My dad's name is Bob. He passed away on January 30th, 2005 from COPD (chronic obstructed pulmonary disease). A few years ago, he had told us that he had been diagnosed with emphysema, but I guess we had no idea what it would mean for him.

The last few years he really started to get worn down. He would often be short of breath and would also frequently come down with bronchitis.

Yet, through all this, he still worked full time as a mechanic. He still, until the months before his death, would be working 10 hour days, six days a week.
He fought a long fight. In July he had gone into the hospital with an attack of the COPD. The family still didn't know at this point, that he had actually been diagnosed with COPD. We found out in July when he was admitted, but still really didn't know COPD was so serious.
He went home that time with oxygen and was doing several breathing treatments everyday. And, of course, still working as a mechanic under the adverse weather conditions and breathing in the toxic fumes all day long.
We wanted him to retire so badly!

A few days before Christmas, he came down with Pneumonia and was on antibiotics.
We always go over there for his birthday on Christmas Eve, but he was not doing well at all. The day after Christmas is when he went into the hospital, but never came out.

We miss him terribly. He was a wonderful man. Very caring, hard working and devoted to his family. He worked so hard, so he could provide us 5 kids with a home and everything that we needed.

Still, through the long hours, he would manage to find time to coach little league, take the family on vacations, take us all out for ice cream, amoungst other things. He loved spending time with his family, which consisted of 5 kids, 15 grandkids and 4 great grandkids.

My dad liked to fish and golf when he got the time. He also loved to collect light houses, and that is why I used the theme on this page. He also loved Disney things, mainly Mickey Mouse. He collected ships, beanie babies, and loved to hunt for "original" looking ties. People at church always commented on his "funky ties"! *LOL*. We even brought them to his funeral, so that people could take one of them to remember him by. Most of the men, and even some of the women, even wore the ties during his funeral in rememberance of him!

My dad was a wonderful dad, a good christian and just a wonderful person all around.
We know that he is in a much better place now, serving God eternally. He will no longer have to suffer!

Dad, I love you and I miss you SO much!!!