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The Old Man Is Gone

The Passage

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Someone at my side finally says, "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?" I ask.

Then I realize - she is gone only from my sight. That is all.

She is just as large In mast and hull and sail as when she left my side. She is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone beside me says, "There, she is gone!"... there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices to take up the glad shout, "Look, here she comes!"

And that is dying.

- Henry Van Dyke

It's with a joyous heart that I report the passing of my step-father, James Edward Dolan, our 'Poppa JD.'
He departed from this world yesterday, 8/13/2014, 6:55 PM.

He was a consummate sportsman, who loved to shoot, fish and ride horses. There was no adventure he was not up for. He taught me a lot and raised me as his own, after my biological father had passed during my youth. In most ways, he was the only father I had ever known.

And while none here knew him, he was one of us. He was a lifetime member if the North American Fishing Club and I have fond memories of our angling exploits. He was also a Marine Corp Golden Gloves champ, a truck driver, machinist, leader and irascible grouch, at times.
Hey, no one is perfect.

I will miss him dearly, but my wife and I were fortunate to sit beside him at his last breath. He went peacefully and with chin up; he said he was sorry to put us through it. That was him - thinking of others to the end.

Until we meet again on the far shore, Poppa JD, God speed and rest.
I loved you, as did so many.

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Comment by Jeffrey D. Abney on August 14, 2014 at 5:40pm: Sorry for your loss David.....may all the great memories of this great man help get you and your family through this rough time! ........I'm thankful for Poppa JD's service to his country and others!

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on August 14, 2014 at 5:05pm: Tooty, my guess is it's the age they came from.
Men like that are getting fewer in number, and no one seems inclined to be like them anymore.
We can be grateful we had them.

Semper Fi, Marine, and thank you.

Comment by DAVID L EITUTIS on August 14, 2014 at 4:54pm: Scruffy sorry for your loss buddy....... I think back to not long ago when I lost my dad and he had a legacy similar to your dad's .

"SEMPER FI " TO THE OLD MAN .......

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on August 14, 2014 at 4:20pm: John, I knew my BBG friends could appreciate this moment.
I think you all for your support.

Comment by John Sheehan on August 14, 2014 at 4:14pm: Touching tribute David .My condolences friend , for your loss!

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on August 14, 2014 at 4:00pm: Your welcome, Keith. Honor him always, my friend.

Comment by Keith Ritter on August 14, 2014 at 3:56pm: I cry as I read this, I remember my father, thank you and and yours.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on August 14, 2014 at 3:26pm: Thank you, Mark. That means a lot.

Comment by Mark Stine on August 14, 2014 at 3:21pm: Sorry to hear of your loss David. He sounds like he was quite a character and will leave a big hole in your life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on August 14, 2014 at 3:17pm: He will indeed live on in memory. His earthly remains have been gifted to the University Od South Carolina Medical School for studies.... Being useful to the end, it was his idea. There will be my grave to visit.
But, like you, I won't forget his birthday either.
Perhaps, one day we can all fish together.
Happy birthday to your dad and thank you.