Sunday, March 30, 2014

Rest in Peace Dad

My dad passed away peacefully this afternoon. He had been moved from the nursing home to an Elder Care home on Wednesday. He got up, didn't feel like eating and said he wanted to go back to bed. And he did.
To honor him here is my montage. 
Born 1925 in Buffalo, WY.


WW2 in the Philippines 1944-1946

Worked for Boeing in Washington state and raised a family.

Matching Members Only jackets!
April 2012


January 2014
It was after this visit I let my kids and brothers know that I didn't think dad's health would hold up much longer.




I was so happy when my kids made the trip to see him.
My brother, who teaches in China made the trip to see him as well.

I was sick for my dad's 89th birthday so was a little late celebrating. This was taken 10 days ago. 

All 4 of his kids got to see him since the first of the year and he had been saying he was ready to leave this world for heaven. 
It wasn't an easy life and he would be the first to say he made mistakes but I learned a lot from him too. See ya on the other side!

Nels Mikkelson
March 14, 1925- March 30, 2014



153 comments:

  1. Lori,
    What a beautiful tribute! Isn't it nice that you were able to spend quality time with him, and all the family members as well. Peace be with you.
    Laurie

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  2. A lovely tribute to your dad. It is hard to lose people, but so reassuring to know we will see them again.

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  3. Oh Lori, Tears came as I read this post. It is so hard to see loved ones go, but they are now in a better place. My sympathy goes out to you for being such a faithful daughter. One of my favorite scriptures that has comforted me I've had printed on cards to put in my sympathy cards is
    II Corinthians 1:3-5. My prayers are with you.

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  4. Lori, that was beautiful and well put. Loved the pictures and this is a beautiful tribute. Love it's title and all. Your quilting is so unique and special. I know this time is hard, but so glad you & the rest of the group got up to see your dad before he went to Heaven. I imagine there is a party of the "dads" hanging out and chatting. Love you and sending hugs and prayers.

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  5. Lori,
    I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for you and your family.

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  6. What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I am so happy that all of you got to see him one last time and tell him that you love him. So many of us do not get that opportunity. Sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you, his wife and your family.

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  7. Lori,

    Hold fast onto the memories they will last you a lifetime...you've got the photos to remind you. May your dad rest in peace,

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss, Lori. How lovely that you and your family were able to spend time with him right up to the end.

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  9. Such a beautiful tribute to your dad, Lori. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  10. Sad times Lori. I know how you are feeling. Lovely photos. Wendy x

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  11. Your tribute to your dad got me all choked up! I know it must have brought you great comfort knowing that he got to see everyone one last time. My deepest sympathy to you and your family!
    Big hug!
    P

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  12. What a wonderful tribute to your dad and your family. Blessings to you and your whole family!

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  13. So sorry. Your post was very nice. Blessings

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  14. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I loved seeing the photos of your dad and knowing more about his life, it is a wonderful tribute to him.

    Debbie

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  15. My condolences, Lori. May he rest in peace!

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  16. Lori, I love your tribute to your Dad. It's such a blessing that you & your family were able to be with him in his final months 'on this side'. (I love the photo of him holding his Bible...) I will be keeping you & your family in my prayers. xo, Bren

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  17. I am glad you got to visit with him so recently and that family members did too. A nice collection of pictures of your father at so many stages of his life.

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  18. My sympathy to you and your family. What a blessing that his family had the opportunity to share one last special moment with him.

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  19. Sending my love and hugs to you. What a lovely tribute, you did your dad proud. He was part of a great generation, they weren't perfect, their life weren't the easiest, and they did the best they could with what they had. xox

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  20. A hard life but a long one! Glad he had your love and family around him in his last days. He looks like a 13 year old in his WWII days! Great photos. Rest in peace.

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  21. So sorry to hear the news. You did a lovely tribute and he would be proud of it. May he rest in peace. Please consider yourself hugged, as I am holding you in my prayers tonight.

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  22. So sorry to hear this news, but it's so nice that the family were all able to say goodbye. I love your photo montage.

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  23. I can relate to loosing a father. So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you took care of all earthly things so he could go. Lots of big hugs!

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  24. :( So, so sorry your lost your Daddy, but I enjoyed seeing your post about his life. I lost my Dad in '83 and of course still miss him, but it does get a little easier. Remember the sweet memories.

