
He was one of the most well-informed men I ever met, even though I never saw him sitting down to read anything; he read while he was shaving and performing his morning toilette. He could discuss any number of topics, be it history, politics, science, with familiarity. Whenever we traveled, he would point out all the geological and historical points of interest, so that ever after, when driving on 81, I still hear his voice discussing glaciers and rock formations. He hated to stop when traveling, except for a brief meal and bathroom break, but liked to get to where he was going. (On the way to Canada his favorite place to stop was Clark's Summit,PA.) He did let up a bit in his old age.
His great interest, after family history, was music. He was a musician and worked at

He worked all his adult life as a civil engineer, and for many years worked two jobs, a day job as County engineer in Jefferson County, WV, and then ran his own business at night and weekends. It never occurred to him that he would not work twelve hours a day (at least) to provide for his family. He was the most devoted of family men, and loved corresponding with all his brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, first and second cousins. He loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, canoeing; every year he looked forward to the Family Reunion. He enjoyed maintaining ancient Celtic traditions, such as the midsummer bonfire on St. John's Eve ( June 23.) He wore his kilt with the clan tartan at our weddings, and startled the locals by playing the bagpipes. He loved being the chieftain of the Clan. He had a very quirky sense of humor, which we all got used to eventually.
I could go on and on, but must stop. Let me end by saying that he taught me to say the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary." He loved the Scriptures, and passed that love on to me. He was truly a gentle-man; one would never have guessed that his life would be cut short by such hideous suffering, but we leave that to God. His courtesy and lack of complaining during such excruciating indignities touched all hearts. He drifted peacefully into Eternity after many rosaries, his loved ones nearby.
"The souls of the just are in the hands of God...." Wisdom 3:1 Share
19 comments:
You were very blessed with your father, I am sure he is watching over you as I write this. He is in my prayers.
Memory Eternal!
I meant to add that I share your father's bizarre eating habits...I love jam and yogurt!
I'll pray for him at adoration. What a wonderful guy.
This is a beautiful and moving tribute to your father - clearly a gentleman loved and missed by many.
Thank you, dear friends!
Will remember your lovely father in my prayers, Elena.
Beautiful, endearing tribute. He raised a gracious and talented daughter. Prayers for his soul. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. Amen.
Beautiful tribute.
What a loving tribute to your father...thank you for sharing your memories of him. May God grant him eternal rest!
Thanks, sweetie, for the beautiful tribute to your dear father. Of course, he was for me the only "dad" I ever knew in this life, and I was profoundly blessed and inspired by the years I shared with him.
I recommend his soul to the prayers of Mary, mother of the holy souls. Amen+
I was so touched by this beautiful tribute you wrote for your father. Thank you for sharing your memories with us! I will keep him in my prayers, and you as well, for you must miss him greatly.
Thanks to you all for your amazing, sympathetic words. My mother read what everyone wrote and was deeply moved. I told her that now we know what is meant by the "kindness of strangers."
Ah, my friend. How you must miss him! How wonderful that you have so many wonderful stories to tell your little one!
Praying for you today.
Thanks, Heidi, so much!
He seems to have been a lovely soul.
Thank you, he was.
I loved your Dad so much.
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