Monday, Mar 16, 2009
I haven't been on GS very much over the past week as last Wednesday morning I received a phone call that my Father passed away. It wasn't a complete shock as he was 92 (he was 46 when I was born) and had been in failing health for awhile. I actually got a call Tuesday night that he had been taken into the hospital as he had kind of reached a point where he was just shutting everything down (wasn't eating or responding to much of everything). Still, when you get the final news it's never easy. Thankfully he passed away peacefully.
I've mentioned him in past blogs, he had quite a life. Apparently he was a wild and crazy guy that kept hounding my Mom but she kept him at bay as she was a pretty conservative Christian. Not sure what to do with his life he joined the Army in the late 30's and went into the Armored corps. He then volunteered to fight with the British in North Africa in WW2 and had the experience of fighting under General Montgomery. He then came back to the US for awhile and eventually went back to Europe, serving under General Patton in France and then into Germany. He had many great stories to tell and I still have vivid memories as a boy sitting on his knee as he talked about fighting the Nazi's as a tank commander in his Sherman tank. Anyways, serving in the Army seemed to give him more direction in his life and after the war he became a Christian, went to college and became a minister. Did he do all that just so my Mom would marry him? We'll never know
Anyways, he had a great career as a Minister that had several churches throughout New England and I'll always remember him as a man that had incredible energy. Of course, if you have a kid when you're 46 you better have some energy! He was also a school teacher on the side and was an avid reader. Both of my parents really stressed the importance of education and certainly influenced me to get my college degree. To any of you that have actually read through this entire blog, I appreciate it and I'm glad I have a place like Gamespot where I can share some of this with my friends. For anyone that's interested here is a link to my Dad's obituary - Rev. Oakley E. Woodward.Will I look like that when I'm 92? Will I make it to 92, that's the main question Anyways, thanks again for letting me share all this with you.
Comments
Posted Mar 16, 2009 6:45 am PT
My condolences to you and yours. Some say a man's life is measured by those he leaves behind. From what I can tell, he lived a full and fullfilling life. A life anyone would be proud of.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 7:22 am PT
My condolences Dave, it looks like he led a very interesting and fulfilling life though.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 7:25 am PT
My grandfather has been in rough shape for the last several years now. While it is sad thinking that he won't always be here (his last goal was to see me graduate high school, he will in all likelyhood see my sister, hers is only a few more months, but my brother is too far out to count on) my family and I know that he is right with the Lord and that it will in many ways be a release for him. I may assume too much, but I trust it was the same way with your father. My prayers go out to you, your mother, and the friends and brothers in Christ your father has left behind.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 7:33 am PT
I'm sorry to hear about your loss Dave. 
Your father sounded like an extraordinary man and I must say was a damn good looking lad. I hope I age well like that! If you need to talk, you know how to find me man. 
By the way, did your father have any association with RBC Ministries (I receive their Daily Bread newsletter)? I can swear I've seen his picture somewhere before.
Your father sounded like an extraordinary man and I must say was a damn good looking lad. I hope I age well like that! If you need to talk, you know how to find me man. By the way, did your father have any association with RBC Ministries (I receive their Daily Bread newsletter)? I can swear I've seen his picture somewhere before.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 7:40 am PT
My condolences as well, Dave. And while it's time for reflection and memories, it's also a time to celebrate a life that was obviously well lived. The obituary was very nice, there's no way that picture was recent, is there? If so, he looked fantastic for 92.
And you've got 92 in your DNA, so don't doubt it yet!
And you've got 92 in your DNA, so don't doubt it yet!
Posted Mar 16, 2009 7:47 am PT
Sorry bout your loss. Amazing to think he was under Monty in Africa.Remember you posting in one of my previous blogs about your dad being in tanks. I know its hard, but at 92 - he's had a good innings! It does make you wonder how different life would be when your older.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 8:16 am PT
You have my sincere condolences. May this time of mourning be peaceful for you and yours. Godspeed!
Posted Mar 16, 2009 8:38 am PT
nftw, Faller88 and Michelle - Thanks, he did have quite a long and fulfilling life
themyrmidon - Thank you, your prayers are appreciated and i'm sure he's in a much better place now.
