Who Loves You?

On Sunday, February 12th my Dad passed away. To say that our family has been faced with a lot in the past year would be an understatement. Thank you to everyone who gathered around to support our family. We celebrated his life on Saturday and it was amazing to see what an impact he had on everyone around him. Here is what I shared with those that were there:

My Dad wasn’t going to conform, lived life in the moment and I know he did up until his very last. He was always telling us “Dare to be different”.

Dad was so artistic and found beauty and inspiration in everything. A hunk of concrete became a work of art. An old wine barrell became a depiction of my life. A roll of wire could be anything-cars, flowers, trees, hearts.

He was thoughtful. If you were going through a rough patch you’d expect a hand drawn depiction of your situation in colored pencils to be in your mailbox soon.

He would do anything for others, and I am sure has been a part of patios for half of the people here. You couldn’t go by a bridge, a parking lot, the new mall or a neighborhood without Dad announcing “Guess Who Poured That”

He was always interested in what was going on in your life and you might remember him saying “Tell Me A Story” and this wasn’t limited to those he knew. This true interest in people’s lives had him making connections all over Sacramento and the bay area.

He grew up in a family of 11 so “Keep the Peace” became a favorite way to diffuse potential situations and something to leave your friends with in parting.

With the incessant questioning of three kids each 18 months apart that all like to talk, he was often “off to find a crutch for a lame duck” and upon taking 30-16 years olds camping he was ”blind in one eye and couldn’t see out of the other”.

When he dropped us off at school, any sporting event, and all through my treatments: Fight Hard You’ll Win it’s actually been my personal motto the last 6 months and can be seen on many pink bands out there.

And most recently he was an incredible Grandpa. Jack and Sam loved their Papa John and the fact that when he had no inhibitions. Want to build a fort, let’s go! Want to play with the hose in December, let’s do it! Want to move the sand across the yard with the cement mixer, I’m in! Doritos and sunflower seeds for lunch, perfect!

One thing is FOR SURE you knew my Dad loved you. He never left a meeting or phone call without saying it and just when he wanted to check to be sure, he’d call out……WHO LOVES YOU!!!!