We grew up in Key West and always believed we had the best parents ever. And still do! I would never trade my childhood memories for anything in the world! And now having to say goodbye to my dad, is one of the hardest and saddest days of my life. But I will always cherish the beautiful memories of life in Key West and with dad!

I will always remember the love and joy and laughter my dad brought not just to me, but to everyone he ever met. I would often describe him to people when they asked what’s your dad like? I told them, love.

Everyone who met or knew my father falls instantly in love. I’m so thankful for the guidance he gave me and my sister in our earlier years and will never forget the enthusiasm he showed when helping us with our school projects. He was super creative and patient and inspiring.

Dad loved to build things. He built our home in Key West, by himself, with the exception of laying the foundation. He built a swamp buggy from scratch. He rebuilt cars. He later built sea walls and buildings and worked on another home in Lake Placid. He was a genius and his engineering skills legend — at least to us — he was a jack of all trades and a master of all!

I remember one time when he helped me build a flyer saucer for a science project and had the lights flickering and the saucer slightly lifted as if for takeoff. The nuns were so impressed that they wanted to enter it in a science fair, but someone stole it! I was so upset, but my dad, who remained calm, said that it was okay…everyone saw it that mattered and I received an A! That’s my dad. Always teaching us about patience and positive attitudes. Another fantastic project was when he built a volcano for me for one of my “prehistoric” presentations! He actually put something inside the volcano so that it would erupt and produce a lava like effect! It was amazing. And…we both got another A!

My dad loved animals and besides dogs and cats, he allowed us to have mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, turtles, rabbits, birds, and more. We once had so many hamsters that my mom said that’s it, there’s too many for inside a home and they have to go out! So my dad built this wonderful, beautiful cage for them outside in our backyard — it was like a grand hotel! Only problem, he forgot he put a wood floor down and the hamsters eventually chewed through that, and most of them escaped! We were nervous, because his hunting dog, Duke, would probably catch some of them! My dad turned to us, and said if Duke has caught any of them, you can’t get mad because that’s his nature, he’s a hunting dog! So again, another lesson! And it was with love and kindness. I look back and wonder how many dads would have built something like that in the first place so their kids could keep the hamsters.

My dad was an excellent cook as well! One of our favorites was when he made lobster chowder. And we looked forward to every Saturday eating his homemade lunches and watching Tarzan on tv. At the time he was a much better cook than mom although my mom did make the best sandwiches.

My dad loved football and I could remember when he and my uncles and cousins would get together at my Aunt Flora’s and the hooting and hollering and festivities surrounding it was insane! And watching their faces was priceless— especially my dad’s!

He loved his family, and always tried to protect us. I remember when we were kids, we had come home one evening, and saw our kitten, Mimi, laying in the street. Both my sister and I went hysterical. My mom had to call the doctor who came to our home and gave us something to calm us down. My dad took the kitten and hours later showed back up. Mimi had a big bandage around her stomach area. Her hair coloring was a little off as it looked more grey and she acted differently, like she didn’t know us. My dad explained that Mimi had been hit hard and because of this she needed surgery. The grey was because she had gone in shock. The amnesia of course was because of the accident and it would just take time. But because she had surgery, she would probably never be able to have her own kittens someday. Well, that was fine, as long as we had Mimi! About 12 years later, I could’ve sworn I heard Mimi crying in the bushes and told my dad she’s having kittens. We need to find her! That’s when my dad sat me and my sister down and explained that, well, the original Mimi actually didn’t make it that day. This was the twin brother! Which was why Mimi could never have kittens, why her hair was grey, and why Mimi, at first, didn’t really know who the heck we were! That was my dad!

I remember once a hawk flew into my dad’s truck and broke its wong. My dad took care of that hawk for what seems several weeks and later taught the hawk how to fly again. That hawk stayed to near our home for years! My dad even had a pet raccoon for a while up in the Keys! I guess that’s where we got our love of animals as well.

My parents married too young and ended up getting divorced in the early 70’s, but they still cared for each other and loved each other like brother and sister. That made it so easy for us kids to accept.

Then one day, my dad was introduced to the love of a lifetime, Julia — and the rest is history. My dad and Julia were were married for over 50 years and they both had their second chance for true love. And with two children of her own, my dad had now been blessed with two families. We are so grateful for all the love and care that both Julia and her son Dale, have given my dad especially these last few years! We knew, as long as Julia was around, dad would be well loved and cared for. And he was. Right the end with Julia and his dog, Mako by his side.

There are so many stories, and so many wonderful memories about my father that I could share. He was just a wonderful, loving human being. I will miss him so much. But I know that his love will continue to be shared as long as we all remember him, and share his stories.

I love you dad and miss you already, but I know someday we will all be together again.

I will love and cherish you forever, Rachel

An angel among us. Our champion. Our protector. Our hero. My Daddy. I will miss you for the rest of my life. You were the shining example of what a Dad should be. My life as a child I felt safe, loved, and wanted. Although my heart is broken how rich my life was with you in it. To know him was to love him. God give him a big hug for me. See you later Pops.

U was the best big brother ever I knew as a child I could always count on you. U made me laugh and sometimes cry but you always made happy now u are with mama and my daughter brandy I miss u so much and will miss ur Sunday calls but I know u are resting now.will miss ur nick name u always called me writing this hurts so much big bro u are in God’s hands .love u bro