Posted by Kathy Eierman on July 6, 2011:

Losing my dear wonderful Dad a week ago is one of the most heart wrenching and difficult things I have gone through in my life. I realize how fortunate I am to have had 52 quality years with him as my Dad. However, there is an overwhelming void not being able to pick up the phone and reach out to the man who has been an incredible influence on my life. One of the most powerful life lessons that he taught me is to "live life, do things and have fun doing them". Growing up as an army brat I think we moved ten times by the time I finished high school. It wasn't always easy starting over and making new friends but my dad always made our moves an adventure. Whether we lived in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas or Taipei,Taiwan we took the time to adapt and enjoy where we lived. In later years it was amazing watching my mom and dad never waste a moment in their retirement as they traveled the world exploring new places and meeting new people. There are lots of great family pictures that we will forever treasure. I love that my Dad also taught me the life lesson of relishing the simple things in life. Some of the best memories I have are the moments we spent camping and picnicking on our cross country travels and fishing in our rowboat at Horseshoe Lake. We also spent countless evenings watching family slide shows and playing cards. What a gift to have had so much time just being together. Although my Dad was hardworking, organized and humble he also had a gentle, relaxed and humorous nature. He always loved to be surrounded by family and friends. He had a contagious laugh and enjoyed sharing stories. My youngest daughter Courtney loves to tell the story that when she got in trouble for laughing in her fifth grade class she told the teacher that "it's not my fault that I laugh like my PopPop." My Dad was a wonderful grandfather to our three daughters and I feel very blessed that they will always have great memories of an active and fun loving "PopPop. My Dad has and always will have a gentle and guiding hand on my shoulder. I have and always will love my beautiful Father. I miss him but know he is smiling as he looks down on us from his eternal life in heaven. Blessings, Kathy

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