Elenora and Hugh 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Eulogy for my Father
Thank you for being here, for everything you have done for my Father and all your efforts here today.
For a lonesome cowboy he sure managed to lasso a lot of love in his life, demonstrated by those of us gathered here today to bear witness to his long life and grand legacy.
A solo farmer, rancher, machine operator ( none too big or too small ), mechanic, engineer,
modifier and fixer of all things. Old school, old timer the very last of his family, of his generation to leave us.
Build the barn, brand the cows, baste the Turkey, he could, and did, do it all. Figure it out and then make it happen, that's my Dad. From his favorite old hair with pencil and ruler, under the hood of my car, me holding the umbrella, or patrolling the job site in his white hard hat, he was in his element - being useful - the fixer of all problems.
One thing though, that he couldn't figure out, is how to be in more than one place at the same time, and I know he wished he could have.
He followed his calling, which took him around the world. He followed his dreams and his ambition, and in the 25 years I got to spend with him, he encouraged me to do the same.
His heart was broken, but mended, he made many sacrifices, but he kept his strength and resiliency. He kept joy in his heart and a passion for life - regardless.
He turned out to be my hero after all. My Warrior, my Robinson Crusoe.
When we were first getting to know each other, I would take the Greyhound out to the Hinterland of Aldergrove. He said he'd make me a cozy bed in the Chicken Coup!
I had no idea what to expect ! I was quite relieved and grateful I wasn't actually in with
the birds, but in a small, charming loft above them. It was just like in a story book.
From then on he had my complete trust.
He took my sister Norma and I on a camping trip to Vancouver Island in the old mini minor, with a trailer hooked to the back, loaded with tents, supplies, tools and food for a month.
We were going for the weekend ! Neither she or I had much camping experience, and ....
had no idea what to expect !! The adventures we had that weekend are with me forever.
Over the years we'd joke it was more like a trip across Country, and no one would believe
half our adventures !
Years later he took his Granddaughter Andrea and I on a trip in the RV to Whistler. He was our sole entertainment, and we laughed all the way. Life with my Dad, aka Uncle Hughie,
was never , ever, boring.
He was a great story teller, but a great listener too. Curious, concerned, generous with all things. I loved him deeply.
On behalf of Greg, Norma, Leigh and Carmen, I say our final : Goodbye Dad.
Hasta Luego Padre. Que te veja bien.
For a lonesome cowboy he sure managed to lasso a lot of love in his life, demonstrated by those of us gathered here today to bear witness to his long life and grand legacy.
A solo farmer, rancher, machine operator ( none too big or too small ), mechanic, engineer,
modifier and fixer of all things. Old school, old timer the very last of his family, of his generation to leave us.
Build the barn, brand the cows, baste the Turkey, he could, and did, do it all. Figure it out and then make it happen, that's my Dad. From his favorite old hair with pencil and ruler, under the hood of my car, me holding the umbrella, or patrolling the job site in his white hard hat, he was in his element - being useful - the fixer of all problems.
One thing though, that he couldn't figure out, is how to be in more than one place at the same time, and I know he wished he could have.
He followed his calling, which took him around the world. He followed his dreams and his ambition, and in the 25 years I got to spend with him, he encouraged me to do the same.
His heart was broken, but mended, he made many sacrifices, but he kept his strength and resiliency. He kept joy in his heart and a passion for life - regardless.
He turned out to be my hero after all. My Warrior, my Robinson Crusoe.
When we were first getting to know each other, I would take the Greyhound out to the Hinterland of Aldergrove. He said he'd make me a cozy bed in the Chicken Coup!
I had no idea what to expect ! I was quite relieved and grateful I wasn't actually in with
the birds, but in a small, charming loft above them. It was just like in a story book.
From then on he had my complete trust.
He took my sister Norma and I on a camping trip to Vancouver Island in the old mini minor, with a trailer hooked to the back, loaded with tents, supplies, tools and food for a month.
We were going for the weekend ! Neither she or I had much camping experience, and ....
had no idea what to expect !! The adventures we had that weekend are with me forever.
Over the years we'd joke it was more like a trip across Country, and no one would believe
half our adventures !
Years later he took his Granddaughter Andrea and I on a trip in the RV to Whistler. He was our sole entertainment, and we laughed all the way. Life with my Dad, aka Uncle Hughie,
was never , ever, boring.
He was a great story teller, but a great listener too. Curious, concerned, generous with all things. I loved him deeply.
On behalf of Greg, Norma, Leigh and Carmen, I say our final : Goodbye Dad.
Hasta Luego Padre. Que te veja bien.
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