Ron & Randy - Thanks, I have to say both of my parents aged very well and hopefully I can continue that tradition That pic was probably about two years ago so he did well I'm not positive but he may very well have contributed in the past to RBC. Though he retired from preaching he never really "retired" as he wrote many devotionals that were used by different sources, as well as being a guest preacher for different churches. Maybe I'm only halfway through this journey!
tyzwain - Thanks Buddy, and I've always been very proud of how he volunteered to go over and fight with the British before the US was in the war. He made many friends with the Brits and always got a kick out of how they still had to have their afternoon tea, even in the middle of the blazing desert
themyrmidon - Thank you, your prayers are appreciated and i'm sure he's in a much better place now.
Ron & Randy - Thanks, I have to say both of my parents aged very well and hopefully I can continue that tradition
That pic was probably about two years ago so he did well I'm not positive but he may very well have contributed in the past to RBC. Though he retired from preaching he never really "retired" as he wrote many devotionals that were used by different sources, as well as being a guest preacher for different churches. Maybe I'm only halfway through this journey!tyzwain - Thanks Buddy, and I've always been very proud of how he volunteered to go over and fight with the British before the US was in the war. He made many friends with the Brits and always got a kick out of how they still had to have their afternoon tea, even in the middle of the blazing desert
Posted Mar 16, 2009 8:46 am PT
MsCortana - thank you, I appreciate that
Posted Mar 16, 2009 8:51 am PT
Yeah, it's never easy. Your Dad was an amazing guy from what you said. He looks great for a 92 year old!
I wish you and your family the best!
I wish you and your family the best!
Posted Mar 16, 2009 8:56 am PT
Sorry for your loss, Dave. Your father sure had a very rich life filled with many great memories.
And he looked still great when he was 90. You have a part of his genes so that old age and aging well, is certainly a possibility for you.
And he looked still great when he was 90. You have a part of his genes so that old age and aging well, is certainly a possibility for you.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 9:27 am PT
I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like your dad had an amzing life though.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 9:47 am PT
I'm sorry to hear about your father but it looks like he led an incredible life. It's great that you had many great memories with him. I'll keep you and your family in prayer through these tough times.
I'll keep you and your family in prayer through these tough times.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 10:13 am PT
Tommy - Thanks, yep, I can see where I get my good looks from
tinoshke, Stevo and Garrison - Thank you, he did have an amazing life
tinoshke, Stevo and Garrison - Thank you, he did have an amazing life
Posted Mar 16, 2009 11:34 am PT
Anyone who fought Nazi's is okay in my book. Sorry to hear about his passing, but it sounds like he enjoyed his time here...all 92 years of it.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 12:43 pm PT
I'm very sorry for your loss. It's always tough to lose a relative. As I can read from your blog, your father was quite a hero for taking his part in liberating the world from the nazi's.
92 is a very respectable age. My condolences.
92 is a very respectable age. My condolences.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 1:15 pm PT
Nate - Yes, it's cool to think that what I'm doing in videogames he did for real, except he couldn't hit the reset button!
Bazza28 - Thank you, he was a hero and a very brave guy, I can't imagine being in a tank knowing that you could be fried any second, but he fought for a great cause.
Bazza28 - Thank you, he was a hero and a very brave guy, I can't imagine being in a tank knowing that you could be fried any second, but he fought for a great cause.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 1:28 pm PT
He must have been a great person.Thanks for sharing.My condolences to you and yours.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 1:30 pm PT
I'm kind of speechless, but I hope you're handling this well.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 3:20 pm PT
It sounds like he had an amazing life, you must have been very proud of him. My condolences to you and your family. I'm glad to hear that you are coping well with this as its hard to lose a parent whatever age they are or you are at.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 4:32 pm PT
Sounds like quite the man. I'm sorry for your loss.
