Portsmouth - Arthur Evan Jones, 73, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and formerly of Buffalo, New York passed away peacefully on February 24.
He was born on May 7, 1937 in Buffalo, NY the son of Arthur and Eleanor Jones.Beloved husband of Joan (Steinberger) Jones for 48 years. Loving father of Kathleen Lewis and her husband Michael of Hampton, New Hampshire and Kevin Jones and his wife Melissa, of Ithaca, New York. Cherished grandfather of Hayley, Michael, Emily, and Matthew.
Survived by his sister Diane Eckert and her husband Wilfred of Buffalo, New York and many loving sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Arthur graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and the State University of New York College at Buffalo with a Master of Science in Education. He is also fondly remembered by his colleagues and students from the West Seneca Central Schools of West Seneca, New York.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 1, at Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St., Portsmouth, NH.
Donations may be made in Arthur's memory to Corpus Christi Parish, 2075 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Eulogy for Arthur Evan JonesMay 7, 1937 - February 24, 2011Presented by his daughter KathleenMarch 1, 2011 Immaculate Conception Church, Portsmouth, New Hampshire First let me say that my Dad would be so honored that you are here. He always enjoyed being with family and friends.My Dad had a great memory for facts, dates and geography. Every conversation was a history lesson. And, so I'd like to share a remembrance before we say goodbye in a manner I think my Dad would appreciate.My Dad was very proud of his Irish and Welsh heritage. His Mom was Irish American and his Dad, born in Canada, was a Jones, of Welsh decent. There are actually quite a few American Presidents of Welsh decent including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln.My Dad graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and a few years ago enjoyed celebrating his 50th High School Reunion. He received his Master's degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. He taught social studies for 25 years at the West Seneca Central Schools, a suburb just south of Buffalo. My Dad's students voted him Teacher of the Year for the following reasons: 1. "He has a good personality; 2. He understands you; and 3. He marks fair." His best friend and former teaching colleague Kevin Osinski or "The O" as my Dad called him, is here for my Dad.They say the Welsh have a great respect for education. Teaching runs in my Dad's family. My Dad, his sister and all three of her children are all teachers and professors. My Dad actually passed away on his mother's birthday. My Dad's sister, her husband and my Dad's niece from Buffalo are all here today for my Dad.Prior to college, my Dad served for a brief time in the Army Reserves. However, if you listened to his stories, you would think he was a career military man. He was particularly proud of his two nephews that served in the armed forces. His nephew Phil, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Gulf War, is here today for my Dad.In the 1960's the population of Buffalo was 618,000. Buffalo was Big Steel and auto manufacturing. The Bethlehem Steel plant in Buffalo was considered the 4th largest Steel Manufacturer in the world. The plant employed over 20,000 people, including my Dad. He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 10 years in the Industrial Engineering Department.Around that time, he met my mother on a blind date. My mom was beautiful and it's not hard to imagine that my Dad fell in love with her. Within a year they were married. She had just finished nursing school. He often said, "Kath, the best decision I ever made was to marry your mother." He had a lot of confidence and trust in my mom. He loved her and they were married for 48 years.After marrying my Mom, my Dad soon realized that Germans are not just on the east side of Buffalo. My Dad was host to many visits from my mom's German relatives, usually with little or no notice.Years later, my husband Mike remarked to my Dad, "Art they arrived in July, it's now August, and they are still here." My Dad just quietly replied, "Mike, now listen to me, they invade, they're German, it's just what they do." My Dad loved all the German relatives and with my mom, visited Germany. Becky his niece from Germany is here with her son Marvin for my Dad.My brother Kevin and I were born in the 60's just about a year apart. Kevin inherited my Dad's completely dry sense of humor. As a lawyer, Kevin, like my Dad, gets his facts straight and has the ability to give a great closing argument. And, just like my Dad, Kevin has genuine empathy for people. Dad loved Kevin's wife, Melissa. Dad often said, "Thank God for Melissa".Everyone always said I looked like my Dad and without question I inherited his inability