You lived your early life like James Dean “Rebel Without a Cause.” Always in the middle of things and always touching others. You saw the horrors of war and it shook you to your very soul and scared you for life. I saw you jump a wake and drenched in a cold sweat. You never talked about it and you never let it change your good nature. You wore a smile and made other smile too. This was evident by all those who lined up and waited outside to say farewell.

You and I have walked many of the same paths separated by years. Many times I have gone places and done things only to find out afterwards that you had been there and done that years before. You just never spoke of those things and places until after I had been there. We are very much alike yet different. You pointed out that I have the wander lust, just like your father. Always wondering what is over the next hill, and going to look. You have always been there to welcome me back from my journeys and to talk about your experiences when you had journeyed down that path. You have now stated on your next journey. You have gone eyes wide open and unafraid, towards the next great adventure. You are walking the path that I too will walk one day. I know that you will be there to meet me and we will again talk about our journeys. I will miss your smile and your laugh. As long as you live in me, you will not be gone, just away for a while. I love you Dad.