Dad

His friends called him “Rick”, people in the community called him, “Judge”, and we simply called him “Dad”, “Grandfather”, or “Great-Grandfather”. His late wife often referred to him as “HUBERT!!!” Usually as a sign that things were getting off the subject and needed to grounded back to a more austere level. 

He was a brother, uncle, father, husband, and a son. His abiding presence always strove for family harmony and mutual respect. Always fast with a suggestion or another way of looking at a subject or problem, he would let it be known what he thought. Sometimes he wouldn’t agree with some of our choices or decisions, but with time, they often were either accepted or debated on a more scaled back dimension.

Close at hand was his calendar. It was full of interesting facts, birthdays, baptisms, confirmations, anniversaries, addresses, phone numbers, and even deaths. A compendium of dates, names, relationships, and facts at his fingers. Tattered and well worn, one might refer to it as “Poor Hubert’s Almanac”. It was his version of today’s pocket electronic organizer.  

Birthdays were very special to him. To some of us he might have sometimes seemed annoying or corny when he would call on our birthday to sing over the phone, “Happy Birthday”. Be at home, at work, school or on vacation, he’d hunt you down and make the connection. Morning, noon or night he kept trying till he got you. Always wishing well before we’d start out on a trip. His calls were as dependable as snow in the winter and rain in the spring. That call would come, and for a moment he’d make us feel special.

He lived a life of many lives. From a hometown boy who came home from an incredible war, as a decorated hero, to a distinguished jurist, he never lost sight of his roots and they were planted firmly in “Family” and “Community”.  

His talents were many and he gave more of himself than most. From little league to basketball to his golf game his competitive spirit always sought to challenge those who might have wished to sit on the sidelines and just observe. His balancing of judicial matters was light years ahead of his time. Many a wayward youth had their lives touched and redirected by his compassion and understanding of their indiscretions and how the punishment would indeed fit the offense. His use of community service illustrated that he truly was a forward thinker who challenged the status quo.

His gifts to us all were generous and many and given from the heart. His desire for his children and their family’s to have a better quality of life was at the forefront of his largesse. Wanting only for us all to live, love, respect, and appreciate each other were at the core of the wisdom he shared with us over the years.

The loss of his wife sixteen years ago was a devastating blow to all of us, especially dad. He never lost his love for her and her loss seemed to intensify and drive home his message about family, love and respect for each other.

As time went on, the summers in New York and winters in Arizona Dad began age. With his advancing years his health would cause us concern. The change in climate twice each year was almost certain to bring about some illness. But true to form, his tenacity enabled him to over come the set back and it powered his existence. It almost seemed he was going to out live us all.

So it was with great disbelief when I received the call on Tuesday afternoon from the Kingston Police Department  that Dad had a heart attack while driving and caused an auto accident. I quickly called my wife Sue and daughter Jennifer. They went directly to his bedside.

Phone calls were made, family members were contacted and time and life hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Hours turned into days as his children and family members came to his bedside. Then the call came at 1:15 on Friday Morning that Dad was going home. Minutes later he departed. He finally found the peace, love and happiness he would always write on greeting cards.  

While he is no longer here to share in our trials, tribulations, and accomplishments we can take solace in the love, patience and generosity he instilled in our hearts. His legacy is living in us all.

As dad would sign off on birthday and anniversary cards, “With warmest regards. Much love, peace, happiness and respect to you.” He will be missed. Good bye Dad. We all love you and miss you.