry for your loss RT.
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
RT, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Your comments are a tribute to both your father and youself. You'r in my prayers.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
R.T., sorry to hear the news, but if you can keep remembering all the good times you had with him and all the things he did and said, he will be with you always. While working alone, often a memory would appear and make me smile, sometimes even laugh.
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
Hey R.T.... I just have to agree that the evidence of your tribute to your father is MORE than evident in YOUR life...He left us all a great legacy in YOU. Oh!.. that more people would realize before it's too late that they need to live their lives loving people and using things (instead of the other way around) It sounds like your father was more purpose driven than profit driven...a lesson we could all learn from and live by. Thank You for sharing your pain and grief...& for giving us all an opportunity to share in it and pray you and your family through it. Much of my most profound growth has come from pain & suffering...but it's comforting to know that Someone cares when we hurt. I pray that you sense a peace that passes all understanding through your grief. We all love you, R.T. Consider yourself hugged and prayed for... ~Nancie
Posted by Adrian Niņo Anaya (Member # 3537) on :
I am sorry about your loss. Thank you for sharing. I think a lot of all of you people of this Letterville community... I also think a lot of my father, a great artist, at 71 still producing. ... AN,
Posted by Tony Potter (Member # 1199) on :
Your family is in my prayers. Be well my friend.
Posted by Ted Nesbitt (Member # 3292) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss RT---thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Don't think of what you're missing now my friend-think of what you've had in the past and be truly thankful for it.
Posted by Pierre Tardif (Member # 3229) on :
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your great man.
Pierre
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
RT, I know it is a shock to lose someone so close so suddenly. I know what you are going thru. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this time of sadness and loss. Your Dad was truly a kind hearted person that had a positive impact on your life. We love you, Judy and Roger
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