DETTWEILER, Raymond "Clarke" 1929 - 2017 Passed away peacefully while living at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence, Elmira on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the age of 87. Clarke was the dear husband of the late Katherine (nee Kuhn 1987, married September 11, 1954) and the late Ruth (nee Moss 2002, married October 21, 1989). Loving father of six children: ALLAN and his four children Benjamin, Nathan, Andra (Martin) Morel and their children Eric and Lydia; and Jacob Dettweiler; ARTHUR (Debbie) and their children Christopher and Brent; ESTHER (Dave) Snyder and their children Heather and Laura; DORIS (Floyd) Gingerich and their daughter Serena; RONALD Dettweiler; and JANET Charette and her children Alexander and Katherine. Clarke will be fondly remembered by his brother Harold (Margaret) Dettweiler, inlaws Silvin Roth and Joyce Dettweiler, Kuhn Family members Kenneth (Evelyn) Kuhn, Dorothy (Fred) DeLong, Rita Mueller, Norma (Jim) Moore, and sister-in-law Marjorie Kuhn. He will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews. Clarke was born in Waterloo Township near Breslau on September 12, 1929, to parents Isaiah and Lucinda (Bechtel) Dettweiler. He was predeceased by siblings Margaret (Laverne) Good, Mary (John) Sayer, Ruby Roth, Ward (Beatrice) Dettweiler, Norma Dettweiler, Glenn Dettweiler and David Dettweiler (stillborn); and inlaws Milton Kuhn, Wilma Heintz (Carl Keller and Noah Heintz), Carl Kuhn, and Harvey Mueller. Clarke created Dettweiler Framing in 1967 and later on Dettweiler Construction with his sons. He was also a lifetime member of Breslau Mennonite Church, where he was active all his life, having been baptized July 26, 1942. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Chartwell in Elmira who cared for Dad these past four years. Friends are invited to share their memories of Clarke with his family during visitation at Breslau Mennonite Church, 226 Woolwich Street, Breslau on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 7-9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. and the funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at Breslau Mennonite Church, Rev. Eleanor Epp-Stobbe officiating. Interment will be held in the Breslau Mennonite Cemetery and reception will follow in the church hall. Condolences for the family and donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or the House of Friendship may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
************************************************************
TRIBUTE TO OUR FATHER by Doris Dettweiler Gingerich & Art Dettweiler.
Dad was a hardworking, kind and generous man who often said "whatever you think is best" while still giving his thoughts quietly with a gentle wit. He had a good sense of humor which he kept right up until the end. I remember when Dad was learning to walk with his walker following his stroke. The Therapist was encouraging him to stand straight and tall. Dad stopped, looked at her and said, "I can't stand up tall, I'm a short man!"
He was a loving father to his six children, their spouses, his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He kept loving Debbie even though when on one of her cleaning missions she threw out his pickled heart and tongue from his fridge. She couldn't believe anyone would eat that or limburger cheese.
Dad enjoyed the times when our family would get together. This past Christmas we were all able to be together at the nursing home. We played crokinole and connect four; two of the games he enjoyed playing and was good at. Dad sat at a table and everyone took turns sitting with him and playing the games.
Janet expressed a great appreciation for Dad coming to the Netherlands with Aunt Norma when she lived there for a year. He didn't do a lot of travelling so that was a special trip for him also. Dad enjoyed listening to music and Janet appreciated when he came to her band concerts.
Family, friends, Church and God were the centre of his life. He modeled a life of full commitment to everything he did. His parents brought him to church here as a baby, was baptized here, and served on building committee, cemetery committee as well as a trustee. Most of his friends were here at Church, and at Green Acre Park where he enjoyed many years camping. He took great pride in being able to back up a four wheel wagon behind a tractor, the fastest in the campground competition.
