Dad’s Eulogy by Rob

I could talk all day about my dad, and all week too, but I’ve been asked to keep it down to a few minutes, so here’s what I can say:

From an early age, I remember how warm and cuddly he was with me. He was never cold or stern like some dads. Just always very loving. Always there for a hug and a kiss. He loved to hold my hand as we walked (I remember my hand was too small so I held his finger and we both liked that). He loved to wrestle with us boys, or practice circus tricks on the floor; with me balancing on his feet or hands. He always caught me. He was amazing, and I always felt we had a special love for each other. A powerful bond unlike any I’ve seen with other fathers and their kids.

Of course I looked up to him. And of course he was my hero. But as I grew up, I realized he was everyone else’s hero too. From my teachers, to other parents, everyone looked up to him, and was charmed by his good looks, warmth, intelligence and personality. He walked and talked with a swagger that said LEADER from miles away. People gravitated towards his confidence and laugh. People loved him. And he did it all without even trying. The coolest, most interesting guy in the world, and none of it was ever intentional or an act. It simply was who he was. He was just living his life and every step was a new adventure for him. He loved life more than anyone I know.

He wasn’t the type to stay in one country for very long, let alone one job. He was a rolling stone. Once he conquered something it would be time to move on to the next challenge. He was a bit of a pioneer or pirate. An original through and through. And I don’t think there will ever be another like him again. I knew from a young age that I would never be half the man he was. I don’t know anyone who is. But I feel very honored to have been his son and watched him live. As a pirate of sorts, it seemed he had no central goal in life. No driving ambition to reach the top of some industry like some leaders. He had no interest in building wealth or saving money. Instead he just wanted to sail the seas of life in search of adventure. To live out each day to the fullest and to experience and feel life as much as he could each and every day. People excited him, not material things. And his greatest treasure and passion and love was his children, hands down. He adored us and cherished every moment with us.

Growing up I would always beam with pride and tell my friends in each new country we lived that I had the greatest dad in the world. It’s not such an uncommon boast kids make to each other. The difference was that I was sure of it. And the surprise always came that my friends would always agree with me. How sad that other kids would say your dad is better than theirs. Well they always did and I was proud as hell. He was great man for sure. He was fascinating. He seemed to know everything you could possibly ask him. He was like an encyclopedia and a joy to talk with about any subject. He had friends all around the world who deeply love him and would probably be here today if they knew. I think it’s better that they don’t.

He lived an extremely full life full of passion and adventure and love. He was always there for me, whether it be for advice or comfort over the phone, or to come running when I really needed him there. I’ll never forget the times he flew to take care of me when I was sick and needed him. It wasn’t uncommon for him to come to my rescue. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you happened to complimented it. He often did that with me. I would say that’s a nice shirt without thinking and he would smile and give it to me. And he would give you the last dollar in his wallet if you asked for it. Even if he needed it more, he would still give it with a smile and never let you know it was his last dollar. He loved people and he loved his own children unlike anything I’ve ever heard of. We were a very close family. I would say we were a legendary family. Other families envied how close we were and all the adventures we went on living around the world.

I never thought I would have to say goodbye to him. I always thought he would live forever. I remember as far back as a child saying that if my dad ever died they would have to lock me up. That’s how much I knew I loved him. But the one thing he taught me well was how to be a great father and now my main goal in life is to be a great father to my son too. I thank him for that, and so will my son one day. When my son tells me I’m a great dad, I’ll say, thank your grandpa.

I love you dad. I know you’re sitting in heaven in Granny’s kitchen with Dinah and all your relatives and Granny is making some amazing meal. I can’t wait to see you again someday after I've done my job as a dad. Until then I’ll miss our weekly phone calls the most. Thank you for our last trip to Hawaii together. I think we both knew that was the last trip and it was very powerful seeing our old home where we spent our best years and soaring together through the clouds on gliders. I imagine you’re probably doing a lot of soaring now. Thank you for an amazing life and for raising me to be who I am. I will honor your memory by doing the same for my son. God bless you and our entire family.