Sorry to be sending this note somewhat shotgun. Need to get this off
and get off the line. Col. Schwar, if you could work with Palmer Mcgrew
at disseminating to the class of 1958. I would appreciate it. If there
is someone in the class you need me to get hold of let me know and I will
take care of it. The plan is for a viewing to be held at West Point on
Tuesday night (8/18). Tentatively 6:00PM. Funeral Home up there is Hogan
Funeral Home (in Highland Falls I believe). Services tentative for late
morning on WED (8/19) at the Catholic Chapel. Burial at West Point Cemetary.
I also believe that "some gathering" will be held after the funeral.
My dad (surprise, surprise) left 13 pages of detailed instruction. He
specifically requested no flowers. Donations to any of the three is his
preference: International Myeloma Foundation 2120 Stanley Hills Drive Los
Angeles, CA 90046 Your local Catholic church American Cancer Society The
viewing will be an open casket with my dad in his dress whites - accompanied
by a little motorized Jet Ski somewhere in the casket.... Col. Shwar, as
always I appreciate your help on this. Second only to my Mom, the Class
of '58 had a profound influence on my dad and for that I am grateful to
all of you. Because of what I have seen in my dad and his classmates I
will always hold a special reverance for West Point. To Dave, Dean, Duane
(and Stu if you will pass the word), thanks so much to each of you for
your help and support before I left.
Sorry my thanks is buried in this note. I love my dad. He is a great
man. If you can think of him, please think of him in the present tense.
He suffered more than he deserved to in his last day. He again showed me
his courage. His suffering does make letting him go easier. Keep my mom
in your thoughts. I believe that there is a price to be paid for my dad's
physical absence. And I do not believe that price for my mom will come
due until later. She is doing well now but please keep her in your thoughts.
Below is a passage my dad left behind that he found somewhere. I think
it fills the bill....
JRR
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now. He set me free.
Author unknown
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