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  25. I'm so sorry for your loss, Lori. It's wonderful that your children and all of his children were able to visit with him so soon before his passing. I'm sure that brought joy to his heart. Your photographic tribute so so fun to see. (Family history is my other interest and reading this post was like stepping into a family history blog.) I wish Heavenly Father's heartiest blessings to you and the rest of your father's family.

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  26. So sorry to hear of your fathers passing and how wonderful that his family all got to visit recently. A beautiful montage in his memory. Hugs

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  27. So very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs, T&P's.

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  28. Bless you and your kids for making the trips to see him recently a priority. This is a nice tribute, Lori. Isn't that good to know you will see him on the other side?

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  29. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad has given you a lot. Hold him in your heart.

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  30. Lori, sorry to hear about your father. Thank you for sharing images of his life. Know that God has your father in the palm of his hand, Peace to you and your family.

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  31. I'm so sorry for your loss, Lori. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your photo tribute is very special.
    lizzy

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  32. I'm so sorry for your loss. You have some priceless photos of his life, but I had to smile at the matching Members Only jackets.

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  33. What a lovely tribute to your Dad. My deepest sympathy.

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  34. So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in all you memories.

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  35. I'm so sorry about the passing of your dad. I hope you can enjoy him thru your memories.

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  36. I am sorry for your loss, Lori. My deepest sympathy to you and your family

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  37. So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

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  38. What a wonderful tribute to your dad! Such beautiful memories to bring comfort. It was so great that you got to go celebrate his birthday with him too!! The pictures of the two of you together are so special! love the one with the Bible... :)

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  39. I am sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family. These pictures are a lovely tribute.

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  40. "Goodnight sweet Prince. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest."

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  41. Lori, I believe your dad is smiling down on you. Hugs, Pat

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  42. I am so sorry to read this sad news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  44. So sorry for your loss, Lori. Mike's mom passed away yesterday and he is in Oregon with them. My dad is dying of cancer and I am in Alabama with my parents. May God bless you and your family.

    Jo Anna M.

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  45. I am sorry to hear but happy to know you know him to be in heaven!

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  46. So sad to hear of your Dad's passing Lori. The photos you have posted are lovely. I can see you in your Dad's lovely face, especially in the younger photos. Thinking of you and your family.

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  47. Wonderful memories. Sorry to hear your sad news. Hugs for all who knew him.

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  48. My condolences to you and your family.

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  49. Thinking of you and your family - lovely pictures, he had such a kind face and twinkly eyes. Take care x

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  50. Both of us feeling sad this month, another era passes but we have our memories to sustain us. So glad you all got to spend time with him recently.
    Sending big hugs from across the pond. X

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  51. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.x

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  52. En estos momentos tristes !!!
    mi afecto para la familia
    y para ti amiga, mis abrazos mas fuertes
    besinos

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  53. Big hugs and prayers to you, Lori. It's never easy to lose a loved one.

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  54. I am sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.

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  55. I read your blog regularly and it is always a pleasure. Thank you for sharing a bit of your Dad's life...prayers for you and your family.

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  56. Lori, bless you and your family, and your dad! It's obvious you loved him. The photos are wonderful. May the good times and memories bring you much comfort.

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  57. I am sorry for your loss, Lori. You have been a loving and devoted daughter.

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  58. What a nice remembrance of his life - a life well lived it seems to me. We all have our sorrows and regrets along with the good times and it sounds like he had a lot to be thankful for as well. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. My dad was the same age when he died and I still miss him.

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  59. What a lovely tribute and I'm sure your family is so grateful to have seen him recently. I love the photos.
    How blessed that he passed peacefully -
    sending you a bug hug (())

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  60. So sorry for your loss Lori, what a handsome Navy man he was.

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  61. Oh Lori, I'm praying for God's comfort to your family right now. I'm so sorry.

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  62. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
    Carole Y.

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  63. The photos of your Dad are wonderful-thank you for sharing. Keep a happy heart full of the good memories.

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  64. My deepest sympathies Lori. What a beautiful post, I am sure it gives you peace to go through the lovely photos and memories.

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  65. So sorry for your loss Lori, thanks for sharing your Dad with us.

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  66. My heart hurts for you and your family right now. It's not easy to lose a parent, even when they are ready to go. My thought and prayers are with you. Hugs, Ranette

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  67. What a lovely remembrance of your Dad. I'm so sorry for your loss, Lori.

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  68. I'm so sorry for your loss Lori. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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  69. aren't pictures wonderful. and they must only be the tip of the life he lived. so sorry.

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  70. I am so sorry for your loss!!

    I lost my father last June at the age of 90. Although I'm VERY sad that I won't be able to talk to or see him again, he's no longer in pain!!