He met our mother when she started attending here as a young adult after she began working for Horace and Mary Cressman as their nanny. When Mom & Dad had a brief lapse in their courtship Dad's good friend Rod Weber asked Mom if he could take her back to the Cressman's that night after a young adult event. Dad was kind of taken aback that his friend would move in so quickly as he had hoped to patch things up. That evening Rod spent that entire ride telling mom what a great guy Dad was and she should reevaluate their split up. It worked! Soon Dad & Mom were back on! Rod, our family thanks you for that and the many years of steadfast friendship you have given him. The loyalty of your visits to dad the past four years and your "good-bye" visit early this week, were appreciated both by dad and the rest of the family. Rod thought Dad's clock in his room was pretty cool as it displays the time along with the entire date, including the day, month and year. Our family wants you to have that clock as a thank you and a symbol of the time you gave him.
When we were kids, Sunday afternoons were often spent going for a drive. Sometimes we would drive down a street and Dad would see if Mom could pick out the houses that he had built. Mom would point them out. When we questioned how she knew which ones they were she said it's easy - they are the ones with the straight walls.
One Sunday heading home from a visit with Uncle Ken's the car sputtered and stopped. Problem - water in the gas. What were those two boys thinking? I'd say, ask Allan.
Dad was a steadfast caregiver to Mom who struggled 17 years with Cancer, he was a model of, for better or worse - loyalty to the end.
A couple years after Mom died, Dad set himself up on a blind date with Ruth Moss. When I found out that Ruth lived with her Mother, I teased him and said, if you haven't met Ruth how will you know if it is her or her Mother when they answer the door? He assured me that he would be able to tell the difference between the two of them. Well, I guess he was right, everything turned out real well. Dad & our family were truly blessed when Ruth joined our family and she became Grandma to all our children. We deeply treasure the love she gave to all.
In 1992, I developed a few lots on the street I lived on and offered to sell Dad one. He turned the offer down so I had another immediate buyer. Two days later he came to me and said, "I guess I'm not a very good listener. Ruth really wanted that dream of having her own new home." Okay, I said. I will sell you the lot that I was going to keep for myself. The boys like the pond and hill on our existing place better than the creek side view. Together we built his new bride their home. Our boys were blessed to have Grandma and Grampa living down the street, and my extended family shared many memorable times together in their home.
Dad's wisdom and generosity to the church and it's vision for seniors housing also became more of a reality when the house next door became available and he came to me and said, "We need to buy the property next door." His and Ruth's generosity helped the church greatly with that purchase and even though he didn't live to benefit personally I know he would be pleased with this week's decision to move forward with that vision.
Dad and I were partners in business for 14 years and I remember someone asking him, "How does your partnership work?" Dad's reply was "I just go along with whatever he wants." I think we both cared for each other so give and take was central to our working relationship.
Up until the last couple of years Dad's meals were very important to him. Dad believed in having the four major food groups at each meal. Meat, potatoes, gravy and dessert. There was no need to put any of that green stuff on his plate.
Dad was a little picky about the cookies he ate, he only liked soft cookies. If it was a hard crunchy cookie he would say I don't eat dog biscuits.
.
There are so many people that have been there for dad over the past number of years. He received fantastic care from all the staff at Chartwell Long Term Care in Elmira. Dad especially appreciated the attention of the women PSW's. We also want to thank Eleanor as well as the BMC visitation team for all the time spent with Dad when he was no longer capable of coming to church. We are overwhelmed by all the kindness people have shown to our family these past few days. You have all helped to make the celebration of Dad's life very special. Thank you to Erb & Good funeral home staff for your professional attention to detail.
I remember one day not long after Ruth had passed away, Dad said to me. God must really think I am a strong man, He gave me two sick wives to take care of. I agree Dad, you were a strong man. You cared very well for both your wives and your family. It will be 30 years in March that Mom passed away. Recently Dad had talked a lot about being ready to leave this world and be with her again. We will miss him terribly, but it brings great comfort knowing that after all these years, Mom and Dad are together again. Well done Dad, well done.
