The Passing of a Dad

[tomale]

Some of the guys I hang out with know this already but for the rest of you who know me, I thought it was time I let you know what is happening as well. Last Saturday morning I got a call that my Dad was not do well, so I got on a plane and headed south. Six months ago, Dad had surgery to repair the Aorta, it went pretty well but they had to go back in six weeks later to fix a leak (at 90 years old everything is fragile). They got that fixed, but he ended up with an infection that led to several infections. They did everything they could but given his age there wasn't much they could do. So it has been a rough road for all of us. Not doing the surgery would have been worse because of the nature of the problem. I got there in time to see him and though he could not say much, I held his hand and I told him how much I loved him. I am thankful for that. They made him comfortable and we waited. So last Sunday afternoon Dad gently passed away.

How do you sum up a mans life in a few sentences. Dad served 6 years in the Navy, and was a Pearl Harbor survior. He was a family man and taught me nearly everything I know about working with my hands. He was more than just my Dad, he was my mentor and the guy who was always in my corner, thanks Dad, you are the best. His Memorial Service is Saturday at 1pm at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery...complete with an Honor Guard.
 
Believe it not, I am doing pretty well. Kris is here and she is looking after me. Both my brother and sister are here as well and we have spent alot of time together. I have had years to prepare for this day and I have worked hard to make sure we parted company leaving nothing unsaid. Whatever I may have done for him is nothing compared to how he has sacrificed for me. I will miss him greatly but in someways I will never loose him at all - all I have to do is look in the mirror to see him. So in many ways I am thankful for that too. So if you see me mumbling to myself, I am just talking it over with Dad.

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)
74'250 hare scrambler (project)
74' 1/2 440 maico
78' 440 maico
72' cr125 Husky (project)
74' TM125 suzuki
93' RMx 250 suzuki

[454MRW]

Your family will be in my prayers. It is good that you can celebrate his life with lifelong memories. My deepest condolences. Mike


Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT & 77 250 Black Widow
1979 Husqvarna OR250
1976-78 RM & 77-79 PE Suzuki's
1974 CR250M 07 CR125R & CR150R

[rfpotter]

My condolences as well during these trying times.

My Dad passed just over four years ago after fighting pulmonary fibrosis for nine years. He was ready to go and is now healthy and whole, but I think of him a little every day.

Patrick Houston
Tennessee

[Tom Murphy]

Thom, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Thank you for sharing, I believe we all feel a sense of pride in knowing that we carry on and represent our heritage.  For me, the loneliest day of my life.  God Bless, Tom

[checkcrew]

Thom,

   My deepest sympathy to you and your family,
i dred the day when i get this same call, it is great that he lived a long and wonderful life, now he is home with God

respectfully,

Mike Gallagher, NJ.
[email protected]

[firstturn]

Thom,
  Thanks for sharing.  You and your Family are in my Prayers.

Ron Carbaugh

[Dave Withrow]

Prayers to you and your family.

Big Dave

[Larry Perkins]

Thom,

Thanks for sharing your heartfelt words.  It is so very special that you and your Father had such a connection.  I never had that but love to see connected families like you guys.  You are a Great guy My Brother and that is a reflection of your Father that you will always carry.  Prayers and my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Larry P

[sixdazed]

Thom,Deepest condolences to you and yours.I think it's great that you and your Dad were so close and got everything said before he passed on.Hang in there Brother,
                                Ric

ric emmal

[Jeff D]

Your Dad was one of the Great Generation....heroes all.  God bless you and keep your family close.

Jeff DeBell

[wfopete]

Thom,

You were blessed to have the privilege of a 90 year old dad. Only count the sunny days.

Pete Petrick
175 Jackpiner
Slow but Good

[OhioTed]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Thom.  Sounds like your father experienced a full life, and passed on many good traits to you.

[hankthecrank]

As Jeff said, your dad was one of the greatest generation. Heroes all. Not only has your family been blessed with this mans guidance , care and love, think of all the people in his lifetime whom he touched or influenced in some way. Truly a great man that God has called home for his just rewards. Not many get to see this example of sacrifice. My family will lift you and yours to the throne in prayer. I know he will be missed here on earth. My deepest sympathy, Hank

Hank Rinehart

[tomale]

We live in a very dark and sometimes violent world, and it is easy to be negitive, and think the worst..
Today is the Memorial service and we will gather to celebrate my Dad's life.. I feel a bit odd, I am Proud of my dad and his generation but I am sad too. Because it closes a book I have cherished for a long time. I am deeply touched by all the kind words, thoughts and prayers.. It means so much to me, thank you, each and everyone of you. you are a bright light in a darkened
world. It is time to live up to what he passed on, You are right about my dad, He touched so many and most of the time, he did it with out thinking. He did not have to say much, his actions said it all.. thanks again.

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)
74'250 hare scrambler (project)
74' 1/2 440 maico
78' 440 maico
72' cr125 Husky (project)
74' TM125 suzuki
93' RMx 250 suzuki

[Lew Mayer]

Thom, even after you close a book, you still remember the story. Prayers for you and your family.

Lew Mayer