Vukoslav Eneas Aguirre

West Point, 1964

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Tonka Aguirre - Daughter on August 13, 2020:

Words normally come so easily to me, but I have been at a loss for words that I feel give my father the honor he deserves. To say I held my father in the highest esteem would be an understatement. My dad was someone I admire and I strive to be like on a daily basis. His calm demeanor, strong resiliency, his ability to approach hard times with a clear head and no fear, his quiet admiration of those around him, his silly sense of humor, his dedication to helping others in need, and his love for his family. "I had 10 problems this morning, and I still have 10 problems this afternoon" became a phrase I heard a lot lately. His health issues had taken a toll on his natural abilities to solve problems and complete tasks but even so, he persevered...he approached each new day as a new opportunity to get things done....always without fear, without excuses and with determination. Decency, reliability, honesty, dignity, respect: these are all qualities my father not only held in high esteem, he practiced them every day of his life. He was serious and disciplined in his ways, but he never resisted an opportunity to have a laugh with strangers, friends and loved ones. Dad was an only child, who was born and grew up in Santiago, Chile. He received a full ride scholarship to West Point Military Academy as a foreign cadet and moved to the United States in 1960. After graduating from West Point and completing his Masters and PhD in Soils Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Illinois, he worked internationally and in the United States before starting his own company in Denver, Colorado. On one of his international projects in Honduras, Dad met the love of his life, Emma Jeannette Bendana. They married -- and remained happily together for half a century. Mom and Dad were always together and were always a great example for me of what a good marriage should be. They fit together perfectly and complimented each other in all aspects. Dad would do anything for mom...he treated her like a queen and never failed her in anything she needed. I most admired that he did not miss one of her chemo treatments and would sit with her no matter how long it would take. He always looked at her with loving eyes and truly appreciated the life they had created together. Dad often dreamed about his "trip around the world" with mom and would study culture, history and cuisine of his desired travel locations. I hope they will meet again to finally take that trip around the world. When I moved out of home and started my own family, I began to understand my father in new way. We were able to find time to sit and discuss what it meant to be a parent, particularly in a modern world that�s fast-changing and very different to the one in which he was born and grew up in. Dad gave sage advice on everything from teaching my kids manners and responsibility, upkeeping a home, understanding education, and showing compassion for my children. Dad was a straightforward man who demanded little from those around him, and who expected only the best for his children. Provided he knew we were okay -- he was content. He was our biggest advocate and always was pleased when we preserved and accomplished our desires. He was an advocate of the book "The Little Train that Could," and would always remind us and the grandchildren to approach life with the "I think I can" attitude. To me, Dad�s finest quality was his patience and ability to address issues that came up in our lives: he had an inherent ability to listen, to absorb and to offer a point of view based on quiet, measured wisdom. He would demonstrate this with his children and later with his granddaughters. I loved to see him help my daughters with their problems and listen to their stories and relish in their interests. It is difficult to imagine dad not being around and I�m not sure how we will all adjust to his absence. My daughters, my husband, and I miss him dearly. It�s strange to think that I can�t just give him a call or stop by and visit or see his smiling face or hear his interesting stories. Dad lived a life his way, he never allowed his health to control him. He never complained and always looked his challenges face on without fear. He only succumbed to his illness at the very end. Dad brought joy and fulfilment to many, and his legacy will live on forever more in our hearts...especially for your baby girl who always looked forward to your silly jokes, being able to help you as you have always helped me, making you proud and sharing in all your special moments. I look forward to seeing you again soon when I too cross the gates of heaven. I love you daddy! Love you baby girl -- the "squeaky wheel" that always gets the job done!

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