***********************************************************
Hymns from Clarke's Service of Worship and Celebration.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
A Wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord
In The Garden
In the Bulb there is a Flower
Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow
************************************************************
TRIBUTE TO OUR FATHER by Doris Dettweiler Gingerich & Art Dettweiler.
Dad was a hardworking, kind and generous man who often said "whatever you think is best" while still giving his thoughts quietly with a gentle wit. He had a good sense of humor which he kept right up until the end. I remember when Dad was learning to walk with his walker following his stroke. The Therapist was encouraging him to stand straight and tall. Dad stopped, looked at her and said, "I can't stand up tall, I'm a short man!"
He was a loving father to his six children, their spouses, his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He kept loving Debbie even though when on one of her cleaning missions she threw out his pickled heart and tongue from his fridge. She couldn't believe anyone would eat that or limburger cheese.
Dad enjoyed the times when our family would get together. This past Christmas we were all able to be together at the nursing home. We played crokinole and connect four; two of the games he enjoyed playing and was good at. Dad sat at a table and everyone took turns sitting with him and playing the games.
Janet expressed a great appreciation for Dad coming to the Netherlands with Aunt Norma when she lived there for a year. He didn't do a lot of travelling so that was a special trip for him also. Dad enjoyed listening to music and Janet appreciated when he came to her band concerts.
Family, friends, Church and God were the centre of his life. He modeled a life of full commitment to everything he did. His parents brought him to church here as a baby, was baptized here, and served on building committee, cemetery committee as well as a trustee. Most of his friends were here at Church, and at Green Acre Park where he enjoyed many years camping. He took great pride in being able to back up a four wheel wagon behind a tractor, the fastest in the campground competition.
He met our mother when she started attending here as a young adult after she began working for Horace and Mary Cressman as their nanny. When Mom & Dad had a brief lapse in their courtship Dad's good friend Rod Weber asked Mom if he could take her back to the Cressman's that night after a young adult event. Dad was kind of taken aback that his friend would move in so quickly as he had hoped to patch things up. That evening Rod spent that entire ride telling mom what a great guy Dad was and she should reevaluate their split up. It worked! Soon Dad & Mom were back on! Rod, our family thanks you for that and the many years of steadfast friendship you have given him. The loyalty of your visits to dad the past four years and your "good-bye" visit early this week, were appreciated both by dad and the rest of the family. Rod thought Dad's clock in his room was pretty cool as it displays the time along with the entire date, including the day, month and year. Our family wants you to have that clock as a thank you and a symbol of the time you gave him.
When we were kids, Sunday afternoons were often spent going for a drive. Sometimes we would drive down a street and Dad would see if Mom could pick out the houses that he had built. Mom would point them out. When we questioned how she knew which ones they were she said it's easy - they are the ones with the straight walls.
One Sunday heading home from a visit with Uncle Ken's the car sputtered and stopped. Problem - water in the gas. What were those two boys thinking? I'd say, ask Allan.
Dad was a steadfast caregiver to Mom who struggled 17 years with Cancer, he was a model of, for better or worse - loyalty to the end.
A couple years after Mom died, Dad set himself up on a blind date with Ruth Moss. When I found out that Ruth lived with her Mother, I teased him and said, if you haven't met Ruth how will you know if it is her or her Mother when they answer the door? He assured me that he would be able to tell the difference between the two of them. Well, I guess he was right, everything turned out real well. Dad & our family were truly blessed when Ruth joined our family and she became Grandma to all our children. We deeply treasure the love she gave to all.
In 1992, I developed a few lots on the street I lived on and offered to sell Dad one. He turned the offer down so I had another immediate buyer. Two days later he came to me and said, "I guess I'm not a very good listener. Ruth really wanted that dream of having her own new home." Okay, I said. I will sell you the lot that I was going to keep for myself. The boys like the pond and hill on our existing place better than the creek side view. Together we built his new bride their home. Our boys were blessed to have Grandma and Grampa living down the street, and my extended family shared many memorable times together in their home.
