Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 After a two year struggle to breathe despite suffering from severe COPD, my Dad passed last Thursday. In hospice care in our home since July, Dad fought the good fight to the end, and thankfully died quietly in his sleep. A child of the Depression, Dad graduated from Seneca Vocational High School in Buffalo, and at age 19, found himself in the U.S Navy following Pearl Harbor. With a background in electrical systems, Dad was trained at the U.S. Naval Mine Warfare School in Yorktown, VA. He served aboard the USS Chimo, a coastal minelayer converted to minesweeping. His ship was the flagship of the minesweeping fleet off of Juno beach during the Normandy Invasion. He was ultimately shipped back to the States and assigned to Officer's Training School at Princeton University. An unfortunate football injury left him blind in one eye, ending his dream of a Navy career. Dad returned to Buffalo, finding work sweeping floors in the Niagara Mohawk Power generating plant at Niagara Falls. He rapidly rose through the ranks to Operating Engineer, and was recruited by Minneapolis-Honeywell to join their instrumentation/control systems group outside Philadelphia. As computers became the norm in systems controls, Dad flourished as an engineer designing industrial and manufacturing control systems for clients like Mrs. Smith's Pies and Kiwi Shoe Polish, as well a government clients such as the Army and the New York City Sewerage System. Despite a lot of travel for work, as well as night school at Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia, Dad always found time to involve himself in my life and education. He taught me how to play chess, how to use a post hole digger and a rototiller, and how to change the oil in a car. He was head of the advisory councils for my Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, as well as for my DeMolay Chapter. He was a city boy who did not grow up with camping or hunting or fishing, but he learned everything he could, shared it with us, and supported us in every way possible. Dad always had time to help us with homework and special projects like science fair and oratorical contests. He taught me to read schematics and blueprints, to understand electrical wiring diagrams, and most importantly, to use tools. When I found my first car, he helped me tow it home and repair the transmission, which was jammed in second gear. From Dad I acquired my love of books and reading. My library is now full of his books, which he shared generously. I will always be able to hear his voice when I open a volume and read his dedication. His books opened the world to me, and created a limitless vista of learning and adventure. Also from Dad I learned to respect women; to think before I speak; to put every ounce of dedication I have into any project I take on; to treat all men equally; to honor God and my family; and to pass to my son what he passed to me. One of the last of the Greatest Generation, it is sad that the younger generations will soon lose the opportunity to learn from these men and women. I am who I am because of Dad; I loved him greatly, and will miss him beyond all measure. Rest in peace, my Father. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly Drifter Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 My condolences Loophole. I know how hard this is. Lost my dad in July. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795 Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Sounds like he did good, Loophole. Our condolences and prayers for your loss..............Buck&Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 I'm sorry for your loss. Tex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Condolences Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoken D Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 My condolences, LL. O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which he has committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth. For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen. May his memory be eternal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Tom Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 So sorry for your loss Loophole. God bless you in your time of need. Irish Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 So sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great man! Sincerely, Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 My deepest condolences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 My condolences to you and yours, Loophole. Your Dad sounds like one heck of a guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perro Del Diablo Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 May God bless you and comfort you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rye Miles #13621 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Condolences Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Condolences, Pard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yul Lose Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Sounds like the nut didn’t fall far from the tree, LL. My thoughts are with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My condolences also, LL. Sounds like a great man and he taught you well. He will forever be in your heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixgun Sheridan Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Sorry for your loss, but wow, what a life. Sounds like he fit more accomplishments into his years than most anyone I've ever heard of. He was a man who did things instead of just thinking about it. A sharp salute to another veteran and member of the Greatest Generation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Carpenter Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Loophole. What a wonderful and fitting tribute you wrote for your Dad. I lost my Dad 20 years ago; he was a WW2 Army Air Corps Officer, and I was born late (1941). You were spot on with your analysis of how much you learned and took from your Dad. My deepest condolences and God Bless him and your Family. Hoss C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My condolences for your loss. Tough to lose close family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixgun Seamus Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Quite a man he was. You have my deepest sympathies for your loss. Lost Mom almost two years ago and a day doesn't go by that I don't think about her and miss her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wild Will Bartell Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 So sorry for the loss of your dad, Loophole. You were indeed lucky to have such a fine man for a father, friend and role model. May he rest in peace. WWB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My Dad, my hero, passed 29 years ago and there is seldom a day when he isn't there, just out of touch, just out of sight. You have my condolences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax T Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My condolences for your loss Loophole. That was a beautiful tribute to your father. Sounds like a great dad. Jax T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Wesson Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Prayers up, for you, and for Him. May His soul rest in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Checotah Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My condolences to you and your family. That was a great tribute to your dad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted September 30, 2018 Author Share Posted September 30, 2018 My thanks to each of you for your kind thoughts and words. LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Clark Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 He will be with you always in your heart. God Bless you my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 LL, Condolences on the loss of your Father. What a full life that man lived. I lost Dad in '15. I think about him every day. RIP Sir ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Sorry for your loss pard. Your picture instantly reminded me of this song. Fair winds and following seas Captain. JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAYOBARD SASS #13025L Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Prayers sent for your dad. God bless you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Kit Cool Gun Garth Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking. May you find comfort in all the special memories you shared with your dad. My condolences for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My hand on your shoulder, my friend. Your words are high praise indeed. A father is the foundation stone on which a son builds his universe. In the fullness of time, when that mighty ashlar is lost, our own foundation is laid and sound, but there's always that sense of loss. I should be able to think of something useful, enlightening, comforting, nonfattening and supportive to say, but ... I'm sorry ... Although I can think of nothing really to say, nothing is the absolute worst thing to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finagler 6853 Life Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 My condolences. You have posted an excellent tribute to your father. Well said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 20 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said: My Dad, my hero, passed 29 years ago and there is seldom a day when he isn't there, just out of touch, just out of sight. Ain't that the truth. Mine passed 35 years ago this November. Loophole, my dad also had a love of the sea and sailing and lettered while on the Naval Academy sailing team. Somewhere I have a pic of him at the helm of beautiful sloop similar to your pic when we sailed not long before he passed. My deepest condolences, pard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michigan Slim Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 When I read the title my first thought was 'my Pa'. I feel your loss pard and you are in my prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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