Raymond Sr. Y

My father has always been my hero. He died on May 31st 2009. Tragically his life was ended too soon. He was such a magnificent man, so much so, that he willed his entire home and contents worth $315,000.00 to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. I am so proud of that and as executor to his estate honored to make his final wishes come true.

My father had awesome moral values! He stayed married to my mother for 48 years until her life ended due to alcoholism in January of 2008. That was not an easy life for him. He suffered, but stuck it out.

He worked three jobs when I was young so my mother, who wanted to be a stay home mom, could do so. He, with only an 8th grade education, climbed the ladder at his life long job for Hyster Company. He also climbed the military ladder and became a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy.

He was always gentle with my younger brother and I, never laid a hand on us, was firm, but used his words wisely to keep us in line.

When he wasn't working he did everything for us a child and teen needed from a dad: taught us to ride a bike, went to our school activities, paid for our college. He was loving, oh so loving, to everyone. He gave his time to those in need of car repair as this was what he did for a living working on lift trucks. He would repair friends', neighbors', and relatives' vehicles for no charge. He would even buy the parts! He loaned/gave money to those in need ALWAYS, no questions asked.

My father instilled these moral values in us. He showed us what love really was about. He instilled a good, hard work ethic to us. He taught us manners and kindness towards others at all times.

I miss this remarkable man. Although miles separated us it didn't stop our daily phone calls that went on for hours. He would pay for airline tickets so I could see him in Florida where he lived every three months. I would stay for 2-3 weeks at a time.

In closing, taking him off life support was the worst thing I have ever had to do in my life! I still talk to him everyday! My brother and I turned out to be good, honest, hard working, kind hearted/spirited people all due to our wonderful father. If only the whole world could have a daddy like mine....can you imagine how different the world would be?

Submitted by Anonymous

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