A Sailor's last Voyage....

Todd I can not say anything that has not been said already. I know your father will enjoy his day with his sons. I wish I would have had the chance to do something like that with my Grandfather. Best wish's and god speed to your family.
 
Hey Todd,

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad.... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult times.

Take care my friend, Mark
 
Todd,

Hope all goes well. Thanks for sharing here.

I was there Saturday, and I think it rained enough for the whole week. Hope it clears up for you and you guys have a great time out.
 
Tacoma290 said:
Way to be Todd.
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StressAweigh said:
Todd I can not say anything that has not been said already. I know your father will enjoy his day with his sons. I wish I would have had the chance to do something like that with my Grandfather. Best wish's and god speed to your family.
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The Bill Collector said:
Hey Todd,

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad.... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult times.

Take care my friend, Mark
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Kameroo said:
Todd,

Hope all goes well. Thanks for sharing here.

I was there Saturday, and I think it rained enough for the whole week. Hope it clears up for you and you guys have a great time out.
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Thank you all. Again, it's really great to get the feedback. Many of us have been affected by something similar. Many of you have already lost parents or grandparents, close friends or spouses. I've lost both my Grandfathers and that was also very tough. This is a little deeper because my Dad is only 65 and only retired 3 years ago. I feel for all of you who have shared the loss of your loved ones, and I appreciate the sentiments here and what I've received on the Relay for life thread I started. I really hope they come up with better ways to treat this so others don't have to go through this one day.

You all have been great and I really appreciate it. I can't say it enough.
 
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Todd,

What a noble thing to do. treasuer these days, they will mean so much in the tough times ahead.
Your are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
 
Todd,
I hope that the trip goes well, and that your family stays strong through the tough times before you. The responses here have dug up all kinds of emotions for me, but the biggest thing that comes to mind is to make the most of every day that you can and don't let it slip by without sharing it with the ones you love.
In August it will be five years since my father passed away following a car accident, just eleven days before my wedding. Even though I got together with him just about every Sunday for brunch, I would trade everything I have for the chance to take him out on the boat and have him yell at me to SLOW DOWN!
Wishing you the best, Chris
 
Todd, when I went through the rigors of chemo years ago, I can't begin to tell you how draining cancer is on the soul. I still remember those moments where family and friends took time to make me feel alive again....It is said time spent on the water adds time to the end of life, keep your dad on the boat as long as you can. God bless, make it a great day.
 
Todd: And it's okay to cry. Let them not be tears of sorrow or sadness; rather allow them to be tears of joy. Tears to express how important he was in your life. Tears to show him he did a great job as a dad. Tears to celebrate the memories. And lastly, tears to let him know he will be missed.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
 
Todd that sounds great .I hope your Dad has a smile on his face all day long
smile.gif
. Being with his boys and on a boat.
pirate.gif
.
 
Again to all, as I receive more and more support, stories and comfort on the 3 sites I've shared this on(BOC, iBoatNW and Clubsearay.com) I feel fortunate to be amongst great people, who appreciate their familes, freinds and experiences as much as I do, Thank you.
Many of you have touched me and my family. We will have a great day tomorrow. I just got off of the phone with my Dad's best friend growing up and he has several people coming down to the boat launch to see him. It will be nice.

Thanks a ton, as I've said before I'll take some pictures to share and for our family to remember a great day.

My dad was bit by the boating bug by his Father.
I've posted this here before but this is the launching of The Ebb Tide, a Monk boat built by my Grandfather and his twin.
About 15 seconds in you can see my Dad 10 years old (Blonde hair), jumping up and down.
[video=google;2047861964099237910]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2047861964099237910&ei=1L_USYSVOZaEqQO_8b37Cw&q=the+ebb+tide+short+avi&hl=en[/video]

He went on to have his own 12' boat with a small outboard on it as he grew older. He had a trailer for it he'd trailer the boat from Sunset Hill in Ballard to the Shilshole boat launch with his bike. At only 13 or so he told me he went to Poulsbo and back.