Dad's wisdom and generosity to the church and it's vision for seniors housing also became more of a reality when the house next door became available and he came to me and said, "We need to buy the property next door." His and Ruth's generosity helped the church greatly with that purchase and even though he didn't live to benefit personally I know he would be pleased with this week's decision to move forward with that vision.
Dad and I were partners in business for 14 years and I remember someone asking him, "How does your partnership work?" Dad's reply was "I just go along with whatever he wants." I think we both cared for each other so give and take was central to our working relationship.
Up until the last couple of years Dad's meals were very important to him. Dad believed in having the four major food groups at each meal. Meat, potatoes, gravy and dessert. There was no need to put any of that green stuff on his plate.
Dad was a little picky about the cookies he ate, he only liked soft cookies. If it was a hard crunchy cookie he would say I don't eat dog biscuits.
.
There are so many people that have been there for dad over the past number of years. He received fantastic care from all the staff at Chartwell Long Term Care in Elmira. Dad especially appreciated the attention of the women PSW's. We also want to thank Eleanor as well as the BMC visitation team for all the time spent with Dad when he was no longer capable of coming to church. We are overwhelmed by all the kindness people have shown to our family these past few days. You have all helped to make the celebration of Dad's life very special. Thank you to Erb & Good funeral home staff for your professional attention to detail.
I remember one day not long after Ruth had passed away, Dad said to me. God must really think I am a strong man, He gave me two sick wives to take care of. I agree Dad, you were a strong man. You cared very well for both your wives and your family. It will be 30 years in March that Mom passed away. Recently Dad had talked a lot about being ready to leave this world and be with her again. We will miss him terribly, but it brings great comfort knowing that after all these years, Mom and Dad are together again. Well done Dad, well done.
***********************************************************
Hymns from Clarke's Service of Worship and Celebration.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
A Wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord
In The Garden
In the Bulb there is a Flower
Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow
DETTWEILER, Raymond "Clarke" 1929 - 2017 Passed away peacefully while living at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence, Elmira on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the age of 87. Clarke was the dear husband of the late Katherine (nee Kuhn 1987, married September 11, 1954) and the late Ruth (nee Moss 2002, married October 21, 1989). Loving father of six children: ALLAN and his four children Benjamin, Nathan, Andra (Martin) Morel and their children Eric and Lydia; and Jacob Dettweiler; ARTHUR (Debbie) and their children Christopher and Brent; ESTHER (Dave) Snyder and their children Heather and Laura; DORIS (Floyd) Gingerich and their daughter Serena; RONALD Dettweiler; and JANET Charette and her children Alexander and Katherine. Clarke will be fondly remembered by his brother Harold (Margaret) Dettweiler, inlaws Silvin Roth and Joyce Dettweiler, Kuhn Family members Kenneth (Evelyn) Kuhn, Dorothy (Fred) DeLong, Rita Mueller, Norma (Jim) Moore, and sister-in-law Marjorie Kuhn. He will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews. Clarke was born in Waterloo Township near Breslau on September 12, 1929, to parents Isaiah and Lucinda (Bechtel) Dettweiler. He was predeceased by siblings Margaret (Laverne) Good, Mary (John) Sayer, Ruby Roth, Ward (Beatrice) Dettweiler, Norma Dettweiler, Glenn Dettweiler and David Dettweiler (stillborn); and inlaws Milton Kuhn, Wilma Heintz (Carl Keller and Noah Heintz), Carl Kuhn, and Harvey Mueller. Clarke created Dettweiler Framing in 1967 and later on Dettweiler Construction with his sons. He was also a lifetime member of Breslau Mennonite Church, where he was active all his life, having been baptized July 26, 1942. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Chartwell in Elmira who cared for Dad these past four years. Friends are invited to share their memories of Clarke with his family during visitation at Breslau Mennonite Church, 226 Woolwich Street, Breslau on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 7-9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. and the funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at Breslau Mennonite Church, Rev. Eleanor Epp-Stobbe officiating. Interment will be held in the Breslau Mennonite Cemetery and reception will follow in the church hall. Condolences for the family and donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or the House of Friendship may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
************************************************************
TRIBUTE TO OUR FATHER by Doris Dettweiler Gingerich & Art Dettweiler.