to get to the point. He taught me to be a good listener. There was no other option. "Now Kath, don't interrupt, I'm not finished, yet." My Dad, always the teacher, taught me to be strong and independent. My Dad loved my husband Mike like a son.My Dad had a special relationship with my daughter Hayley, the first grandchild. One of the last conversations I had with my Dad was about his interest in Hayley's college plans. Hayley inherited my Dad's easy going personality and ability to connect with people.My Dad was a frequent fan at my son Mikey's soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and football games. Mikey inherited my Dad's sensitive nature and love of sports. Mikey has my Dad's determination, "Fighting Irishman", like my Dad.All four of my Dad's grandchildren are here Hayley Theresa, Michael Richard, Emily Elizabeth and Matthew Evan, who will carry on our family name, Jones.It was the birth of my daughter that inspired my Mom and Dad to move to historic Portsmouth. My Dad walked everywhere and built a house here to share with my mother. Like Buffalo, Portsmouth is on a river and near a large body of water. He felt at home here. His New England friends and my friends who got to know and love my Dad over the years are here.My Dad was a major Buffalo Bills fan. In 1991 the Bills made it to the Super Bowl and of course there is a phrase we don't like to use in Buffalo, "wide right". The Buffalo Bills lost four consecutive Super Bowls. And my Dad's cardiologist wondered why my Dad had a weak heart?They say the Irish love horses. On the west side of Buffalo not far from downtown there is the Peace Bridge to Canada. Fort Erie, Ontario. The home of the Fort Erie Race Track. The story goes that my parents were in Canada when my Mom went into labor with my brother and my Dad stopped in Fort Erie to place a bet before taking my Mom to the hospital.My Dad's heart failed him while he was watching the equestrian sport of horse racing. We will confirm with OTB if the tri-fecta won or lost. And, of course my Dad always shared his winnings with his children and grandchildren at Christmas.Before we say Good bye to my Dad, I just want to say that as a Catholic, my Dad understood the importance of Faith and although his death was not in our plan we accept that it was God's plan. His passing was unexpected and we will miss him but we are all comforted because we are together as family and friends. Let us celebrate that my Dad is where he wanted to be, in Heaven, and we are all blessed to have known him.Thank You.
He was born on May 7, 1937 in Buffalo, NY the son of Arthur and Eleanor Jones.Beloved husband of Joan (Steinberger) Jones for 48 years. Loving father of Kathleen Lewis and her husband Michael of Hampton, New Hampshire and Kevin Jones and his wife Melissa, of Ithaca, New York. Cherished grandfather of Hayley, Michael, Emily, and Matthew.
Survived by his sister Diane Eckert and her husband Wilfred of Buffalo, New York and many loving sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Arthur graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and the State University of New York College at Buffalo with a Master of Science in Education. He is also fondly remembered by his colleagues and students from the West Seneca Central Schools of West Seneca, New York.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 1, at Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St., Portsmouth, NH.
Donations may be made in Arthur's memory to Corpus Christi Parish, 2075 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Eulogy for Arthur Evan JonesMay 7, 1937 - February 24, 2011Presented by his daughter KathleenMarch 1, 2011 Immaculate Conception Church, Portsmouth, New Hampshire First let me say that my Dad would be so honored that you are here. He always enjoyed being with family and friends.My Dad had a great memory for facts, dates and geography. Every conversation was a history lesson. And, so I'd like to share a remembrance before we say goodbye in a manner I think my Dad would appreciate.My Dad was very proud of his Irish and Welsh heritage. His Mom was Irish American and his Dad, born in Canada, was a Jones, of Welsh decent. There are actually quite a few American Presidents of Welsh decent including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln.My Dad graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and a few years ago enjoyed celebrating his 50th High School Reunion. He received his Master's degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. He taught social studies for 25 years at the West Seneca Central Schools, a suburb just south of Buffalo. My Dad's students voted him Teacher of the Year for the following reasons: 1. "He has a good personality; 2. He understands you; and 3. He marks fair." His best friend and former teaching colleague Kevin Osinski or "The O" as my Dad called him, is here for my Dad.They say the Welsh have a