Man, so much bad new with others and their family's, I find myself in a similar sad situation. I usually wouldn't share something like this but it somehow feels "right" to post it somewhere, more as personal therapy.

My dad 86 had been in the hospital for about 51 days with repertory issues. About 2 weeks ago we thought he had kicked it, he looked and felt great, he passed therapy requirements, could climb stairs, oxygen levels good and he got released to go back home. Unfortunately he didn't last 12 hours and was back in Critical Care with infection in his lungs and lots of fluid building up. He was moved from CC into the ICU after a short time and it frankly broke is spirit. He said he was "back to square one" and with +50 days in there already, he just didn't have the will to fight it, tired of the pain, the uncomfortable procedures and rapidly decreasing odds he would ever fully recover.

Sunday he decided he was done. He decided to refuse further treatments so the family gathered said good byes and we turned off his oxygen and he passed away. Luckily it was a blessing as he looked great, in amazing spirits, his mind sharp and not appearing to be in alot of pain. We all had time to say individual goodbyes.

He was one of those old rare guys everyone seemed to love. He grew up through rough times and became self reliant, grew a successful business doing home insurance repair (home fires, floods, wind damage, cement truck through the living room etc).

He served in the US Navy, Aviation as a photographer. He was stationed in Alaska, hunting Russian Submarines but also spent some time in Japan. He has pictures of things the Smithsonian would kill for, a picture of The Spruce Goose in flight as they happened to fly by, pictures of the USS Nautilus that surfaced for the first time at the north pole. Some historic moments.

The guy in his prime was a ridiculous shot with a rifle. IDK... I honestly always thought he was one of the luckiest shots in the world, always leading too high and too far forward. But, when you watch him make head shots on critters out to 500 yards time after time after time... there's something beyond luck involved.

I've never seen another person that could field dress a big game animal faster. Before other people could dig a knife out of a pack to help, he'd have it done.

He was also a fantastic fisherman, one who could just about catch a fish in a mud puddle. I've personally seen him catch two fish on a single hook. One of the damnedest things I've ever seen.

He taught his kids what he knew, always supportive in whatever we chose to do. He was by far the greatest man I've ever known, and truly my hero in life and words cant express how much he will be missed.

RIP Dad, thanks for everything.



-DallanC

My condolences Dallan, to you and your family.
it is very difficult indeed to lose someone you love and respect.
The world is deprived of another nice fellow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family

Dallan, what can I say? I know exactly how you feel having been through similar with my Dad some years ago. You have my sincerest condolences mate. I won’t say he’s in a better place now, but he made his choice knowing full well the outcome, and for that he has my utmost respect.

You have your memories as detailed above mate. You have the experience and knowledge he passed on to you, and every time you do something that he taught you, the memories will come flooding back, and if you’re like me you will be able to see him doing it in your mind’s eye.

Commiserations also to your family on your Dad’s passing…they too have lost someone very special, a Father, a Father-In-Law, a Granddad, a mentor and a mate.

You have my prayers and thoughts in this time of loss. May your Dad Rest In Peace, and as I say to ex-service men who have passed…Stand Down Warrior, your MISSION is complete.

Thoughts are with you and your family Dallan
My Dads passing was one of the saddest times of my life

Good that you had the time to say good bye. I missed that with my father. He passed away at a moment he was talking about coming home from the hospital, it was a complete surprise.

And you know the strange thing? When dad's are gone they appear much often in your mind then when they were still living... and the longer they are gone, the more they will kick you in your a.. when you do something wrong or stupid. He will always remind you on how it should be done. And the older you get yourself, the more sensitive you become for his advice.
So stay strong and don't even think that he's gone!

My condolences Dallan.

My condolences Dallan, to you and family.

Great picture of him. Certainly a man to admire.

My condolences Dallan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I'm very sorry to hear that Dallan. He sounds like quite a man, someone to be proud of.