RIP Dad 30-3-2010

[Skut]

My dad finally lost his battle with cancer this morning, in some ways a mercifully short one as it was only discovered at the end of last year. I had the opportunity at least to go over to Sydney and see him twice in that time.
He had a long and fulfilling life. He worked hard, traveled widely, and had an open mind and outgoing nature, so I say Bon Voyage to him for his final journey... I love you, you tough old bugger... and thanks for reminding me, when you're alive, bloody well live it (not in words, just by example)

He loved his travel stories so will share one of his faves - He was traveling through Nepal some years back and heading off the beaten trails as he does. Up some mountainside he comes across a Buddhist Monastery that sees VERY few travelers due to their isolation. They are very hospitable, and kind of chuffed some-one 'dropped-in' so dad wanted to leave them something. Unfortunately he traveled VERY light and the only thing he could find (as they would not take money) was a Coffs Harbour Rotary Club banner. They accept it graciously (clearly, he is thinking at the time, just being polite).
Years later he is reading a travel column in a Sydney paper and the writer is telling his tale of the arduous journey through Nepal and making his way up some nameless mountain to discover this isolated monastery ... thinking he is the 1st westerner to do so... and when they take him to see their temple, hanging in pride of place is the only evidence of western influence - a bloody Coffs Harbour Rotary Club banner, which left him feeling quite deflated... Onya Dad!

[Sweetcheeks]

So sorry to hear scutters.....i have been one of the lucky ones and made it through the other side of this horid disease....many i have met over the years havent.

Shall be thinking of you and your family xxxx

[Spock]

Very sorry to hear of your loss.

[Stoneville]

Condolences on your loss, glad you made it over to see him

I'm with Sweetcheeks, my brush with Cancer last year, changed my take on life slightly, live as much as you can and pack in heaps

[who me?]

don't have right words but you know . . .
thinking of you all

[The Acumen]

Rip

[Ferris]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss mate.

On the bright side, you brought a chuckle to my day with the Rotary Club Banner story. That's awesome stuff. Celebrate his life, don't lament the loss.

[lee]

Sorry to hear, mate. Sounds like he was a pretty good dad though, and he lead a full life.

About the best things you can ask for I guess.

[PBF]

although i have done little more than met you once on an LNR i honestly and genuinely feel for you.

Hope the process lets you feel all you need to to deal with it properly. be sad when you need to and enjoy the laughs when they get brought up too.

i reckon you should post a few more of his stories as you remember them over time.

i know words like this can seem condescending at times, so sorry if they do.

[Skut]

Thanks all for your thoughts

I'
...On the bright side, you brought a chuckle to my day with the Rotary Club Banner story. That's awesome stuff. Celebrate his life, don't lament the loss.

Thanks Ferris and that is definitely my point in including the tale...

[Kytty]

Sorry to hear Scutters. Sounds like he definitely left his mark on the world and everyone he met, enjoying every bit as he went

[Jamathi]

My condolences, Scutters.
You and your late father are correct; Life is NOT a dress rehersal!

[resist]

My thoughts are with you Scutters. RIP to your dad.

[QuietLil]

Sincere condolences. He will live in your heart forever.

[Skut]

Thank you everyone! I was in two minds about posting, as a public display of grief (esp on the net) kinda challenges people (who don't know me, tho many who have posted here have met me) to respond. There is NO such thing as being condescending from anyone offering their condolences - I posted, so ANY response is valued and respected.

As has been re-iterated by a few, this is less about sharing grief and more about the celebration of life, and a remembrance of A life - their passing only hilights that and I offer it as a real life example of a life truly lived (tho like any, am sure some regrets)... and in saying so, I hope some more folks get a chuckle from the story

Thanks again people!!!