Papa's journey on this earth is at an end. He fought the fight, but the cancer won. This I wrote for his memorial.
In addition to his love and support, one of the first things Del gave me was Neil Diamond. We bought all his songs and in times of trouble and strife I played Neil loud and clear. His song “Husband and Wife” was the song that kept two stubborn young people together, made us realize our pride should never get in the way of the love we had that went deeper than our souls. All the kids were raised with Neil Diamond blasting. As I sit here today to write this Eulogy I know Del’s spirit is with me as I listen to Neil sing.
Del loved life. From the first he always said, Live life now, you don’t know how long you have. Don’t wait until retirement to buy your toys. Believe me he didn’t. His passions were many. Del drove truck for almost 40 years. He could back a trailer into any tiny spot, with no clearance on either side, inches to spare. It was an amazing skill. He entered a competition once on truck and trailer driving. He really enjoyed that.
He loved the water. Lakes, streams, oceans but above all he loved Lake of the Woods. The cabin and lake were his special place. He was happy sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee in his hand, enjoying the view. During our many times at the lake he taught all of us to water ski and drive the boats. His black and white inboard was seen all over the lake racing whoever he could encourage to join in.
Papa loved his speed, be it be in the boat, on the race track or a back street. His last time driving home from the clinic, he was challenging cars to a sprint at stop signs. He so loved the sound of the old motors. Just the rush of the take off. He would race me from stop signs with our Mustangs as we drove home from some meet. His black 68 against my 2004, need I say more.
Del enjoyed the ocean and took our boat “OLY” to the coast many summers so he and his family could fish. We all enjoyed the fishing, crab cook outs and camping. He took our 26 foot Day cruiser over a few times. Then one day, the wind kicked up and what appeared to be a 20 ft wave was rolling up and over the bow. He handled it with the calm quiet way he did everything that scared the heck out of the rest of us. I strongly encouraged him to not take the Day cruiser out so far again. He laughed, teased me, then he agreed. We continued to go over, spending wonderful week ends up and down the coast in our different motor homes. Many Holidays with my Parents living in Brookings at the time. Lots of Eating out. That was our Papa’s favorite pass time.
Del enjoyed the snow mobiles, Jet Ski’s, cross country and water skiing, but down hill skiing he said was not for him. Snow plowing with his mustache was not fun, although It was funny for us, he just didn’t see the humor in it. We bought the Snow Mobiles and that was his cup of tea. He said that was the way to travel on snow. He really enjoyed the various rides we went on. We traveled to Idaho and Yellowstone Park with a group of friends from the Snow Mobil club. He enjoyed riding across the country, running up the side slopes and speeding down trails seeing the sites. It made him happy and content.
He was so happy behind the wheel of our Motor Home, just to travel. He didn’t care where we went, just drive. Of course that included eating out. Eating out was another passion of his. That was probably a hold-over from his years of driving truck. He gave us so many special moments, they are too many to count, but special all the same.
His Madura Bike was another very special time. We traveled all over Klamath County and Northern Calif. stopping for pie and coffee of course.
Papa went with us to our horse shows, traveling all over Oregon with the Motor Home and Horse trailer. He was the driver, assistant groom, cheering section and camp cook. One condition, take him out to dinner and Coffee in the Morning it made him one happy man
Most of his friends were life time friends. The two I have known for the last 38 years are Monty and Denny. They know him well and lots they will not tell. They partied as young men and then as not so young men. Sticking by each other through thick and thin. Denny and Del love the classic cars and old guns. They were always talking cars, motors, gun shows, and the who has what and how much its worth. The wonderful easy talk only accomplished by very old and dear friends.
Del’s classic cars were his most avid passion. His Pride and joy was his 73 Mustang. He participated and/or went to many car shows. Del enjoyed talking to the other enthusiasts as well as checking out all the other classics. We traveled to several shows in Eugene and Klamath Falls. He loved the poker runs and of course meals out. Any excuse to drive those cars. His Ranchero was his second classic; he was just beginning to work on the interior. He was upset he could not finish the door panels. Papa collected tools and parts like a magnet. We find he also had huge collections of keys in cans, jars and bags. 40 years of keys. To what? Who knows. I bet Papa could tell you what every one went to.
Papa could repair or build anything. Cabins, Homes, Barns, sheds, cabinets, shelves, whatever we needed. He repaired horse gear, belts, household fixtures and toys. There was no end to his ability. Always with his “No problem Gert,” each time I went to him with some problem. No problem or issue was too big; I just wish he was here now to fix this one for me. But of course then I wouldn’t have one, would I?
Every morning at about 10 a.m. my Mom, Del and I would have our coffee break. All three retired, taking time to chat, shake our heads at the way of the world and laugh at all the dog’s antics. If Mom wasn’t on time, Papa would say, “Better call, see where Audrie is.” He was very upset if anyone tried to make an appoint that would interfere with that coffee break. During these last months of treatments, he would not allow any chemo or blood tests before 10a.m. We needed time to get our coffee break in or our Friday breakfast at the local diner “The Barb Wire Grill”. He loved to tease Molly, the owner. She gave it back in spades. We went to breakfast every Friday, and don’t let anything get in the way of Papa’s biscuits and gravy. Our guy loved his food and coffee.
Every night we watch TV after dinner, pretty soon Papa would say, “Gert were you going after our ice cream?” Of course I was, since he asked. It was a joke between us to see who would outwait who. Whoever got up first had to get the ice cream. If I waited to long, then he would ask. Our fudge cycle ice cream was a big deal for us. We shared our last one the night before he passed. I had to hold it, but he ate it all with that bright sparkle in his gorgeous blue eyes.
He loved his kids and family, every one. He was always there for them. He was silent until he was needed and then he was there without fail. He tried to teach them honor and respect. Be responsible for your actions. Cowboy up. His last Month taught us all how that should be done. He practiced what he believed. Quiet dignity.
To this man, we all salute. The love of my life. I’ll miss holding that big warm hand and always feeling safe and secure. The hug, always there when I need it. That smile and those sparkling blue eyes. I will miss the “No problem Gert.” That sparkle in his eyes as I fed him that fruit salad, I know you’re still laughing at that Papa. His quiet dignity and solid support will be a guide for all of us to follow. Thank you Papa for all you were and all you taught us. Bye for now, wait for me on the other side. I know I’ll find you by the water with a cup of coffee in your hand.
We all Love you Papa, Thanks for being our Rock and my soul mate.