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  71. Such a lovely tribute post to your Father. My condolences to you and your family.
    Lola

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  72. My condolences on you loss--sending cyber hugs and good wishes to you and your family.

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  73. I am sorry, it is never easy losing a parent. May your good memories bring you comfort at this time.

    Gloria
    gyates625@bellsouth.net

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  74. Lori, loss is something we all share. Don't let anyone tell you that you miss your loved one less as years go by. Somehow you miss them more as you grow older, too. God bless~ Liz

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  75. Lori I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 4 years ago and know the pain of losing your dad. I was lucky enough to spend his last 4 years taking care of him. A lovely tribute to your dad. Hugs

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  76. That was a wonderful story of your Dad but so sad too. Miss my Dad too... Peace to you.

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  77. Dearest Lori what a special post and tribute to your dad. You have wonderful memories that last forever and will be cherished.

    God bless you and your family.

    Caroltn

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  78. Lori, I'm so sorry for your loss. Even when we know they're ready, it hard to lose them. Sending hugs your way.

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  79. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

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  80. Your Dad was part of The Greatest Generation....we won't see the likes them again. Take comfort in your memories and knowing he is at peace.

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  81. Hugs and prayers to you and your family, Lori. I just love this little stroll down memory lane that you took us on. He looks so young in his Navy uniform! Glad you were all able to spend some time with him recently.

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  82. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Your pictures beautifully told the story of a very full life. How wonderful to know with such confidence you will see him again! Sending hugs :0)

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  83. Beautiful tribute. My heart is with you and your family. Wonderful that you all spent time with him and his passing was peaceful. Sending lots of bear hugs, Jo

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  84. It is never easy to say good-bye. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  85. So glad that you were able to visit him for his birthday. Hope your memories of good times will carry you through this difficult period.

    Charlotte

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  86. Your pictures are precious, I'm so happy everyone had a chance to visit with him & you got to be with him one more time..... Hugs to you and your family......

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  87. So sorry to read your news, Lori. Glad your family was able to visit one last time.

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  88. My condolences to you and you're family. What beautiful photo's of you're Dad with his loving family.

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  89. My sympathies, Lori! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

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  90. Deepest sympathy to you Lori. Looks like he was deeply loved - and I am sure he knew that,

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  91. Your photos were so touching. Thank you so much for sharing a little tidbit of your father's life with us. He must have had a wonderful life as a son, husband, father and grandfather. Enjoy your memories. May God bless you.

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  92. He sounds like he had a full life with a loving family. Nice montage and tribute, Lori.

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  93. Lori the joy of being human is that we DO have so many memories, I see that you have loved him and that is a joy and memory he will take with him in comfort. Thanks for sharing your loss we all feel sympathy for you and hope that your memories will hold you through these times.

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  94. I'm so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!

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  95. Sorry about the loss of your father. He looked like such a kid during the war years. You are working on shirt blocks. Maybe you could include some of his shirts in the top as a remembrance. Losing parents is so hard. Bless you.

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  96. So sorry to hear of your loss, Lori! I know it's never easy to loose a parent. I lost my Mom last May and it still tugs at my heart. Please know that prayers are being sent for you and your family and all those touched by your Father. So glad you got to spend time with him. Hugs!!!

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  97. Ahhhh Lori so sorry for your loss! I know its so hard, love your pictures of your father! What a full life and you are right we only have once to live it and we must keep going forward. How wonderful you all got to see him this year, you look so much like your father! Praying all your memories give you peace and continued joy! Hugs Carrie

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  98. My condolences on your loss.
    My mom passed away the March 23rd at the age of 94. She too was ready and went in her sleep.

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  99. So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. No matter how old they are, or how prepared we think we are, it's never an easy thing for a child to lose a parent. You and your family are in my thoughts today.

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  100. What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing. He said he was ready, and you all were able to say good-bye. Bless you all.

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  101. So sorry you lost your dad. You were so lucky to have had him for so long. I love how you shared him with us all. Sounds like he was ready to rest, remember the good times!

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  102. I am feeling such sadness for you, but it should be joy to celebrate your Father. I miss both my parents terribly. I encourage you to remember the precious time you had to share with him.
    Blessings and prayers for you.

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  103. Beautifully said Lori. Love and prayers with you and your family. Hugs, Meredithe xx

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  104. Enjoyed 'knowing' your dad through reading your posts about him. Hope you find comfort in this difficult time.....

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  105. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.