(Debated for a while whether this'd be a tactful thing to say, but I've never really been sure of that for anything I say so I'll just hope it doesn't cause offence. Fourth line of the obituary it says "taught is public schools", pretty sure that should be "taught in public schools". Not trying to be anal and sorry if it seems like it, just thought an obituary would be something you'd want mistakes in corrected)
(Debated for a while whether this'd be a tactful thing to say, but I've never really been sure of that for anything I say so I'll just hope it doesn't cause offence. Fourth line of the obituary it says "taught is public schools", pretty sure that should be "taught in public schools". Not trying to be anal and sorry if it seems like it, just thought an obituary would be something you'd want mistakes in corrected)
Posted Mar 16, 2009 4:33 pm PT
My condolences to you and your family. I've lost many aunts and uncles and my grand parents (except for my maternal grandmother), but I can't imagine what it's like to lose a parent. Although it sounded like he had a very interesting life, I'm sure he was never boring.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 6:37 pm PT
My condolences to you and your family Dave. It sounds like your father led an interesting and eventful life, and it's good to hear that he passed away peacefully. I have to say he looked great for 92 years old. Again, sorry for your loss.
Posted Mar 16, 2009 6:45 pm PT
I am really sorry for your loss, my full condolences to you and your family. Seems like he led an awesome life, and I am glad you share this with us. Take care, Dave!
Posted Mar 17, 2009 6:00 am PT
canana - Thank you
Ruckus - Thanks, I'm doing OK
fantasyfacade - Thanks, and yes, no matter how prepared you think you are it's always tough when it finally happens.
Don - LOL, doesn't surprise me, that obit is coming from a very small town up in the woods of Maine, I wouldn't have expected perfect grammer
Amnesiac - Thank you, My Father was far from perfect but I can definitely say he was never boring
Anthony - Thanks, he was always a good looking guy right into his 90's and I'm very thankful he passed away peacefully.
Ruckus - Thanks, I'm doing OK
fantasyfacade - Thanks, and yes, no matter how prepared you think you are it's always tough when it finally happens.
Don - LOL, doesn't surprise me, that obit is coming from a very small town up in the woods of Maine, I wouldn't have expected perfect grammer
Amnesiac - Thank you, My Father was far from perfect but I can definitely say he was never boring
Anthony - Thanks, he was always a good looking guy right into his 90's and I'm very thankful he passed away peacefully.
Posted Mar 17, 2009 6:04 am PT
I am very sorry to hear this, it's never easy, no matter how ready you think you are. He sounded like a great man, I would have loved to sit with him for a few hrs to hear his stories about WWII and things. I toured the battle fields of europe and anybody that made it through there had to be a VERY strong person. My condolences to you and your family.
Posted Mar 17, 2009 8:16 am PT
I am very sorry to hear this, it's never easy, no matter how ready you think you are. He sounded like a great man, I would have loved to sit with him for a few hrs to hear his stories about WWII and things. I toured the battle fields of europe and anybody that made it through there had to be a VERY strong person. My condolences to you and your family.
Posted Mar 17, 2009 8:16 am PT
Dave my condolences to you and your family. I haven't really been around much but I read through your blog and felt the need to pass on my best wishes to you. Hope you are doing well and this too shall pass.
Posted Mar 18, 2009 9:39 am PT
Gen Warbuff - Thanks, you would have heard some great stories. I'd love to be able to tour those battlefields, maybe some day.
Jirair - Thank you for your kind words
Jirair - Thank you for your kind words
Posted Mar 18, 2009 11:31 am PT
I'm sorry to hear that my good friend!
You father was a great man!
Try to be strong , you have your family to give you love and i'm sure he is watching you from up there and he is proud for you!
You father was a great man!
Try to be strong , you have your family to give you love and i'm sure he is watching you from up there and he is proud for you!
Posted Mar 18, 2009 5:32 pm PT
My condolences Dave. He lived a great life from what you described. Must've been great to hear all those war stories growing up.
Posted Mar 18, 2009 7:32 pm PT
sorry for your loss but he lived a great life
Posted Mar 18, 2009 8:47 pm PT
Sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like your father was a fantastic man and lived an incredible life. Certainly someone you can be proud of which is a gift.
