Right up until the last day if you asked my Father-in-Law how he was, his reply would be "Everything's great!" Sadly he passed away last week and how we miss him. I am keeping this short but I know there are those of you out there who took him into your hearts when I wrote about our trip to Normandy in 2014, and have asked me during his illness, how he was doing. To borrow a quote from a gentleman who spoke at his funeral, 'the Commander has left the ship." Fair Winds and Following Seas to one of the sweetest souls I have ever met.
"You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts."
I am not sure where this photo was taken but it was shared among the family. Gregg thought North Dakota, probably by Celia, his wife. I don't think she would mind me sharing it today.
Oh, Denise, I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear this, Denise. I SO enjoyed it when you did some posts about him in Normandy. That was probably won't of the highlights in his life...
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and the family.
Hugs,
Betsy
I am so sorry. And know that he will always have a place in your hearts.
ReplyDeleteI remember the many posts about this amazing man. So sad to hear of his passing. Condolences for his loss.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your family's loss. The lines shared about him were great. May God comfort all who will miss him.
ReplyDeleteAww … I feel like I know him a bit because of the hospital stay he had a while back. Sorry to hear of his passing but in awe that he left such a good spirit of kindness. No legacy can be greater!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, dear Denise. Lovely photo.
ReplyDeletebless him. bless her. bless all of you. and i'm grateful to have gotten to know him a little through the televised special.
ReplyDeleteOh Denise. My heartfelt sympathy to you and Gregg and all of the family. It was so good that you got to take that wonderful trip with this fine gentleman. May the beautiful memories bring some comfort at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your families loss !
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Denise. It's so sad when the older generation goes and leaves our hearts aching. Sending you hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am SO very sorry! He must have been very upbeat, and an encouragement to everyone.
ReplyDeleteSo sad.
ReplyDeleteBut he will always live in your hearts.
So sorry to hear about your loss.
ReplyDeleteDenise I am so sorry for your family's loss.
ReplyDeleteYour father rest in peace now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the love commentary with me.
I am pleased that your Challenge continues in August.
Best♥regards from Germany
Hi Denise, Glad of your return but so sorry to read your news. He was obviously a very well thought of gentleman and will be greatly missed by all but hopefully with fond memories. Regards John
ReplyDeleteGod rest the soul of a great man. Denise, you have told us so much about your father in law that I feel your sadness. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteHello, Denise! I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. He was a great man, I am sure he will be missed by all.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. "Everything's great!", that is such a wonderful quote to have about him, that you have shared with us that is what he always would say! I hope one day to get to Normandy myself, and when I do, I will remember your father-in-law and say a prayer for you and your family. x "One of the sweetest souls". Lovely tribute to him.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, he was a handsome man.. i like the Commander has left the ship.. beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. He was obviously a wonderful man and a great credit to our Nation. RIP, Commander!
ReplyDeleteYou had me worrying about you and being afraid you had lost somebody. So sorry for your loss, but you make it clear already that this gentleman will survive in the hearts and minds of many. I always think that a particular saying of the person keeps on floating about as a tether for our thoughts about them.
ReplyDelete*Tears* of gratitude that I got to know (of) this wonderful man/ Thank you Denise and your husband for your generosity in letting us know a true hero. Sharing this post to let others know what a great American really is. God bless you and Greg. See you again soon in our blog neighborhood. Thank You Sully for our freedom
ReplyDeleteWelcome back...I missed you. Hope you all had a GOOD break. genie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. He's a hero, as is all our veterans. What a great photo- a sweet memento.
ReplyDeletePlease accept my very sincere condolences on your loss. Remember a life well lived and keep him in your memory forever.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. I felt I knew him. I know you will miss him and so will all of your readers.
ReplyDeleteDear Denise and family, sending heartfelt condolences at this sad time of bereavement.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very precious tribute. Your father in law must have been a special man.
God bless.
Denise & Gregg, Our deepest condolences to you both and Celia and your entire family. It was our pleasure to have met and spent time with Gully and we are saddened by his passing.
ReplyDeleteOh Denise ... my sincerest condolences to you, Gregg and all the family.
ReplyDeleteThat photograph is a lovely one and the words you've used in your post so touching.
My thoughts are with you
All the best Jan
I am so very sorry for your loss. You certainly have some wonderful memories to carry in your heart! My dad passed away last month, so I can relate to your sorrow. Thinking of you! XO
ReplyDeleteHello Denise, so sorry about your father-in-law's passing. My condolences to you and family for the great loss. This great man will always remind in your hearts. Keep well and have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteDearest Denise; Your phrase in " " almost brought my eyes in tears. My immediate family were all gone now; it might have been so tough without my husband's help.
ReplyDeletePlease take care and hope you can cope with the hot weather as well.
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*
Or as a friend of mine (who was much older than me) used to say in reply to a 'how are you' - 'no change' - it was the last thing I heard him say!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
My sincere condolences for your loss Denise.
ReplyDeleteDenise, our condolences for your family’s loss.
ReplyDeleteHello Denise.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere condolences to you and the whole family, especially for Mr. Gregg.
Are hours of pain and sadness when death takes those we love, but in our hearts, they will never die. For this reason they remain forever with us.
Manuel
So sorry about your father in law's passing♥ Blessings♥
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May his soul rest in peace. And my deepest condolence to you and your family. So, it seems like he served in the military. Salute to him.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you, Gregg, and the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteA very sensitive and emotional tribute for your father in law! Many thanks for sharing this memory, his reply "Everything's great!"and the thoughts of yours expressed!
ReplyDeleteDenise my sympathies to your family. Your f-I-l sounds like a positive soul who will be sorely missed. Sending hugs from CO.
ReplyDeleteHandsome man ~ Grateful to his service to the USA ~ So hard to lose our loved ones ~ Sending you lots of healing hugs to you and family ~ xox
ReplyDeleteHappy Days to you ~ ^_^
Thinking of you at this time, That doesn't sound enough but words are all I have for you. Family losses are hard Hugs for you all and I am really praying for you and Greg XXX Don
ReplyDeleteoh denise, i am so very sorry :( what a wonderful portrait this is...such sad news...prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, Denise. From what he said, he had a positive outlook on life! Thank you for your visit on my blog, and will "see" you soon!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like a man with a positive outlook on life. I'm sure he lived it well.
ReplyDeleteOh Denise, I am so very sorry! I'm sure he was a wonderful man and no doubt your family will feel such a void with him gone. Sending hugs as your family goes through this time of grief.
ReplyDeleteIt's always very difficult to say goodbye to loved ones. I read his cap that he was on a DD...I believe that is a destroyer. Bud, my husband, was stationed aboard three different ones [destroyers and destroyer escorts DDE]
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to say about him too.
May his journey now be peaceful and without sorrow from you/family...for remember the good times will soon bring a smile on your faces.
I'm so sorry for your loss. His spirit seems wonderful from your words.
ReplyDeleteI know how it is.
ReplyDeleteI lost both my father in law and mother in law within a time span of 7 months. (both in their early nineties)
I admire people who live to their fullest till the end.
Like you mentioned 'the Commander has left the ship."
He sounds like a person with a positive attitude. I know he will be missed.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful photo of a dear man who will be sadly missed by all his friends and family.
ReplyDeleteLovely words you have shared.
My condolences to you, Gregg, and the rest of your family.
This looks like my dad, he had a USS Measure hat and was so positive up until the end too.
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