Monday, September 28, 2009

A full life...


Ken Beck, 1921 - 2009

My favorite photo of my Dad is this one taken in about 1934. He's wearing his Lucky Lindy helmet, a style popularized after Charles Lindbergh made his historic trans-Atlantic flight. His direct gaze is representative of how he lived his life.

Dad passed away Saturday after battling cancer for many years. He lived a full life – one filled with hard work and dedication to his family and friends. A gifted woodworker, he generously donated his skills to help family and friends over the years. He was also a handyman extraordinaire who always found ways to improve his surroundings. And he had a silly streak that made him very fond of wordplay, goofy songs, Wily Coyote cartoons and Seinfeld. I'm going to miss him.

25 comments:

  1. Oh Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that your Dad will always be with you, and that he is a large part of who you are. Although we are just getting to know each other, the words you used to describe your Dad are the words I'd use to describe you, generous with your talent and artistry, always there for family & friends and I and feel a great appreciation for fun.

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  2. I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I can see that he gave you that twinkle in his eye to you. I know he must have been so proud of all you've accomplished. (hugs)

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  3. I'm so sorry to read this .I send you my sincere condolences. I love the picture you have of him, so striking. The beauty of a life as you describe his is that you get to build on top of this fabulous legacy he has giving you.
    Blessings to you.

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  4. I'm so sorry about your Dad Chris. What a wonderful picture you chose to post of him, and it sounds like you share some wonderful memories too. Lost my father two years ago to Parkinson's Disease, and I know it's tough. Get some rest and be good to yourself.

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  5. I perfectly understand how you must feel, I lost my Dad a few months ago and still miss him very much.
    I hope you can hear my warm hug to you and family. Painting helped me a lot and I can't wai to see new works from you.
    A prayer fot him and you.

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  6. Oh Chris, I am so sorry. From reading your entry I can see that you loved your Dad dearly and have many fond memories. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  7. I am sorry to hear that Chris. My condolences. Even when someone has been ill, it still is a shock to your system to deal with it.

    The photograph is wonderful and it sounds as if your father had a good life. That is something to be celebrated.

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  8. Oh Chris, I'm so sorry. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into his life.

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  9. Sending you a big (((HUG))) Chris. I know your loss and know this has been a long road you've been walking. You're not alone, and he now walks with you in your memories.

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  10. I'm sorry. I know how hard this is. My Dad passed away several years ago. I think of him everyday and I know you'll think of your Dad everyday for the rest of your life. Bless you.

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  11. Chris, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  12. Aren't Dad's wonderful...and it sounds like your's was one of the best. Thank you for sharing him with us. My sincere condolences on your loss. Looks to me like you carry on his legacy wonderfully. Blessings to you.

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  13. Chris, How beautiful that you were able to have your dad in your life for so many years. We are never ready to say goodby but the wonderful memories will last your lifetime. His best qualities will be carried forward through you. I will be thinking of you at this time.

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  14. Thank you all so very much!! It means the world to me to have your thoughts and prayers at this time. I knew my Dad was suffering and I understood that he had only a short time when I saw him earlier this month, but I didn't know how hard it would be when he finally passed away. It's a comfort to have your support.

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  15. I'm so sorry for your loss, Chris. This is a sweet and poignant post - thank you for sharing it with us.

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  16. Chris, the picture of your dad is such a treasure. I can tell he was a wonderful person, even as a young boy on his bicycle. May he live on in your fondest memories of the life he lived and shared with you.

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  17. I hope one of my children will write something like this some day about me. It is a rite of passage to say farewell to your parents. And sobering in many way as you take on the responsibility now of being the older generation which they leave to us. You will find, as I have, that you come to miss them MORE as the years progress. I didn't expect that...but it is so. They become all the dearer as the years fall away. So often I hear myself say...dad would have loved that. Or, just what dad would have done! Not so much with sadness but with a smile. Gather these memories dear to your heart now and smile. He would have loved it.

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  18. Again, thanks to all for sending your messages of love and support. I feel blessed to have all of you in my world.

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  19. Chris!

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your extended family.

    I love the photo of your dad. That Lindy helmet is super cool!

    A touching post/tribute. I'm sure he's smiling down on you.

    All the best!

    -Dean

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss. What a great photograph and a bright smile!

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  21. Chris, my heart goes out to you in the loss of your dear dad. There is nothing harder and I hope the love of your friends and family has given you strength.
    warmest regards from across the miles,
    Nancy

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