I Bid You Godspeed, Dad...

My father passed away at 4:30 this morning at the grand age of 84, without pain or suffering for which we are all so grateful.  He was truly a wonderful man and will leave behind a legacy for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that would be the envy of so many of his peers.  Barely out of his teens, he enlisted in the Canadian Air Force, brought home a pretty English war bride, Winifred and went to university to become a geologist.  He loved his time spent at the cottage, logged more hours birdwatching than the average person, enjoyed his winter trips to Florida and Portugal, gardened until the cows came home and was a voracious reader and researcher.  He was a gentle man, a kind and loving father, a generous and loyal friend.  I see the world differently because of him...a tree is not just a tree, but a white pine, mountain ash, hemlock, spruce; a bird is not just a bird, but a goldfinch, pine warbler, oyster catcher, curlew; a rock is not just a rock, but basalt, granite, obsidian, gneiss; a fossil is not just a fossil, but a trilobite, brachiopod, ammonite; plants are not just plants, but mushrooms, fiddleheads and berries gathered wild.  It is fitting that his resting place will be close to the Miramichi River in his hometown of Doaktown, New Brunswick...a small Tom Sawyer-like village where he was born and where my brother and I entered his world all those years ago (Jayne took her time and arrived as a special surprise thirteen years later).  Fly high, dad...you wore your earth angel wings well.  We love you and will miss you dearly.  I will celebrate your life and not mourn your death...that's what you would have wanted.

Comments

[ms*robyn]

what a kind looking man! sending you lots of support and love from me! blessings to you xoxo

[Krista]

I am so sorry for your loss and I really love what you've written here. You are doing your dad the biggest honor by carrying on and celebrating his life. My biggest fear is leaving people in pain when I go. I am sure he would want to know you've been sure to smile still, even at his loss. And for you not to be in pain. He sounded like a fabulous man, who lived a good life. That's all we can all hope for!

[Kristy]

A beautiful tribute Barb!

[Marieke]

Wonderful tribute and he sure looks like a very sweet man. Lots of love from me as well. Take care!

[gwensmom]

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Losing parents is so very hard. Your dad was obviously a lovely person It is apparent that he lives on in your and your siblings and the world is a better place for it.

gwensmom

[jes]

Beautiful tribute Barb...I'm sure you and Jayne were his pride and joys....and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...no?

xoxoxox

[Mirre]

Lucky you to have had such a wonderful dad!!
Good luck in the days to come!

[Eren]

Im so sorry for your loss. What a wonderfully written tribute to such a loving father.

[Kim Carney]

He sounds like the perfect father and wonderful human being. You are so lucky to have such a dad ... my prayers are with you. Kim

[hippyxic]

it´s impossible not to cry...beautiful what you have written about your beautiful DAd...love from us..Lu

[kali]

You have written a beautiful tribute for your precious Dad. I am sincerely sorry for your huge loss...May he rest in Peace.
Kali xox

[Karen]

Barb, I'm sorry to hear of your fathers trip east. Your tribute to him was so beautiful and it sounds as if he enjoyed his time in this life to it's fullest.Wishing you peace at this sad time.

[lisa]

A beautiful and moving tribute! By the time I got to the end I knew he would look just the way your photo shows him. I'd say you were both blessed.

[Gemma Grace]

Sending you a warm and gentle hug, with love, Gemma

[Fi]

Dear Barb, so sorry to hear about this, and your words are so beautiful. He sounds like he was an wonderful, inspirational father.

Lots of hugs,

Fi
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