It is with sadness & joyful memories I write this
91 years + 2 days
He first introduced me to the Savage99 at age 6
When I look into my safe I'm unsure whether to curse him or thank him
But I would hate to try & add up the hours & days I spent Hunting with him
He taught me all I know & influenced how I think
We had a great farewell My daughter was able to attend in full Military uniform wearing her service medals & his WW11 pacific medals & read the Ode
I had the privilege of reading the Eulogy which I ended with a verse that would apply to many old school rural men which I will include

His Hat

Upon his head with wide floppy brim it would remain
Through all the seasons to protect from sun & rain

Or turned with water he would fill
For a dog to drink on a high dry hill

For body protection on the wet cold ground
Flattened to fit his backside sat safe sound

To draft the wilily cattle would flap for effect
Thus total order & control was their thought to reject

For wayward child, errant dog or bloody sheep
On the ground stomped to death so peace he could keep


Good on you mate
We all had one hell of a ride with you & enjoyed every minute of it

Thanks Dad
God Speed

So I can only go forward from here with some incredible memories of excitement, adventure & learning
Cheers Graham

RIP Dad.....
Sorry for your loss, Graham.

That's a great tribute to your father, Graham. My condolences to you and your family.

Rod

Graham,

I think your Dad would be proud, but I honestly hate threads like this. To me, at least, death is a strange thing. Yes, the body is gone, but the life actually remains. Memory is a GREAT thing. It tends to block out the not so pleasant, and enhance to good. I can only hope that MY son thinks of me the way you do of your Dad. Thanks for sharing.

My condolences to you and your family, losing a Dad is the worst. Remember the good times...

Heartfelt condolences, mate... your Dad sounds as if he was a fine, loving Father.

My condolences to you and your family Graham. Losing a father is hard, but he'll always be with you in spirit. -TomT

Sorry for your loss....

You are never ready to lose your parents. even when you can see it coming.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family

Sorry for your loss...
May the wind be at your back and the sun in your face as you are dealing with your grief.

Sincere condolences for your loss.

Sorry for the loss of your Dad,I know how you're feeling(lost my Dad in August).... Remember all the Good Memories!!!

Sorry to hear about your dads passing Graham.

My prayers to you and your family on your Dad's passing.

Your loss is great but your memories are greater.

Shortgrub

My heart goes out to you.

My condolences, Graham. I know how you feel.

Graham and Carol,

Glenna and I are sad to hear of the passing of your father and send our condolences to you and the family. He will still be at the farm in spirit with all the good memories when you need him.

The greatest gift is the memories made when we are together on this earth. My Dad left me with many and it is so good to hear of another man who made his life matter to those who loved him.

My prayers are with you.

Very sorry to hear of his passing, it's never easy. Take care.

My condolences. My WWII vet father (Navy) passed 2 years ago. My FIL, a 27-year vet of the 101st Airborne, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, may not see another Christmas.

It absolutely breaks my heart that my 9 yo son will grow up without these awesome men in his life.

To top it off, my mother just went into assisted living with what looks like early stages of alzheimers.

Sad to hear of your loss. It sure makes me think of my dad and the many similar experiances. My condolences.

Sorry for your loss. Prayers sent for you and yours.

Losing a loved one is always tough and nothing that can be said eases the pain. Be grateful he was with you for 91 years and best of luck and good wishes to you and your family. Sounds like he was one a heck of a Dad. Tom.

Thanks to you all for your kind words
It helps to be able to talk about how one feels and the memories can only get sweeter & more enjoyable from here on
Thanks All
Graham

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Now those precious memories will serve you the rest of your life.



BP...

Graham

Deepest sympathy mate, very sorry to hear of your dads passing

Johno

Graham...Your upbeat attitude and positive outlook is amazing!

Your Dad got 91 years out of that chasis...we all should be so lucky!

Sorry for your loss Graham. That's a tough one.

I bet you could fill a book with memories and stories, lost my dad when he was just 67, its tough.

So sorry, Take care friend, and know he will still be with you on your hunts!

My condolences as well. As you know, I've been there recently. To live to the age of 91 is impressive. As fatjack says, we should all be so lucky. I know his passing is still a difficult thing and I particularly know the transition that it represents in your life.

So sorry for your loss Graham. I know the feeling and wish you comfort. Its been 32 years for me and I still feel the loss. Take comfort in that you have a lifetime of memories and shared adventures. No matter where you go or what you do He'll still be watching. Hoist one for Him.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Enjoy the memories.

what you have written and read speaks volume about his character and love ,what youhave lost is a phyical body the love and spirit will live on with you forever,

RIP

norm

Graham,

Sorry to hear about your loss. Keep the memeories because they will hold his legacy, which also lives in you.

I go to school with an officer from New Zealand and if he is any indication of your people's character, you have one fine nation!

RAS

My dad raised me to go into the world and be independent. Yet, after I left home, he was always there...a presence felt in my soul, a reassurance that he had my back, even when he became tired, ill and feeble at age 89. He welcomed death as God's Grace and his kindest gift, but damn it was hard to lose him. Somehow felt like I was walking point, but now with no backup. It's been 10 years and I miss him and in that way celebrate his life, I guess. Graham, my sincere condolences.
John