Dad was a hardworking, kind and generous man who often said "whatever you think is best" while still giving his thoughts quietly with a gentle wit. He had a good sense of humor which he kept right up until the end. I remember when Dad was learning to walk with his walker following his stroke. The Therapist was encouraging him to stand straight and tall. Dad stopped, looked at her and said, "I can't stand up tall, I'm a short man!"
He was a loving father to his six children, their spouses, his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He kept loving Debbie even though when on one of her cleaning missions she threw out his pickled heart and tongue from his fridge. She couldn't believe anyone would eat that or limburger cheese.
Dad enjoyed the times when our family would get together. This past Christmas we were all able to be together at the nursing home. We played crokinole and connect four; two of the games he enjoyed playing and was good at. Dad sat at a table and everyone took turns sitting with him and playing the games.
Janet expressed a great appreciation for Dad coming to the Netherlands with Aunt Norma when she lived there for a year. He didn't do a lot of travelling so that was a special trip for him also. Dad enjoyed listening to music and Janet appreciated when he came to her band concerts.
Family, friends, Church and God were the centre of his life. He modeled a life of full commitment to everything he did. His parents brought him to church here as a baby, was baptized here, and served on building committee, cemetery committee as well as a trustee. Most of his friends were here at Church, and at Green Acre Park where he enjoyed many years camping. He took great pride in being able to back up a four wheel wagon behind a tractor, the fastest in the campground competition.
He met our mother when she started attending here as a young adult after she began working for Horace and Mary Cressman as their nanny. When Mom & Dad had a brief lapse in their courtship Dad's good friend Rod Weber asked Mom if he could take her back to the Cressman's that night after a young adult event. Dad was kind of taken aback that his friend would move in so quickly as he had hoped to patch things up. That evening Rod spent that entire ride telling mom what a great guy Dad was and she should reevaluate their split up. It worked! Soon Dad & Mom were back on! Rod, our family thanks you for that and the many years of steadfast friendship you have given him. The loyalty of your visits to dad the past four years and your "good-bye" visit early this week, were appreciated both by dad and the rest of the family. Rod thought Dad's clock in his room was pretty cool as it displays the time along with the entire date, including the day, month and year. Our family wants you to have that clock as a thank you and a symbol of the time you gave him.
When we were kids, Sunday afternoons were often spent going for a drive. Sometimes we would drive down a street and Dad would see if Mom could pick out the houses that he had built. Mom would point them out. When we questioned how she knew which ones they were she said it's easy - they are the ones with the straight walls.
One Sunday heading home from a visit with Uncle Ken's the car sputtered and stopped. Problem - water in the gas. What were those two boys thinking? I'd say, ask Allan.
Dad was a steadfast caregiver to Mom who struggled 17 years with Cancer, he was a model of, for better or worse - loyalty to the end.
A couple years after Mom died, Dad set himself up on a blind date with Ruth Moss. When I found out that Ruth lived with her Mother, I teased him and said, if you haven't met Ruth how will you know if it is her or her Mother when they answer the door? He assured me that he would be able to tell the difference between the two of them. Well, I guess he was right, everything turned out real well. Dad & our family were truly blessed when Ruth joined our family and she became Grandma to all our children. We deeply treasure the love she gave to all.
In 1992, I developed a few lots on the street I lived on and offered to sell Dad one. He turned the offer down so I had another immediate buyer. Two days later he came to me and said, "I guess I'm not a very good listener. Ruth really wanted that dream of having her own new home." Okay, I said. I will sell you the lot that I was going to keep for myself. The boys like the pond and hill on our existing place better than the creek side view. Together we built his new bride their home. Our boys were blessed to have Grandma and Grampa living down the street, and my extended family shared many memorable times together in their home.
