We lost a warrior for the truth today; ex father-in-law died suddenly.

[Faygo Kid]

World War II vet, brilliant professor (yes, one of those), raised a large family with his wife of well over 50 years, and (mostly) long suffering baseball fan. An early respected voice against the War in Vietnam; active until the end in speaking out and organizing against the insanity of Iraq and the Bush Administration. He went suddenly, his wits about him as sharp as ever. He knew his stuff, folks, and he considered this gang in DC far more dangerous than any in his lifetime, including Reagan, Nixon, and many other demagogues that came and went. We will have to hitch it up and pick up the slack.

[Libby2]

1. You have my condolences.

I'm sorry.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

2. Sorry for your loss...he sounds like he was a good man....

...my 86 year old Dad is also a WWII vet, and he says the same exact same thing about the NeoCon Junta. They're worse than anything he's ever seen. He's not in very good health, but he'll give an earful to anyone that'll listen. He's not very hopeful for the future of this country.

[Faygo Kid]

12. Sounds the same. I think loss of hope played a role. Thanks, W.

Not in his death, but in his deterioration. He was a passionate defender of truly American liberal values, and was extremely depressed about the American people accepting the worst nightmare administration in our national history. His wife - also brilliant - is out of it and institutionalized, and what a wonderful, super brilliant woman she was, too. (A blessing - she need not know of him dying). But, he could not believe that this nation, with its many faults, could put George W. Bush back in office. He was stunned by the 2004 election, and battered by the loss of life and crippling injuries - Iraqi and American - suffered in a war against everything America is supposed to stand for. He just couldn't believe it. I talked to him many times about Vietnam, and he started opposing it as a 40 year old in 1964; he thought what was happening now was much, much worse, because this evil crew has greater plans than a stupid war in southeast Asia. And Lyndon Johnson did great things; and Richard Nixon was gone when he lied about things so very much less important than what Bush is imposing now. I will miss this man. He was passionate. He was right.

[hang a left]

3. Sorry for your loss.

Will try to pick up the slack. :hugs:

[itzamirakul]

4. It is always difficult to see an "old stalwart liberal" make a transition

to the next plane of existence. My personal thanks to him for being "my kind of guy" when it comes to liberal beliefs.

Here's hoping that he finds experiences on the new plane of existence that keep him as energetically involved as the experiences he had here. But most of all, may he find even greater joy.

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

5. Brilliant people leave an indelible mark on their world...

...and I'm sure that holds true for your ex father-in-law. He sounds like a great guy.

My prayers and condolences to you, as well as his family.

:patriot:

[Faygo Kid]

7. Thanks to all. He had a mean drop shot in tennis and pingpong, too.

Back in the day. One of those players who you would volley with and then he would hit a little drop shot over the net and you would drop your jock trying to get it. Nasty stuff. Drove everybody nuts. Also a cello player, crossword puzzle aficionado, purveyor of pungent witticisms and boon companion. I will not go to the funeral; I am the "ex" son-in-law, after all, and it is far away. Never had a father myself (except in the physical sense), and he and my uncles were the closest I came to it. Kept in regular touch; visited when I could (last time last fall) and will send beaucoup flowers. Enough personal stuff! I posted not for sympathy, but to honor here a person who lived the spirit and beliefs of DU long before most of us were born.

[jbnow]

6. Sorry for the loss

We all die and it just sucks for those left behind. The world is a little emptier for the loss.
I hope his passing was peaceful. I like to think that they do what they can to help out from the other side and it sounds like he would.

We'll work harder in his honor. You were all lucky to have had the time with him

[Jane Austin]

8. Thanks for sharing this with us.

We've got to make up for the ones we're losing.

[Zodiak]

9. I agree...thanks for posting n/t

[roguevalley]

10. That generation is golden. He was a good representative of it

from the sounds of his life. God bless him and you, my friend.

[Arkansas Granny]

11. Sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and your family.

[Karenina]

13. For you and your loved ones...

"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die."

[Faygo Kid]

14. Thank you; he would have liked that. And here is another. Thanks so much

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you and me.
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" said he,
"I never died" said he. . .

From San Diego up to Maine,
in every mine and mill,
where working-men defend their rights,
it's there you find Joe Hill,
it's there you find Joe Hill!. . .

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" said he,
"I never died" said he.