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  106. So very sorry for you. Wonderful that he had a good long life and a loving family though.:)

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  107. I'm so sorry for your loss Lori, I will have you and your family in my prayers.
    *hugs*
    Tazzie
    xox

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  108. So sorry for you and family. Your pictures are such a lovely tribute to him.

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  109. So sorry to hear your news.I'm glad for you that it was peaceful for him. Enjoy your pictures and memories.

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  110. Your dad sounds like he was one hell of a guy who was very much loved. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  111. Sending love and hugs...Sounds like a life well lived from the love he leaves behind.

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  112. Thinking of you while you go through this sad time for you and your family...

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  113. How wonderful that everyone was able to get a visit with him. When they are ready to go, they are ready. We are the ones not ready to go on without them. Wishing you strength in the days ahead.

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  114. So very sorry to learn of your father's passing. I am glad to hear that all of you got to see him and spend some time with him. I will be thinking of you and your family in these difficult days.

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  115. Your wonderful memories of time spent with your Dad will help you through this difficult time. He looked like quite a character! Love his navy picture - very similar to my father in law's navy picture.

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  116. Praying for your family during this difficult time of loss. Such a blessing that he lived to 89! Sending hugs your way.

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  117. My condolences to you and your family. All will be in our thoughts and prayers.

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  118. My condolences to you an your family. Thank you for sharing your photos with us.

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  119. It was lovely you all got to spend time with him in his last few months. Those are precious memories.
    My thought are with you and your family Lori.
    Hugs Sue - NZ

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  120. My Dad is 80 and still doing well. I am blessed to still have him around. Sounds like you really loved your Dad. What an honor to be his daughter. I know you will miss him. Blessings to you and your family.

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  121. Sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with you and the family. Hugs Pia in Denmark

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  122. My condolences for you and your family ... and what a great tribute.
    Dutch greetings, Carolien

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  123. My sincere sympathies for you and your family. You have created a beautiful photographic tribute.

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  124. What a beautiful homage to your dad. Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and your family.

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  125. Ti sono vicina in questo momento.
    Che bel regalo hai fatto a tuo papà che sicuramente dal cielo ti sta sorridendo.

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  126. Lori, Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I loved your montage and he lived a full life!
    You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  127. Lori, so sorry for your loss. Know that you were a wonderful and caring daughter to your dad to the very end. Hugs.

    Terry

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  128. I know how hard this is and am sending you quilted hugs and saying a prayer for your father and your family.

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  129. Blessings and comfort wished to you and your family at this sad time. Hopefully happy memories and your times together will fill your hearts and minds. How fortunate he was--and you are--that so many had the time to say good-bye. Stitch your love and memories into your next projects, my cyber friend.

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  130. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the pictures it is a great way of showing your love and respect for him.

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  131. Oh I am so sorry ...just saw this :( It is good that you were all able to be there for him in the last months and the end. Your pictures are a wonderful tribute and way to share your loss with us. Again, so sorry...

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  132. What a lovely post honoring your dad. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

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  133. What a lovely tribute. I lost my Dad 6 years ago and still miss him so I know how you feel. That said, I would not have wished my Dad to continue on in poor health. He is in a better place, as is yours.

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  134. My sympathy to you and your loved ones. May you find peace in this time of grief.

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  135. At a time like this, I never know what to say. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  136. My sympathy to you and your loved ones. May you find peace in this time of grief.

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  137. Lovely tribute. He must have been so happy to have all the family come and see him. I hope you are happy in your memories and find a way to ease your heartache that I know you have.

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  138. What a wonderful array of photographs to honour your Dad. Great that all your family were able to spend some time with him recently. My heart feels for your loss. Thank you for sharing your photos.

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  139. You have some treasured photos in that bunch. I can see lots of love and memories. Love you and I am praying for you!

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  140. Lori, what a beautiful tribute, to a wonderful man, your dad. Remember the love, the good times and what your dad meant to you. Take care of yourself and allow yourself to grieve. hugs, Marian x

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  141. I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss. He would have been so proud to read the tribute you wrote. I'm a daddy's girl myself, and it's extremely hard to see brilliant people that you looked up to fade away. I still remember the day the DH and I were married almost 30 years ago. My dad stood in the back of the church with me and said, "You know you don't have to go through with this. We can turn around and run for it!"

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  142. Lori, I'm a little late in reading this post. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. Keeping you in my prayers.

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  143. I am so, so sorry about your Dad. May he rest in peace and you find peace as well.

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  144. Lori, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.

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