Dad's wisdom and generosity to the church and it's vision for seniors housing also became more of a reality when the house next door became available and he came to me and said, "We need to buy the property next door." His and Ruth's generosity helped the church greatly with that purchase and even though he didn't live to benefit personally I know he would be pleased with this week's decision to move forward with that vision.
Dad and I were partners in business for 14 years and I remember someone asking him, "How does your partnership work?" Dad's reply was "I just go along with whatever he wants." I think we both cared for each other so give and take was central to our working relationship.
Up until the last couple of years Dad's meals were very important to him. Dad believed in having the four major food groups at each meal. Meat, potatoes, gravy and dessert. There was no need to put any of that green stuff on his plate.
Dad was a little picky about the cookies he ate, he only liked soft cookies. If it was a hard crunchy cookie he would say I don't eat dog biscuits.
.
There are so many people that have been there for dad over the past number of years. He received fantastic care from all the staff at Chartwell Long Term Care in Elmira. Dad especially appreciated the attention of the women PSW's. We also want to thank Eleanor as well as the BMC visitation team for all the time spent with Dad when he was no longer capable of coming to church. We are overwhelmed by all the kindness people have shown to our family these past few days. You have all helped to make the celebration of Dad's life very special. Thank you to Erb & Good funeral home staff for your professional attention to detail.
I remember one day not long after Ruth had passed away, Dad said to me. God must really think I am a strong man, He gave me two sick wives to take care of. I agree Dad, you were a strong man. You cared very well for both your wives and your family. It will be 30 years in March that Mom passed away. Recently Dad had talked a lot about being ready to leave this world and be with her again. We will miss him terribly, but it brings great comfort knowing that after all these years, Mom and Dad are together again. Well done Dad, well done.
***********************************************************
Hymns from Clarke's Service of Worship and Celebration.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
A Wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord
In The Garden
In the Bulb there is a Flower
Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow
************************************************************
TRIBUTE TO OUR FATHER by Doris Dettweiler Gingerich & Art Dettweiler.
Dad was a hardworking, kind and generous man who often said "whatever you think is best" while still giving his thoughts quietly with a gentle wit. He had a good sense of humor which he kept right up until the end. I remember when Dad was learning to walk with his walker following his stroke. The Therapist was encouraging him to stand straight and tall. Dad stopped, looked at her and said, "I can't stand up tall, I'm a short man!"
He was a loving father to his six children, their spouses, his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He kept loving Debbie even though when on one of her cleaning missions she threw out his pickled heart and tongue from his fridge. She couldn't believe anyone would eat that or limburger cheese.
Dad enjoyed the times when our family would get together. This past Christmas we were all able to be together at the nursing home. We played crokinole and connect four; two of the games he enjoyed playing and was good at. Dad sat at a table and everyone took turns sitting with him and playing the games.
Janet expressed a great appreciation for Dad coming to the Netherlands with Aunt Norma when she lived there for a year. He didn't do a lot of travelling so that was a special trip for him also. Dad enjoyed listening to music and Janet appreciated when he came to her band concerts.
Family, friends, Church and God were the centre of his life. He modeled a life of full commitment to everything he did. His parents brought him to church here as a baby, was baptized here, and served on building committee, cemetery committee as well as a trustee. Most of his friends were here at Church, and at Green Acre Park where he enjoyed many years camping. He took great pride in being able to back up a four wheel wagon behind a tractor, the fastest in the campground competition.