As he grew into a man he learned to sail with his friends, and then was drafted into the Navy and served during the Vietnam war. Stationed in Beeville TX, where I was born, the Navy had (what I recall) as a supply station there. He was deployed to the Enterprise and Mom and I moved back here.
He was able to make nice with the Officers he worked with and upon returniing from his tour in Viet Nam he was allowed to pick between San Diego and Oak Harbor for a base to be assigned to. Since WA is his home and all of our Family is here, he chose Oak Harbor and continued to work in the A6 intruder Attack Sqaudron.

As my Brother Troy and I grew up, our parents and grandparents took us out on the Ebb Tide for vacations all the time. My Dad continued to sail with his friends racing in the Sound, Protection Island and the Swiftsure races.
In the early 70's we had an older wood cuddy, that had a 55 HP (or so-I'm not sure) Johnson on it. It was about 19'. We then sold that and he bought a 17' Sabrecraft runabout with a 65HP Evinrude on it. I learned how to water ski on that boat when I was about 10 in Port Gamble. Yeah, nothing better than learning how to waterski in the Puget Sound with the banana belt on.
He sold that and bought a 1968 26' Ericson sailboat in about '80. He named it the "Icelander". Troy and I were taught to sail. We learned by trial by fire. With a little yelling and emphasis on speed and accuracy(I think he forgot we weren't experienced sailors) 11 and 13, we hadn't ever imagined what all the lines we for but Dad taught us to sail with more emphasis on the racing side than the relaxing side. After freaking Mom out a few times running rail down and 'earning' our sailing boots for Christmas one time, things mellowed out slowly.
When I was 15 and my brother 13, We left from Friday harbor with Dad and we motor to Cattle pass, had Troy and I hoist the sails and got everything situated. He asked us "Do you guys want to take her accross the Straits? I'm going to go lay down. Troy and I sailed the Icelander back from Cattle Pass to Lagoon point on the West side of Whidbey. I remember watching the charts and Troy was on the bow watching porpoises playing along.

We've had some great times and some real experiences. I'll save the rest for the dock.
 
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Your Dad is fortunate to have sons like you and your brother that really care about him.

I'll be thinking about all of you tomorrow.:thumbsup:

Dave
 
Todd,

So many excellent replies here but had to put in my 2 cents.

I think family is why 90% of us are boaters. I upgraded a year ago to accomodate the addition of grand children 2 then and now 3.

Your story is an inspiration as to why I own a boat. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

God Bless and have the time of your life on the voyage. I know your dad will.
 
Im heartbroken and happy all at the same time. You're a good man Todd. I am actually at my desk with a couple of tears streaming down right now thinking about what you are going to do with your dad.

For one of the first times, I am at a loss for words.
 
Dave S said:
Your Dad is fortunate to have sons like you and your brother that really care about him.

I'll be thinking about all of you tomorrow.:thumbsup:

Dave
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HarttoHart said:
Todd,

So many excellent replies here but had to put in my 2 cents.

I think family is why 90% of us are boaters. I upgraded a year ago to accomodate the addition of grand children 2 then and now 3.

Your story is an inspiration as to why I own a boat. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

God Bless and have the time of your life on the voyage. I know your dad will.
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billandamy said:
Im heartbroken and happy all at the same time. You're a good man Todd. I am actually at my desk with a couple of tears streaming down right now thinking about what you are going to do with your dad.

For one of the first times, I am at a loss for words.
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Thank you guys. It certainly is emotional. Thanks for indulging me.
 
Sorry to hear about your dad. I hope you have a great day with him. My Dad is 72 and I can't stop thinking about him today. I am touched by all of the feelings and warmth here on CSR.
Mark in Ballwin mo.
 
Wishing you a great day tomorrow...you're a good son.
 
Todd there is absolutely nothing I can add to what has already been said.
Just wanted you to know of yet another here that wishes nothing less than the best on your voyage tomorrow. Scott
 
Todd, I know for certain at this time you may not feel it but, you are blessed. It is quite obvious your father has taught you well. From your posts it is clear your father will always be with you. Know in your hart the smile he will show tomorrow will far surpass anything words can describe. I am very happy for your brother and you!
Mike
 
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