great respect for education. Teaching runs in my Dad's family. My Dad, his sister and all three of her children are all teachers and professors. My Dad actually passed away on his mother's birthday. My Dad's sister, her husband and my Dad's niece from Buffalo are all here today for my Dad.Prior to college, my Dad served for a brief time in the Army Reserves. However, if you listened to his stories, you would think he was a career military man. He was particularly proud of his two nephews that served in the armed forces. His nephew Phil, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Gulf War, is here today for my Dad.In the 1960's the population of Buffalo was 618,000. Buffalo was Big Steel and auto manufacturing. The Bethlehem Steel plant in Buffalo was considered the 4th largest Steel Manufacturer in the world. The plant employed over 20,000 people, including my Dad. He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 10 years in the Industrial Engineering Department.Around that time, he met my mother on a blind date. My mom was beautiful and it's not hard to imagine that my Dad fell in love with her. Within a year they were married. She had just finished nursing school. He often said, "Kath, the best decision I ever made was to marry your mother." He had a lot of confidence and trust in my mom. He loved her and they were married for 48 years.After marrying my Mom, my Dad soon realized that Germans are not just on the east side of Buffalo. My Dad was host to many visits from my mom's German relatives, usually with little or no notice.Years later, my husband Mike remarked to my Dad, "Art they arrived in July, it's now August, and they are still here." My Dad just quietly replied, "Mike, now listen to me, they invade, they're German, it's just what they do." My Dad loved all the German relatives and with my mom, visited Germany. Becky his niece from Germany is here with her son Marvin for my Dad.My brother Kevin and I were born in the 60's just about a year apart. Kevin inherited my Dad's completely dry sense of humor. As a lawyer, Kevin, like my Dad, gets his facts straight and has the ability to give a great closing argument. And, just like my Dad, Kevin has genuine empathy for people. Dad loved Kevin's wife, Melissa. Dad often said, "Thank God for Melissa".Everyone always said I looked like my Dad and without question I inherited his inability to get to the point. He taught me to be a good listener. There was no other option. "Now Kath, don't interrupt, I'm not finished, yet." My Dad, always the teacher, taught me to be strong and independent. My Dad loved my husband Mike like a son.My Dad had a special relationship with my daughter Hayley, the first grandchild. One of the last conversations I had with my Dad was about his interest in Hayley's college plans. Hayley inherited my Dad's easy going personality and ability to connect with people.My Dad was a frequent fan at my son Mikey's soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and football games. Mikey inherited my Dad's sensitive nature and love of sports. Mikey has my Dad's determination, "Fighting Irishman", like my Dad.All four of my Dad's grandchildren are here Hayley Theresa, Michael Richard, Emily Elizabeth and Matthew Evan, who will carry on our family name, Jones.It was the birth of my daughter that inspired my Mom and Dad to move to historic Portsmouth. My Dad walked everywhere and built a house here to share with my mother. Like Buffalo, Portsmouth is on a river and near a large body of water. He felt at home here. His New England friends and my friends who got to know and love my Dad over the years are here.My Dad was a major Buffalo Bills fan. In 1991 the Bills made it to the Super Bowl and of course there is a phrase we don't like to use in Buffalo, "wide right". The Buffalo Bills lost four consecutive Super Bowls. And my Dad's cardiologist wondered why my Dad had a weak heart?They say the Irish love horses. On the west side of Buffalo not far from downtown there is the Peace Bridge to Canada. Fort Erie, Ontario. The home of the Fort Erie Race Track. The story goes that my parents were in Canada when my Mom went into labor with my brother and my Dad stopped in Fort Erie to place a bet before taking my Mom to the hospital.My Dad's heart failed him while he was watching the equestrian sport of horse racing. We will confirm with OTB if the tri-fecta won or lost. And, of course my Dad always shared his winnings with his children and grandchildren at Christmas.Before we say Good bye to my Dad, I just want to say that as a Catholic, my Dad understood the importance of Faith and although his death was not in our plan we accept that it was God's plan. His passing was unexpected and we will miss him but we are all comforted because we are together as family and friends. Let us celebrate that my Dad is where he wanted to be, in Heaven, and we are all blessed to have known him.Thank You.