He met our mother when she started attending here as a young adult after she began working for Horace and Mary Cressman as their nanny. When Mom & Dad had a brief lapse in their courtship Dad's good friend Rod Weber asked Mom if he could take her back to the Cressman's that night after a young adult event. Dad was kind of taken aback that his friend would move in so quickly as he had hoped to patch things up. That evening Rod spent that entire ride telling mom what a great guy Dad was and she should reevaluate their split up. It worked! Soon Dad & Mom were back on! Rod, our family thanks you for that and the many years of steadfast friendship you have given him. The loyalty of your visits to dad the past four years and your "good-bye" visit early this week, were appreciated both by dad and the rest of the family. Rod thought Dad's clock in his room was pretty cool as it displays the time along with the entire date, including the day, month and year. Our family wants you to have that clock as a thank you and a symbol of the time you gave him.
When we were kids, Sunday afternoons were often spent going for a drive. Sometimes we would drive down a street and Dad would see if Mom could pick out the houses that he had built. Mom would point them out. When we questioned how she knew which ones they were she said it's easy - they are the ones with the straight walls.
One Sunday heading home from a visit with Uncle Ken's the car sputtered and stopped. Problem - water in the gas. What were those two boys thinking? I'd say, ask Allan.
Dad was a steadfast caregiver to Mom who struggled 17 years with Cancer, he was a model of, for better or worse - loyalty to the end.
A couple years after Mom died, Dad set himself up on a blind date with Ruth Moss. When I found out that Ruth lived with her Mother, I teased him and said, if you haven't met Ruth how will you know if it is her or her Mother when they answer the door? He assured me that he would be able to tell the difference between the two of them. Well, I guess he was right, everything turned out real well. Dad & our family were truly blessed when Ruth joined our family and she became Grandma to all our children. We deeply treasure the love she gave to all.
In 1992, I developed a few lots on the street I lived on and offered to sell Dad one. He turned the offer down so I had another immediate buyer. Two days later he came to me and said, "I guess I'm not a very good listener. Ruth really wanted that dream of having her own new home." Okay, I said. I will sell you the lot that I was going to keep for myself. The boys like the pond and hill on our existing place better than the creek side view. Together we built his new bride their home. Our boys were blessed to have Grandma and Grampa living down the street, and my extended family shared many memorable times together in their home.
Dad's wisdom and generosity to the church and it's vision for seniors housing also became more of a reality when the house next door became available and he came to me and said, "We need to buy the property next door." His and Ruth's generosity helped the church greatly with that purchase and even though he didn't live to benefit personally I know he would be pleased with this week's decision to move forward with that vision.
Dad and I were partners in business for 14 years and I remember someone asking him, "How does your partnership work?" Dad's reply was "I just go along with whatever he wants." I think we both cared for each other so give and take was central to our working relationship.
Up until the last couple of years Dad's meals were very important to him. Dad believed in having the four major food groups at each meal. Meat, potatoes, gravy and dessert. There was no need to put any of that green stuff on his plate.
Dad was a little picky about the cookies he ate, he only liked soft cookies. If it was a hard crunchy cookie he would say I don't eat dog biscuits.
.
There are so many people that have been there for dad over the past number of years. He received fantastic care from all the staff at Chartwell Long Term Care in Elmira. Dad especially appreciated the attention of the women PSW's. We also want to thank Eleanor as well as the BMC visitation team for all the time spent with Dad when he was no longer capable of coming to church. We are overwhelmed by all the kindness people have shown to our family these past few days. You have all helped to make the celebration of Dad's life very special. Thank you to Erb & Good funeral home staff for your professional attention to detail.
I remember one day not long after Ruth had passed away, Dad said to me. God must really think I am a strong man, He gave me two sick wives to take care of. I agree Dad, you were a strong man. You cared very well for both your wives and your family. It will be 30 years in March that Mom passed away. Recently Dad had talked a lot about being ready to leave this world and be with her again. We will miss him terribly, but it brings great comfort knowing that after all these years, Mom and Dad are together again. Well done Dad, well done.
***********************************************************
Hymns from Clarke's Service of Worship and Celebration.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
A Wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord
In The Garden
In the Bulb there is a Flower
Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow
