Condolence From: Marita
Condolence: My head spins and words of adoration are so extensive I'm left confused and not knowing where to even begin. Dad was the first love of my life. He was my hero. I adored everything about him. I was certainly a Daddy's girl. He could do no wrong in my eyes and he was everything a man should be. Because of his example, his love and intense support I never thought I'd find a man that could hold a candle to him...Until I met Wayne and it was love at first sight. I lost my Wayne to cancer 2 1/2 months before I lost my father. These two exceptional men had the greatest impact on my very identity. They both knew me better than any other on this earth and both loved me unconditionally. The loss of these two great men has devastated me but I know they're now happy, whole and perfect and we will be together again one day. Until then I'm sure they're golfing together in heaven and saving a good spot for me. Wayne will always be my world and Dad will always be my first love and hero!
Sunday October 30, 2016
Condolence From: Carly Smith
Condolence: Poppy was known for a lot of things. Of these, one of the significant parts of his life was music and playing the piano. One of our biggest connections growing up was playing the piano together. I looked up to him so much. I always thought to myself how great it would be to be as good of a pianist as him. Through these moments, he's taught me patience. That becoming great at something doesn't happen overnight. Whenever I touch a piano my first thought is of him. His music will play on forever and will constantly be playing in my life. In my eyes Poppy was the best role model a grand child could ever have. He's the most patient, grateful, loving person I have ever known and I'm so grateful to be one of his grandchildren. The amount of zest and love he had for life and the motivation he had to get things done is truly inspiring. Poppy loved flying. Anyone could see how much joy it brought him. It was such a huge part of his life which ultimately influenced my dad and his love for flying. I've always weirdly loved the airport and the feeling of joy you get from a feathery takeoff in a 75 ton machine. I've always thought the most rewarding experience I could ever have in my lifetime would be the ability to lift a plane off the ground myself. Although I've obviously never felt the feeling myself, I can't imagine a better feeling in the world. I want more than anything to get my pilot's license someday for both myself and to be able to fly in the clouds alongside Poppy. Love, Carly
Saturday October 29, 2016
Condolence From: Jamie
Condolence: People pop in & out of our lives daily on a continuous basis, both physically and in thoughts that are awakened after a certain song comes on the radio or some part of a memory brings them to mind.
Dad is with me. Always was; always will be. Every day.
He is in the sports I play and watch my kids play
...in my appreciation of music
...in my longing for the lake
...in the quietness of waiting to catch a fish, but being content to sit w a rod on a beautiful lake with good company
...in water and snow skiing fun
...in the rain hitting a camper, tent or porch roof
...in the reflectiveness of morning
...in mind puzzles (side note: days before his final "flight" I sat doing a crossword with him. It had become difficult to make out some things he said. I asked him for a 3 letter word for Matterhorn and he said "alp". I said "did you say alp or help?" and he said "alp!, alp!" So I wrote alp, all along thinking "well, he's either still sharp as a tack or I'm about to earn the worst nurse in the world award)
...in humor
...in flying
...in my gentle interior and strong exterior
...in the power of words: great novels, poetry and sage advice
...in experience of travel
...in the footprint of a furry friend & my love of nature
...in a beautiful sunset, sunrise or vapor trail
...in the integrity I strive for and hope to instill in my children
...in leading and teaching by example
...in honesty, patience, & respect
...in the love shared with family and friends.
In sports my Dad used to travel across states to come watch my college games. No matter how bad a game I may have had, he'd tell me he was my biggest fan. A part of me wonders if I didn't keep playing college sports so that he'd keep visiting me while I was away from home because the truth of the matter is that I felt like I was HIS biggest fan. He brought immeasurable joy to my life and taught me so much. I can only hope, as he watches from his "nosebleed seats" that he is half as proud of me as I am of him and that I brought some joy to his life as well.
Friday October 28, 2016
Condolence From: Andrea Smith
Condolence: My heartfelt condolences to you Anne. When I think of Jim, my father-in-law, I remember a man who is warm, caring, introspective and a deep thinker. He had an inner calm and a great sense of strength. It was obvious that his family was of extreme importance to him. Jim was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather and caring father in law. I will miss him very much. I am honored to have known him and to be a part of your family. Much love, Andrea Smith
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Condolence From: Alex Smith
Condolence: I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to not only call Poppy my grandfather, but to also have had so many years to make memories with him. As I look back i smile. No one can truly pass away as long as his loved ones remember him and cherish their time spent with him.
Poppy taught me many things, but the biggest thing he taught me is gratitude. I don't think that I have ever met someone as grateful for their life as Poppy was. More of us (myself included) need to learn from him and appreciate every day and moment that we have. I think that very few people can be as at peace with their life as he was.
He also taught me humility. I never heard him brag. He would only let his actions speak for him. My favorite line in his memoir, that I think speaks volumes for his humility, was one of the closing lines, "Thank you for putting up with my rambling".
While I am sad that one of my role models has passed, I know that he had such a positive effect on so many people's lives. I am so lucky to have been able to spend so much quality time with Poppy from fishing to golf lessons to everyday conversations. Some of my best memories of him were hearing him laugh with us at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and hearing him play the piano; whenever we could convince him that in fact, yes, we did want to hear him play.
We all miss you so much already Poppy. I can only hope that your soul was able to pass from this Earth as gracefully as it passed into all of our hearts. -Alex Smith
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Condolence From: Tim Smith
Condolence: My father Jim was a great man. I am proud to have been his son. He filled me with a lifetimes worth of happy memories. Dad & Mom made up the ultimate parenting team! Their example provided the templet of what a healthy , loving relationship should be. I think that is in large part why my sisters and I found wonderful spouses.
Dad gave more to life than he took from it.He will be greatly missed! Love you Dad!
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Condolence From: Bill Friedman
Condolence: Dear Aunt Anne, Cousins Tim, Marti and Jan & families:
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Uncle Jim.
I still remember as a child traveling to NJ and going to the ocean and your home. As well as you all coming to Ohio. Time passes much too fast! I hope that we can see everyone again very soon!
Love,
Bill Friedman
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Condolence From: Robert and Marianne Byrd
Condolence: Dear Anne and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We also know that he is in good Hands now. We send our sincere condolence to you and your family.
So many good memories.
Love,
Bob and Marianne
Tuesday October 25, 2016
Condolence From: Debbie Chesmel Whittemore
Condolence: I am so sorry for the loss of a really great man. He always made me laugh when we would come over your house to hang out, encouraged me with good advice if I was my klutzy self, and never minded me being around all the time! LOL. He loved his family with all of his heart, and was kind to anyone he met. He will be surely missed. Rest in Peace. May God Bless his family to comfort them in their grief.
Sunday October 23, 2016
Condolence From: Brenda Shahpari
Condolence: Auntie Anne, Tim, Andrea, Marti, Jamie, Tony, and families,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Jim was a very special man with whom we have many wonderful memories. Take good care.
Love, Brenda and Sakina
Sunday October 23, 2016
