Lost my dad...

[Desert_Captain]

My father passed away Sunday night at the age of 92. He had been in nursing home for 3+ years suffering from severe dementia, could no longer speak, see or hear... it was time. We lost mom to Parkinson's 3 years ago.

He served 30 years in the Navy, most of those on diesel submarines having earned his Dolphins before I was born and retired as a Master Chief. I post this tribute here as it was dad who introduced me to camping. Being an enlisted man our family had very little money and camping was our great escape.

When I was 9 and my sister just 3 dad bought a used 1960 VW camper bus and it served out family of four very well for years. When not camping in northern Baja we traveled extensively throughout the southwest visiting nearly all of the National Parks. He instilled a love of the outdoors and backed that up with full participation in Scouting serving as a merit badge counselor and assistant scoutmaster.

Between dad and scouting I learned well the lessons of life in the great outdoors and will always be grateful. My bride and I have been RV'ing for 12 years making the usual progression... from pop up {Aliner}, to 22' TT and ultimately to our 24' Class C {Nexus}.
While dad's camping days were history he always enjoyed sharing our adventures and marveling at how far things have come.

I am really going to miss him... sigh.

😞

[Desert_Captain]

OP here, Just wanted say thank you to one and all for your overwhelming expressions of support and condolences. We will get through this though it was far harder than I ever imagined. Expected to feel only relief that his suffering was at an end but I was wrong.

We all share the love of camping/rving and for many like I that gift came from a parent. For those younger folks with kids treasure your time out in Mother Nature and know that they will always remember.

🙂

Steve

[T18skyguy]

My condolences to you Captain. Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man.

[philh]

Prayers for you, the family, and the wonderful man you knew as dad.

Our last parent (father in law) will hopefully go soon. He's going into a memory care assisted living facility in the next few days. It's reached the point where the family can no longer care for him. His neurologist said he won't be alive much longer, his brain is literally dying.

[sempka]

Sorry for your loss.

[lap527]

My condolences to you. Your dad sounded like a great guy. Like others here I lost my dad 2 years ago at the age of 90. As I look back it amazes me how smart pop was and I really didn't realize how smart he actually was. That was a great generation and they are slowly leaving us. Enjoy your memories!

[ScottG]

So sorry to hear that. I lost mine a few years ago at a similar age. Seems like even though we know it's coming some day, we're just never ready.
Miss him all the time.

[marty1300]

Sorry for your loss, keep those memories in your heart

Marty

[mdcamping]

My deepest sympathies for your loss

Mike

[Crowe]

So sorry for your loss. When you need him just reach into your heart and you will find him.

[down_home]

Sorry for your loss.
The next stage in life is death, he's now moved on and out of pain and doing exceedingly well.

[ReneeG]

My sincere condolences over the loss of your beloved father and mother, earlier. What a wonderful tribute though and legacy he left you with - the love of our land!

[jplante4]

Fair winds and following seas Chief.

[opnspaces]

My condolences. It sounds like he had a great fulfilling life both personally and professionally. Tell the stories, cherish the memories, and share the wisdom. I know there's no way a Master Chief didn't share his knowledge and wisdom when appropriate. 🙂

[Cloud_Dancer]

Not many dry eyes for this one. We owe a debt of gratitude alright. You're a lucky man. Happy camping.