Portsmouth - Arthur Evan Jones, 73, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and formerly of Buffalo, New York passed away peacefully on February 24.
He was born on May 7, 1937 in Buffalo, NY the son of Arthur and Eleanor Jones.Beloved husband of Joan (Steinberger) Jones for 48 years. Loving father of Kathleen Lewis and her husband Michael of Hampton, New Hampshire and Kevin Jones and his wife Melissa, of Ithaca, New York. Cherished grandfather of Hayley, Michael, Emily, and Matthew.
Survived by his sister Diane Eckert and her husband Wilfred of Buffalo, New York and many loving sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Arthur graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and the State University of New York College at Buffalo with a Master of Science in Education. He is also fondly remembered by his colleagues and students from the West Seneca Central Schools of West Seneca, New York.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 1, at Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St., Portsmouth, NH.
Donations may be made in Arthur's memory to Corpus Christi Parish, 2075 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Eulogy for Arthur Evan JonesMay 7, 1937 - February 24, 2011Presented by his daughter KathleenMarch 1, 2011 Immaculate Conception Church, Portsmouth, New Hampshire First let me say that my Dad would be so honored that you are here. He always enjoyed being with family and friends.My Dad had a great memory for facts, dates and geography. Every conversation was a history lesson. And, so I'd like to share a remembrance before we say goodbye in a manner I think my Dad would appreciate.My Dad was very proud of his Irish and Welsh heritage. His Mom was Irish American and his Dad, born in Canada, was a Jones, of Welsh decent. There are actually quite a few American Presidents of Welsh decent including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln.My Dad graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and a few years ago enjoyed celebrating his 50th High School Reunion. He received his Master's degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. He taught social studies for 25 years at the West Seneca Central Schools, a suburb just south of Buffalo. My Dad's students voted him Teacher of the Year for the following reasons: 1. "He has a good personality; 2. He understands you; and 3. He marks fair." His best friend and former teaching colleague Kevin Osinski or "The O" as my Dad called him, is here for my Dad.They say the Welsh have a great respect for education. Teaching runs in my Dad's family. My Dad, his sister and all three of her children are all teachers and professors. My Dad actually passed away on his mother's birthday. My Dad's sister, her husband and my Dad's niece from Buffalo are all here today for my Dad.Prior to college, my Dad served for a brief time in the Army Reserves. However, if you listened to his stories, you would think he was a career military man. He was particularly proud of his two nephews that served in the armed forces. His nephew Phil, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Gulf War, is here today for my Dad.In the 1960's the population of Buffalo was 618,000. Buffalo was Big Steel and auto manufacturing. The Bethlehem Steel plant in Buffalo was considered the 4th largest Steel Manufacturer in the world. The plant employed over 20,000 people, including my Dad. He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 10 years in the Industrial Engineering Department.Around that time, he met my mother on a blind date. My mom was beautiful and it's not hard to imagine that my Dad fell in love with her. Within a year they were married. She had just finished nursing school. He often said, "Kath, the best decision I ever made was to marry your mother." He had a lot of confidence and trust in my mom. He loved her and they were married for 48 years.After marrying my Mom, my Dad soon realized that Germans are not just on the east side of Buffalo. My Dad was host to many visits from my mom's German relatives, usually with little or no notice.Years later, my husband Mike remarked to my Dad, "Art they arrived in July, it's now August, and they are still here." My Dad just quietly replied, "Mike, now listen to me, they invade, they're German, it's just what they do." My Dad loved all the German relatives and with my mom, visited Germany. Becky his niece from Germany is here with her son Marvin for my Dad.My brother Kevin and I were born in the 60's just about a year apart. Kevin inherited my Dad's completely dry sense of humor. As a lawyer, Kevin, like my Dad, gets his facts straight and has the ability to give a great closing argument. And, just like my Dad, Kevin has genuine empathy for people. Dad loved Kevin's wife, Melissa. Dad often said, "Thank God for Melissa".Everyone always said I looked like my Dad and without question I inherited his inability to get to the