Those We Love Don’t Go Away.
They Walk Beside Us Everyday.
Unseen, Unheard, but Always Near.
Still Loved, Still Missed and Very Dear.
[June 9th, 1930 – November 16th, 2015]
Funeral on Nov. 19th, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Jeanette: I first want to ask my dad to give me strength to say these few words without me falling apart.
AS I LOOK OVER SO MANY HEADS, I just want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate my father’s spirit. Especially dads nieces and nephews that have come as far as Toronto, Hamilton and Vancouver.
ALSO THANKS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR LOVE, prayers and condolences but were unable to attend.
DAD WAS FORTUNATE TO LIVE A BEAUTIFUL FULFILLING LIFE. He was gifted with a gorgeous and fun spirited wife, Francine and their 3 children, Rob, John and Myself, Jeanette along with the 3 grand daughters, Alex, Maddy and Marlena whom he all loved very dearly.
DAD WAS ALWAYS COMMITTED TO FAMILY BEING TOGETHER. He was so happy a week ago when his son John and family drove up from Tennessee. First idea that popped in his head was ” Let’s have a beer and we all made a cheer”. Smiles all around and memorable picture was taken. Dad loved life and family so much. We in turn cherished and honored his integrity, enthusiasm for life and loving spirit.
LIFE IS ABOUT CHANGE AND LETTING GO. Throwing off the bowlines. Sailing away from safe harbors. Catching the Trade Winds in our sails and spirits so we may EXPLORE, DREAM, DISCOVER and JOURNEY ONWARD. Dad was a great sailor and weathered storms quite well. I do wish for him doldrums (calm seas) from here on in.
FATHER ALWAYS TAUGHT US TO BE TRUE TO OURSELVES, be kind to others, to be forgiving and to care for each other, especially now as we carry on with mom, with the strength of spirit that dad lived by.
WE ALL IN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HAVE MANY DECADES OF GOOD MEMORIES WHICH WE SHOULD CHERISH AS PART OF HIS LOVING LEGACY. Now my wish for my father is to journey onwards and upwards, to go in peace. Dad would always say to me “Keep Smiling”! Now as he smiles down on us, I say to him “We Love You, Dad. You will be missed, May your Memory and Good Deeds be Eternal.
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Jeanette Ryken's Side of the Story 