A Farewell
My father passed away this evening, February 15, 2008 at home, with my mother, brother, and a sister at his side.
My dad didn’t achieve great things; and, like all of us, he made plenty of mistakes. But whatever he did or didn’t do in life, I was proud of him. Many years ago, he quit what was to him a boring job as a draftsman to follow his dream of being a professional pilot. Almost 40 years later, his flying career ended when he couldn’t pass the level of flight physical he needed. His last flight job was flying Lear jets for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
I don’t think it could be termed ‘wanderlust’, but even after he was forced from flying, he couldn’t sit still. He trained for and took a job driving long-haul trucks — but not just any. He had to pick the ones that other drivers weren’t comfortable with: the triples, tankers, dangerous cargoes.
I didn’t get to see him as much as I wanted these last few years; it always seemed like our paths were going different directions, and for one reason or another, just didn’t intersect. Miles, money, time — it was always something. I regret now not making more of an effort.
Robert Eugene Johnson
April 2, 1933 — February 15, 2008
Dad, I love you. I will miss you.
Godspeed.
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Suzy on February 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I am so very sorry that your dad has passed on. What you wrote about his enjoyment of flying, and of his choice to drive long-haul trucks made me smile, thinking that now he can fly anytime he wants, anywhere he wants, and never have to worry about the physical barriers again.
Your words were truly beautiful. I’m sure he was and still is proud to have a son who loved him so much. May he rest in peace, and may your grief be gentle and full of fond memories.
Suzy
chepooka on February 16th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
(((big hug)))
I am so sorry for your loss, Steve. What a lovely tribute.
Rick Cockrum on February 17th, 2008 at 7:01 am
You have my thoughts, Steve. I remember how I felt when my father died, and how it still feels sometimes. This is a beautiful way to remember your father.
Pam on February 18th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Bless your heart, Steve. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Please take care!!
Pam
Steve Olson on February 18th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Steve,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Thanks for sharing a little about your father.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. on February 19th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Steve,
What a nice post about your dad. I certainly didn’t know him, but your words made me smile as I thought of his adventurous spirit. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Steve on February 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 am
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts. I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to comment.