I'm very, very sorry to hear of your loss, Nick. I lost my dear father only two short years ago, and not a day goes by when I don't think of him. It hurts now, and it will for some time to come, but when the pain subsides, you'll be left with the warm feeling of all your dad meant to you and all he left you with. You're a lucky guy to have a father you care for so deeply, and he was lucky too from the sound of it. I wish you much peace.

Nick,Gods Speed to Your Father And You.Randy Burton Mesquite Nevada

What a moving tribute to a great dad.Can I add my condolences to all the others.My dad died just over ten years ago, so I can imagine something of the emotions you are feeling now. Even after all this time, I still chat to him in my head.The ache never quite leaves you, but it does grow easier with time, and the positive memories take over, which can be a great comfort.You look after yourself and those close to you.All the very best.Mike

Nick,My condolences and prayers are with you and your family. I lost my Dad many years ago, and Mom more recently. Time heals many wounds - but be prepared for an occasional down day, even years later out-of-the blue. Treasure your memories and hold to your faith.Regards,Bill Gustafson

Nick,As I read your really touching post, it did bring tears to my eyes. Ten years ago I too lost my dad and thought the world had come to an end when my Mom called me to let me know that he was gone. He was my best friend also and their are days now, that I wish so much that he was still here to guide me through some personal choices.Our parents play such an important part of our lives, we really don't realize how much until they are gone.Your post is a very moving tribute to what kind of person he must have been. Your feelings in the post were really touching, and I belive reflect what caring person YOU are.My prayers are with you and your familyBob

May God bless you and your family during your time of need...but more importantly, may you take the lessons and experiences of your time with your father and teach them to your own children. The best compliment you can pay to your father is to let him become an ancestor. Teach his lessons to your generations.Take care friend.Eric

You are so sweet to say such things about your father. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm sure we will all mourn your loss together with you.

Nick,I am sorry to hear about your loss.The bond you have with your father will always remain special.I have no-doubt that everytime you see an aircraft you will think of him and all the great time you both shared.All the best to you and your family mate.Ralf.Adelaide Australia.

Nick, May God bring Peace to you and your family. I lost my wife 2 months ago and know the pain you feel. It will get better as time passes. Hold tight to your family and friends. You must have a very proud father smiling down at you right now.God Bless you,Rob

Hi Nick:After reading your post, I was reminded of the death of my brother-in-law, Neal Lemke, who was a pilot instructor for Eastern Airlines and RenoAir. They had a framed copy of the poem, HIGH FLIGHT, resting on a table during the momorial. I have taken the privilege of sending it to you, via this reply:----------------------------High FlightOh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earthAnd danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirthOf sun-split clouds - and done a hundred thingsYou have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring thereI've chased the shouting wind along, and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air.Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,I've topped the windswept heights with easy graceWhere never lark, or even eagle flew -And, while with silent lifting mind I've trodThe high untresspassed sanctity of space,Put out my hand and touched the face of God.--------------------------- Pilot Officer Gillespie MageeNo 412 squadron, RCAFKilled 11 December 1941----------------------------------My condolences for your loss.J N Cameronjncameron

Thank you all so much for your kind words. They have brought me a great deal of comfort. It

Nick,Firstly I feel privileged I belong to a community that you feel you can share your sadness amongst who you believe are friends.I've lost both my parents and I get through their absence knowing that we will all meet up again one day. Your father hasn't gone, he's just moved on to the next place to get things ready for when we get there and the whole thing will start over again.Take careGraham

Nick,I wish you and your family all the best and strength to give this terrible loss a place in your heart. Sorry for my english, it's not my native tongue, but I hope you understand my intentions.All the bestRob "Holland&Holland" de Vries http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Flying.gif

Nick:We all share your loss realizing the common ground of love between our fathers and ourselves.It has been many years since I lost my father and I totally identify with your loss.Realize that now your father if flying in a way we can only dream about at the present time. He takes off like a Maule, has the speed of the Concord, can carry the load of a 747, land perfectly every time with the smoothness of the Cherokee, and have the view of a Cub with the door open. Best of all, the ATC is perfection and will never lead your Dad astray.I promise you that although you may never think of your Dad without tears coming into your eyes, as time goes by they will turn into tears of thankfullness and joyful memories much more than pain and sadness.God bless you.RTH

Nick,I lost my father in 1993, without warning too. May God bless you and yours with the peace that passes understanding. Years later, every now and again, the tears come back and I realize its just dad 'paying me a visit' so to speak, and I smile and cherish the day when yes, we'll see each other again.Strength now to you and your family my friend, let them know that there's a bunch of simmers out here pulling for you all.Warmest regards and very deepest condolences,Mark Reynolds