Posted Mar 19, 2009 12:19 pm PT
Dimitris - Thank you. I was thinking how cool it would have been if he had fought with the Greek army in WW2! I've always admired Greece for it culture and its warriors going back to ancient times.
Roslindale - Yes, I'll always have great memories
Toolz - Thanks, he certainly did!
Phoenyx - Thank you, he did have quite a life and is defintley someone I'm proud of
Roslindale - Yes, I'll always have great memories
Toolz - Thanks, he certainly did!
Phoenyx - Thank you, he did have quite a life and is defintley someone I'm proud of
Posted Mar 19, 2009 12:58 pm PT
My condolenses, sounds like your dad was an adventurous man, i always admire people like him that have done so much with their lives and they meant something to the world. My dad had me at 44 and he did not have much energy or eduation as he was from a far away land and did not speak much english. All though he never missed one day of work in 23 years. I'm sure you'll make it to the 90's buddy so you enjoy your life all the way. Great blog and small world i work with someone with the same last name Woodward.
Posted Mar 20, 2009 1:47 pm PT
I'm sorry to hear that Dave, but it is good to hear that he passed peacefully and lived a full life. The rest of us can only hope to have such life experiences with and go out in that way. I also think about how my life will be many decades from now...you just never know, life happens.
Posted Mar 20, 2009 6:40 pm PT
Sorry to hear about a your father's passing. It sounds like he lived quite a life and while I'm sure you'll miss him, he is without a doubt in a better place.
Posted Mar 23, 2009 4:29 am PT
sorry for your loss, have you gotten the chance to play mgs4 yet, the ps3 price is coming down this year.
Posted Mar 23, 2009 3:53 pm PT
Lexlas - Thank you. That's amazing your Father never missed a day of work! Interesting you know a Woodward as it's not that common a name
Jeff - Thanks, and yes 'm glad he was able to leave peacefully.
goat - Thanks, I'm sure he is in a better place now
victor - No, I'm a big fan of the MGS series but I don't have a PS3 so haven't played MGS4. Hopefully it will be a good markdown on the PS3
Jeff - Thanks, and yes 'm glad he was able to leave peacefully.
goat - Thanks, I'm sure he is in a better place now
victor - No, I'm a big fan of the MGS series but I don't have a PS3 so haven't played MGS4. Hopefully it will be a good markdown on the PS3
Posted Mar 24, 2009 6:49 am PT
you have my sympathies. Seems like he was one of t he good ones, and such is a loss to all, especially those who didnt have the pleasure of knowing the man.
Posted Mar 25, 2009 1:12 pm PT
Condolence men for your lost, and as 2pac one of my favorite gangster rapper said Life Goes On (don't forget about that)... But any way I hope you still all right
Posted Mar 26, 2009 10:59 pm PT
Cold & Patrick - Thanks guys
Posted Mar 27, 2009 5:49 am PT
Hey celtic, sorry to hear about your father man. I lost my father to lung cancer at the age of 13, the thing is that I never really remember spending alot of time with him which hurts the most but over the years I just try not to think about it and I know he's looking over me and he's in a better place. ut i hope that you're feeling better
ut i hope that you're feeling better
Posted Mar 29, 2009 9:38 am PT
Thanks Zay, that must have been tough losing your Dad at such a young age, but as you say they are in better places now
Posted Apr 1, 2009 12:49 pm PT
I still fear the eventual passing of my parents, but Its nice to know that some can use it as a time to look back and appreciate. Also, If i tried for 92 years I could never grow and maintain a bearface of that quality.
My appreciation for his efforts in protecting Europe and my condolances for your loss.
My appreciation for his efforts in protecting Europe and my condolances for your loss.
Posted Apr 2, 2009 10:28 am PT
danny - Thank you for your kind words and appreciation!
Posted Apr 2, 2009 1:01 pm PT
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Sounds like he lived a long and fulfilling life
Posted Apr 7, 2009 2:40 am PT
Scott - thanks, and come to think of it he made many Australian friends when he was in North Afica as well
Posted Apr 7, 2009 6:45 am PT
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