DAD - HIS INTERNMENT SERVICE AND 21 GUN SALUTE WITH TAPS ON A BUGLE

My father died unexpectedly on August 17, 2008 playing golf with my younger brother, Roy, by his side. Roy was rushing Dad back in a golf cart and holding him up. He often steered with his knees while racing to the course clubhouse where an ambulance would meet him and Dad. Dad's internment , brief service and 21 gun honor salute with taps played with bugle occurred at the cemetery where many of our family rest. Dad still played golf frequently even at 89 and so wanted to go out on August 17th, a beautiful Sunday. He'd had just hit a nice drive on the fifth hole and then after headed down the fairway in the cart to retrieve it, slumped over. The ambulance arrived soon at the golf course, but neither they nor the hospital were able to revive dad.

He was a wonderful caring father who taught us to play golf and enjoy other sports. We also learned from his example to be kind and supportive to other people as we grew up. He fought in WWII in the Pacific theatre and was involved in the Iwo Jima operation. One of his Army Air Corps newsletters talked about what a good fast pitch softball pitcher he was. He loved history, any sport using a ball, getting me up early to observe any special NASA landing or solar event, and loved all of his family. He commonly served on church councils or YMCA boards and was active in our community.

Our entire family is still shocked from his sudden and unexpected death, but are so happy that he lived a life knowing that he was loved deeply by all of us. The last few weeks of his life were among his happiest because all of us kids had been around and we had given mom and dad a surprise 60th anniversary party in the bank they had met in. It has been turned into a beautiful tea house recently and the owner opened it specially for us because she wanted to be involved in the story of my parent's 60th Anniversary Celebration. The bank still had its old vault where mom and dad would steal away to for getting to know each other and spending a little time together. He lived to be 89 years old and enjoyed his life till the end.

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• Memorial
• Internment
• Honor
• Father
• Dad
• Salute
• 21-Guns
• Cemetery
• Service
• Pastor
• Ceremony
• WWII
• Veteran
• Bugle
• Taps
• Music
• Live
• Family
• Summer
• Death

[Luciaand]

loss is painfull, but you must be proud & and happy-your father knew that he was loved by you... thank you for sharing his life story, he was a good man...

[fechmb0749]

@Luciaand Yes, I was so happy that about a week bef ore he unexpectedly died we had a 60th anniversary celebration for he and mom. They were so, so happy and aglow. We had it in a Japanese Tea Room. T he owner let us have it even though she was not open for business yet. It was in the bank they met in about 62 years before. He was a very kind and gentle big man for the 1930's growing up. 6 foot 1 was very tall then. He was so curious about space. Always got me up for big launches. Thanks

[usernamemikisok]

your dad was a hero, your respect for him is honourbale. sorry for your loss

[bkc4444]

i mostly shake hands but to this i salute god bless you father aand for your loss

[TheArmo1]

I am sorry about your Dad. To lose anyone you love is hard, I don't know you but It seems you are a faithful christian, and I am sure your father is well in the Hands of God now. Jesus really does save, if we take a second to listen to Him. God Bless and take care.

[marinesarelife1]

Welcome home hero, god bless you for your service

[itsmrmantoyou]

Your father served his country. Be proud to have a father that is a hero and your fathers servence is a blessing to all. God bless