Eulogy for My Father

George Parker Wray

March 9, 1928 – May 21, 2008

He was:

Son
Brother
Cousin
Uncle
Husband
Father
Grandfather
Great-grandfather

and

Craftsman
Technician
Mentor
Friend.

In his life he walked many roads, from the unpaved roads of Spring Church Pennsylvania to the bustling streets of numerous cities; Pittsburgh, San Diego, Denver and more. He lived through the worst of times as well as the best. Down the halls of industry as well as science, always leaving his mark, making friends and doing his very best.

He was a strong man, possessed of an iron will but also a compassionate heart. He was my father, my mentor, my colleague and my friend. I know he loved me and he knew I loved him.

I can no longer call him with my latest news, share a laugh or just commiserate over aging issues. He delighted in hearing how I was passing familiar milestones. Each time we shared a laugh, we grew a bit closer each knowing the other truly *understood*.

I’ll miss that.

But…

Each time I sneeze, or cough, I hear him.

Each time I look in the mirror, I see him.

Each time I do a task well, I hear his praise in my memory.

For those gifts, I give thanks – for it means he will never truly be gone – and one day we will surely meet again.

Till then Dad