°2012.02.13.mo | Dad (1950-2012)

I think Dad was the most attentive reader of this blog. Indeed, I was surprised to learn he even shared this site and pictures of Casper (our new dog) with friends at work. So it seems fitting to post a few thoughts on his passing here.

People who knew Joe often spoke of two characteristics: his helpfulness and detailed recounting of stories. Dad was our handyman: be it running wire, helping with taxes, programming a VCR, fixing an appliance, re-keying locks, or debugging a computer. I think my brothers and I inherited our geekiness and interest in the world from him; I fondly remember him putting up the train set, playing with those giant light bulbs, and using his key cutting machine. He was also a bit of a prankster who might ask you to lick a 9v battery or hold two (live) wires. He knew a lot about a lot, and I already miss asking for his advice.

He also loved telling his stories, especially if they involved saving some money on a good deal. Telling a story to one of my brothers did not dampen his enthusiasm to tell it to another -- as sometimes I would hear it myself, and then its retelling. It became a bit of fun for the family even, when someone would eventually call out "get to the point!" Sometimes his helpfulness and love of explaining things came together as a package deal. Another friend of his told me how he once called my Dad from his 100+ degree attic on a hot summer day: the ceiling fan wasn't working, and Dad responded, "Well, to understand your problem, you've got to understand the way they wire them..."

Dad died from an unusual complication of ordinary gallstones. It took us by surprise: we didn't even know he had them. We were not prepared, but "shit happens." So I work to transform my sense of sadness into a sense of gratitude for the excellent father I had. He will be missed by many family members and friends.