RIP Dad
 

My father passed away today from pneumonia after battling pulmonary fibrosis for 11 years. He did not collect cards or even talk very much about baseball. Like many Boomers, his boyhood cards ended up in his bicycle spokes because they sounded cool, and then grandma threw them away or a cousin swiped them while he was in the military. He was ROTC with the US Army and specialized in communications and chemical weapons. He served in Korea on the DMZ during the Vietnam era. He graduated as an art major, and he gifted me a piece of baseball artwork many years ago. Anyway, he is every bit entangled with my love of baseball as any other factor. He volunteered as assistants on my youth baseball teams where I learned life lessons and made great friends. He would throw the ball with me after school on days he wasn't on the road as a salesman. He took me to MiLB games to see the Billings Mustangs which eventually made me a Reds fan. When we moved to Spokane he had the opportunity through work to take me to occasional Seattle Mariners game in the late 90s. I saw Griffey, ARod, Johnson, and Martinez during the greatest years in Mariners history. He took me to autograph signings in Spokane to see Don Larsen, Gaylord Perry, Harmon Killebrew, Maury Wills, and Steve Garvey. And the paramount event was when he took me to the 2001 All Star Fanfest - the closest thing to a National that I've ever been to. I saved up my Christmas money, birthday money, and allowance. I bought a dozen baseballs for autographs, and went with absolutely no plan of what cards to buy. One of the best pulls of my pack buying days occurred there when I pulled a Jackie Robinson GU card. My dad was one of the best that the Baby Boomer generation had to offer. He provided for his family, came home every night to dinner, and taught his kids moral choices. He is missed by everyone who knew him, but leaves a legacy of love and kindness. God bless you, Dad.
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Sorry for your loss Tim, dads are so important to sons.

My condolences to you and your family Tim. Sounds like he was a great man and Father.

We recognise as familiar a lot of elements in the story of your relationship.
Sincere condolences to you and your family, Tim.

+1 very sorry to hear of your loss.

"Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, may the soldier or sailor, God keep.
On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep."

Rest easy soldier, your watch is over.

Sorry for your loss Tim.

When you get older you realize how many people had non-existent or terrible/abusive fathers. I always thought it was a given that everyone had a great father. Hardly. You are very fortunate to have had such a good man as your father. No doubt his wisdom and values will live on through you. My condolences.

Sorry to hear, Tim.
My condolences to you and yours.

Tim,

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I am very close with my father as well, it wasn't until a few years ago that I started to notice my parents, aging. The thought that I will one day be without both of them, makes me sick to my stomach. It sounds like you had a great relationship with your father, and made countless memories with him. I'm sure he loved you just as much as you loved him, if not more. He raised an incredible son.

And not to get religious but as I saw the final part of your message, know that one day you will see him again, where he won't be in pain or suffering in any manner. I truly believe that. God Bless to you and your family and I'm sorry for your loss.

- James

Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts. Merry Christmas to you all and your families.

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Sorry for your loss.

I lost my dad in 2004 and still miss him badly.

So sorry, Tim.

My condolences to you and your family Tim. Never easy to lose a loved one, especially a parent.

So sorry to hear this Tim.
Losing loved ones is clearly one of the hardest things in life.
Treasure your memories to alleviate the sadness.

Rest In Peace , sir!

So sorry for your loss, Tim. Hang tough.

Thankful for your awesome dad and so sorry for your loss. You will carry his fire onward. Peace to you.

I just saw this thread. My condolences, Tim. Your dad is what we all hope our children grow up to be. May he RIP...

LL

Sorry for your loss, Tim. Cherish your memories, looks like you had a terrific father.

This^^
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you know you are lucky to have had a father who left you with such great memories. You may have lost the physical him, but with your memories you are blessed.

Ken

Perfect. Amen.


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Condolences
 

Sorry for your loss Tim.