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.
-------------------- R.T.Thomas,AirDesigns/Sign And Airbrush Studio rtart1@earthlink.net
Hattiesburg,MS 39401 Shop 601-584-1000 Cell 601-310-5901 Proud supporter of LETTERVILLE!
"Ahhhhhh.......Juicy Fruit." Posts: 547 | From: Hattiesburg,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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
-------------------- Troy "Metalleg" Haas 626 Kingswood Dr Evansville,In 47715 Posts: 1100 | From: Evansville,Indiana, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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
-------------------- Bob Bond's Artistry AutoArt Magazine Lee's Summit, MO BobBondArtist@hotmail.com http://www.bobbondart.com Posts: 101 | From: Lee's Summit, MO USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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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.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
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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.
-------------------- Bill Dirkes Cornhole Art LLC Bellevue, Ky. Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are. Posts: 591 | From: Bellevue,Ky. US | Registered: Aug 1999
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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.
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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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.
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322 Posts: 670 | From: Evansville, Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2001
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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.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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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
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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
-------------------- Roger DiNofa Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 147 | From: Hattiesburg, MS | Registered: Feb 2002
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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
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2277 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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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!!!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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
-------------------- Mark Neurohr "Ernest" Paintin' Place 141 Sunnyside Road Kittanning, PA 16201
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!
-------------------- Robert Beverly Arlington, Texas Posts: 1023 | From: Arlington, Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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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.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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R.T. Mary and I are sadden by the news hang in there my friend.
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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.
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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
-------------------- Larry Presnell 19 Phillips Street, Canton, NC 27816 828-648-2326 Posts: 89 | From: Canton, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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!
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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
-------------------- Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, And Dance like no one's watching. :) Mike Lavallee Mike Lavallee's Pinstriping & Airbrush Art Everett, WA Posts: 449 | From: Everett, WA | Registered: Dec 1998
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"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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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.
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
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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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
-------------------- Bill & Barbara Biggs Art's Sign Service, Inc. Clute, Texas, USA Home of The Great Texas Mosquito Festival Proud 10 year Supporter of the Letterheads Website www.artssigns.com "MrBill-" on the chat page MailTo:biggsbb@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1020 | From: Lake Jackson,Tx | Registered: Nov 1998
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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...
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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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
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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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...
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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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...".
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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.
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist. Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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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
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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
-------------------- Tony Broussard Graphic Details Digital Media Loreauville, LA Posts: 395 | From: Loreauville, LA | Registered: Jul 1999
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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.
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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