Papa

My eulogy.
In loving memory of
Kevin Charles France
October 19, 1953 - September 28, 2008
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.


P.S.
There are some parts that go in and out...I can't post all the words into the description cause it's too long...but I posted them all in comments so if you read and listen it's easier to understand.

PPS
all of them didn't get posted...here's the end:

Molly, one of my fondest memories of Papa, you, and me is the day we were interviewed by channel six while we were at the golf tournament. Of course, you and Papa, who played golf, were actually interested in what was going on. When the camera turned to me I informed the entire metropolitan city of new Orleans that Emily France, daughter of Kevin France, was playing hookey from school! And that was the best part of being there. Hey molls, youre still watching golf, and Im still playing hookey.
Patrick was the pride and joy of Papas heart. They shared the special interest and knowledge in every sport and athletic event you could think of. Papa taught Buddy everything that he knew about basketball. And all of yalls hard work and practice every day in the gym after school has paid off. Patrick, youve made Papa so proud. Hey buddy, dont worry, Ill always be there to remind you to keep that elbow in. Even when youre an NBA All-Star.
The love between Papa and I is also rooted deeply in sports. I chose the 2 sports that you chose in high school, swimming and tennis. Swimming: your passion, my passion. Im a breaststroker and sprinter just like you. I have my state cut and you know that. And even though you wont physically be there, right before the whistle blows, I know youll be the angel on my shoulder reminding me to kick hard, swim fast, and leave it all in the pool. I am so proud, honored, and lucky to be able to say that youre my dad.

My papa and mama have been married for 25 beautiful years. When he was running late and his phone rang, hed say up its your mother before even checking the screen. That was followed by the usual: here, here, you answer it, then the YES DEAR ?!?!?! This type of love ca n only be summed up in a few words: they are best friends and forever will be soul companions for eternity. Thank you for showing us how to truly love one another.

My mother could never figure out why my dad was so obsessive over the dishwasher being stacked a certain way. Then, one Christmas dinner, Uncle kie started stacking the dishwasher. He was being obsessive too. Then we discovered that the other two, Kelly and Kyle, also have this obsessive compulsive method of stacking the dishwasher. Plates: right to left. Bowls: left to right. Forks together, spoons together, Gumps did they get that from you? Cause I mean this isnt the army. Papa, last night everyone just threw in all the dishes. Mama and I couldnt help ourselves. We went back and fixed it. Dont worry, itll always be done Papas way.

And some of our greatest family memories have been in Death Valley, sharing Papas passion for the Tigers. Papa said last year that he never thought hed ever get to see LSU win a National Championship. Hey pop, you saw two! And right now the Tigers are 4-0. I know youll be watching over your boys, you have the best seat in the stadium. See you there. Geaux Tigers!

We love you, Papa.
I love you.

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[mle111191]

As I sat down last night, I could not help but think of the great things that made up my Papa. I think of his compassion, enthusiasm, generosity, joy, kindness, and most importantly his beautiful character. He dedicated his life to Kehoe-France; his students; LSU; his friends; Molly, Patrick, and I; and most importantly my incredible mom.

[mle111191]

Papa took so much pride in what Kehoe-France has become. And since Kehoe-France started as a camp, I will start with memories of camp. He loved hosting pow-wows and was a devout Chippewas. Poor old Pawnees! Hey, one more time: Camper of the WEEEEEEK! For all of his swimming staff: Bring em up! But Coach theres lighting like three miles away! BRING EM UP! There will be a void in the spirit of Kehoe-France Camp without Papa.

[mle111191]

Papa was a basketball, swimming, tennis, golf, and chess club coach. Its hard to say which of these he loved the most because he put so much love into each one of them.

[mle111191]

Papa truly had a passion for teaching. My mom always says there are many people who teach but Papa had a unique and undeniable gift for working with children. Not everyone is blessed with this gift.

[mle111191]

He was endowed with the ability to see the good and beauty in every single child, person, teenager, student, what-have-you. We always say Papa could see every child for what they could and were going to become; he did not judge anyone for their mistakes of the past and present, but only encouraged and motivated them to move on.

[mle111191]

He is remembered for his many famous sayings such as Think outside the box! You cant be LIKE anythingyou either are or you arent Hey papa, Im ganna like try to like stop saying like so much just for you. Its a FREAKING REVELATION! The worlds smallest violin and his awkward disciplinary styles: Stop playing grabby-goo or you are ganna have to hold hands and stare deeply into each others eyes! There will never be another man that gave as much of himself to his students as my Papa.

[gregfoxjr]

Your Papa was a great man. While I was at Kehoe-France he truly touched my life. I will always remember him and am so sorry for your loss,

[rraphael531]

Emily, Thanks very much for posting this. It's beautiful & a wonderful gift for those of us who could not attend the services.

A very old friend of your father's,

RRaphael

[mle111191]

And obviously, there was love for his fellow teachers and staff at school. He always thought of them as not only his co-workers but part of his extended family. He was there for them 100 percent of the time. Whether they needed a desk moved into their classroom, someone to come and sub for a quick moment, or a simple box of pencils, I dont think Papa understood the phrase: No I cant, Im busy."

[mle111191]

Another wonderful quality of Papa was he never met a stranger. He never knew anyone for ten minutes without knowing their story. He was so easy for anyone to talk to and as soon as you walk in the room, you felt a sense of belonging. His sense of friendship was one of caring and loyalty to all. He was a true friend for life.