point. He taught me to be a good listener. There was no other option. "Now Kath, don't interrupt, I'm not finished, yet." My Dad, always the teacher, taught me to be strong and independent. My Dad loved my husband Mike like a son.My Dad had a special relationship with my daughter Hayley, the first grandchild. One of the last conversations I had with my Dad was about his interest in Hayley's college plans. Hayley inherited my Dad's easy going personality and ability to connect with people.My Dad was a frequent fan at my son Mikey's soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and football games. Mikey inherited my Dad's sensitive nature and love of sports. Mikey has my Dad's determination, "Fighting Irishman", like my Dad.All four of my Dad's grandchildren are here Hayley Theresa, Michael Richard, Emily Elizabeth and Matthew Evan, who will carry on our family name, Jones.It was the birth of my daughter that inspired my Mom and Dad to move to historic Portsmouth. My Dad walked everywhere and built a house here to share with my mother. Like Buffalo, Portsmouth is on a river and near a large body of water. He felt at home here. His New England friends and my friends who got to know and love my Dad over the years are here.My Dad was a major Buffalo Bills fan. In 1991 the Bills made it to the Super Bowl and of course there is a phrase we don't like to use in Buffalo, "wide right". The Buffalo Bills lost four consecutive Super Bowls. And my Dad's cardiologist wondered why my Dad had a weak heart?They say the Irish love horses. On the west side of Buffalo not far from downtown there is the Peace Bridge to Canada. Fort Erie, Ontario. The home of the Fort Erie Race Track. The story goes that my parents were in Canada when my Mom went into labor with my brother and my Dad stopped in Fort Erie to place a bet before taking my Mom to the hospital.My Dad's heart failed him while he was watching the equestrian sport of horse racing. We will confirm with OTB if the tri-fecta won or lost. And, of course my Dad always shared his winnings with his children and grandchildren at Christmas.Before we say Good bye to my Dad, I just want to say that as a Catholic, my Dad understood the importance of Faith and although his death was not in our plan we accept that it was God's plan. His passing was unexpected and we will miss him but we are all comforted because we are together as family and friends. Let us celebrate that my Dad is where he wanted to be, in Heaven, and we are all blessed to have known him.Thank You.
He was born on May 7, 1937 in Buffalo, NY the son of Arthur and Eleanor Jones.Beloved husband of Joan (Steinberger) Jones for 48 years. Loving father of Kathleen Lewis and her husband Michael of Hampton, New Hampshire and Kevin Jones and his wife Melissa, of Ithaca, New York. Cherished grandfather of Hayley, Michael, Emily, and Matthew.
Survived by his sister Diane Eckert and her husband Wilfred of Buffalo, New York and many loving sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Arthur graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and the State University of New York College at Buffalo with a Master of Science in Education. He is also fondly remembered by his colleagues and students from the West Seneca Central Schools of West Seneca, New York.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 1, at Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St., Portsmouth, NH.
Donations may be made in Arthur's memory to Corpus Christi Parish, 2075 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Eulogy for Arthur Evan JonesMay 7, 1937 - February 24, 2011Presented by his daughter KathleenMarch 1, 2011 Immaculate Conception Church, Portsmouth, New Hampshire First let me say that my Dad would be so honored that you are here. He always enjoyed being with family and friends.My Dad had a great memory for facts, dates and geography. Every conversation was a history lesson. And, so I'd like to share a remembrance before we say goodbye in a manner I think my Dad would appreciate.My Dad was very proud of his Irish and Welsh heritage. His Mom was Irish American and his Dad, born in Canada, was a Jones, of Welsh decent. There are actually quite a few American Presidents of Welsh decent including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln.My Dad graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and a few years ago enjoyed celebrating his 50th High School Reunion. He received his Master's degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. He taught social studies for 25 years at the West Seneca Central Schools, a suburb just south of Buffalo. My Dad's students voted him Teacher of the Year for the following reasons: 1. "He has a good personality; 2. He understands you; and 3. He marks fair." His best friend and former teaching colleague Kevin Osinski or "The O" as my Dad called him, is here for my Dad.They say the Welsh have a great respect for education. Teaching