Lost my best friend, father, and mentor. My heart is crushed to say the least


pe2unia

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Many of you have met my dad at past Rally's, event dinners, car shows, or maybe GT Guy events held at my house and felt the same way I did of him "a true gentleman". I posted a thread in September 2013 letting those who knew him that he had a major stroke and it would be a huge fight to regain his motor skills but he never did. Back in early 2010 he was diagnosed with a rare incurable form of prostate cancer and it finally took its toll on him this Saturday as he took his last breath after spending 2 months in a hospice house. I can't tell you how hard he worked over the last 10 months trying to get to the point that he could do for himself again but it was not to be. For those who knew us understand the relationship my father and I had as we did everything together (travel, cars, golf..) and I am lost to say the least. Until we meet again dad...you will be missed but NEVER forgotten.
 

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SteveA

GT Owner/B.O.D
Mark IV Lifetime
Dec 13, 2005
3,697
Sandpoint Id
So sorry to hear. Your dad was very fortunate to have a son that loved him so much as to make him part of his adult life, cherish those memories. I said goodbye to my father in '07 and the loss is still felt daily but it does help me to know that he knew how much I loved him. God Bless.
 

dbk

Admin
Staff member
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jul 30, 2005
15,242
Metro Detroit
Very sorry for your loss John. Your Dad was a true gentleman and he will be greatly missed by all.
 

Sinovac

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 18, 2006
5,862
Largo, Florida
I am very sorry for your loss.
 

PILOTJPW1

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Sep 22, 2005
912
Maryland
Sorry to hear it. You guys had an incredible relationship and life together.
 

Xcentric

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 9, 2012
5,213
Myakka City, Florida
I was privileged to meet your dad. He struck me as a man of great warmth and dignity. I remember his smile when he fired up that big block Starliner. Anyone who saw you two together could tell you were best friends.

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love."
-Leo Buscaglia
 

AJB

GT
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jun 28, 2006
2,976
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
John - very sorry to hear. He was a 'cool dad' and always nice to talk to at FGT events , Ford WHQ etc....
Drive the 1961 Galaxie in his memory.

Andy and Margaret and Megan and Ryan

ajb
 

racelance

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Nov 26, 2006
699
Carlisle, PA
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the feeling all too well. I lost my best friend, mentor and father just like yourself, although mine left us 10 years ago. After his passing I realized how important it is to live life to the fullest, you never know what the next second will bring - so go big now and enjoy it! Another important thing to remember is that they live on through us... My father and yours are enjoying it together right now, we'll meet with them again for sure. But they would want the very best for us now - they'll be smiling down!

Take care bud, so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Regards,

Lance
 

Vince H

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 23, 2012
2,423
Southern California
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Father. God's grace.

Respectfully,

Vince H
 

mmlcobra

GT Owner
May 25, 2013
1,223
Very sorry for your loss.
He will always live in your memories!
Mark
 

Cobrar

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jun 24, 2006
4,025
Metro Detroit
John, sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father - a fellow car guy and a class act!

Regards,

Rex
 

GT35065

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Really sorry to hear of your loss. Glad you have so many happy memories of him.

Rick
 

Not 4N

Tungsten GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 5, 2006
889
Calgary AB
Very sorry to read this John my heartfelt condolences. Like many I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times and he was a great guy to to be around. I fully understand the hole in your heart you feel. He is at peace and saving you a tee time in the distant future.
 

RPM217

2005 white/blue stripe
Jun 18, 2010
1,664
Rye Brook, New York
Deepest sympathy on your loss. The truth is, that even with my father gone 39 years, not a day passes that I don't miss him. That feeling of loss never goes away, I wish you the strength to let the passage of time lighten the pain, and to cherish the memories of the times that you shared together.
 

DakotaGT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Dec 9, 2012
1,715
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Very sorry for your loss. Sure sounds like a terrific bond you two had.
 

FrankBarba

Permanent Vacation
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Oct 16, 2005
544
Harrisburg, PA
I am truly very sorry for your loss. Just reading your short story i had tears in my eyes.
 

THamonGT

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
So sorry John for your loss. Remember all those fun times you and your Dad shared together. Our prayers are with you and your Family.
 

shelbyelite

PERMANENTLY BANNED
May 10, 2007
1
No words can soften your pain. Be thankful for the time you guys had. Sounds like you had an amazing relationship that most people never get to experience with their own parents. Find peace in knowing he is no longer suffering.
 

jaxgt

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Jul 12, 2006
2,811
So sorry to hear. What a great dad. Our thoughts are with you
 

gtjoey

Keep Smiling - GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Oct 14, 2005
3,454
R.I.P. In the hope of meeting each other once again.....Tough time....Thoughts are with you and the entire family.
GTJOEY1314