runs in my Dad's family. My Dad, his sister and all three of her children are all teachers and professors. My Dad actually passed away on his mother's birthday. My Dad's sister, her husband and my Dad's niece from Buffalo are all here today for my Dad.Prior to college, my Dad served for a brief time in the Army Reserves. However, if you listened to his stories, you would think he was a career military man. He was particularly proud of his two nephews that served in the armed forces. His nephew Phil, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Gulf War, is here today for my Dad.In the 1960's the population of Buffalo was 618,000. Buffalo was Big Steel and auto manufacturing. The Bethlehem Steel plant in Buffalo was considered the 4th largest Steel Manufacturer in the world. The plant employed over 20,000 people, including my Dad. He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 10 years in the Industrial Engineering Department.Around that time, he met my mother on a blind date. My mom was beautiful and it's not hard to imagine that my Dad fell in love with her. Within a year they were married. She had just finished nursing school. He often said, "Kath, the best decision I ever made was to marry your mother." He had a lot of confidence and trust in my mom. He loved her and they were married for 48 years.After marrying my Mom, my Dad soon realized that Germans are not just on the east side of Buffalo. My Dad was host to many visits from my mom's German relatives, usually with little or no notice.Years later, my husband Mike remarked to my Dad, "Art they arrived in July, it's now August, and they are still here." My Dad just quietly replied, "Mike, now listen to me, they invade, they're German, it's just what they do." My Dad loved all the German relatives and with my mom, visited Germany. Becky his niece from Germany is here with her son Marvin for my Dad.My brother Kevin and I were born in the 60's just about a year apart. Kevin inherited my Dad's completely dry sense of humor. As a lawyer, Kevin, like my Dad, gets his facts straight and has the ability to give a great closing argument. And, just like my Dad, Kevin has genuine empathy for people. Dad loved Kevin's wife, Melissa. Dad often said, "Thank God for Melissa".Everyone always said I looked like my Dad and without question I inherited his inability to get to the point. He taught me to be a good listener. There was no other option. "Now Kath, don't interrupt, I'm not finished, yet." My Dad, always the teacher, taught me to be strong and independent. My Dad loved my husband Mike like a son.My Dad had a special relationship with my daughter Hayley, the first grandchild. One of the last conversations I had with my Dad was about his interest in Hayley's college plans. Hayley inherited my Dad's easy going personality and ability to connect with people.My Dad was a frequent fan at my son Mikey's soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and football games. Mikey inherited my Dad's sensitive nature and love of sports. Mikey has my Dad's determination, "Fighting Irishman", like my Dad.All four of my Dad's grandchildren are here Hayley Theresa, Michael Richard, Emily Elizabeth and Matthew Evan, who will carry on our family name, Jones.It was the birth of my daughter that inspired my Mom and Dad to move to historic Portsmouth. My Dad walked everywhere and built a house here to share with my mother. Like Buffalo, Portsmouth is on a river and near a large body of water. He felt at home here. His New England friends and my friends who got to know and love my Dad over the years are here.My Dad was a major Buffalo Bills fan. In 1991 the Bills made it to the Super Bowl and of course there is a phrase we don't like to use in Buffalo, "wide right". The Buffalo Bills lost four consecutive Super Bowls. And my Dad's cardiologist wondered why my Dad had a weak heart?They say the Irish love horses. On the west side of Buffalo not far from downtown there is the Peace Bridge to Canada. Fort Erie, Ontario. The home of the Fort Erie Race Track. The story goes that my parents were in Canada when my Mom went into labor with my brother and my Dad stopped in Fort Erie to place a bet before taking my Mom to the hospital.My Dad's heart failed him while he was watching the equestrian sport of horse racing. We will confirm with OTB if the tri-fecta won or lost. And, of course my Dad always shared his winnings with his children and grandchildren at Christmas.Before we say Good bye to my Dad, I just want to say that as a Catholic, my Dad understood the importance of Faith and although his death was not in our plan we accept that it was God's plan. His passing was unexpected and we will miss him but we are all comforted because we are together as family and friends. Let us celebrate that my Dad is where he wanted to be, in Heaven, and we are all blessed to have known him.Thank You.
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