THERE IS NO END TO A FATHER'S LOVE - Eulogy for Dad

It was your normal Sunday, Taylor, Chrissy's brother got a brief reprieve from his military duties and was visiting from out of town.  He wanted to catch at least one of the boy's games and visit friends and family before he had to report back.  We went to eat Sunday morning at the Waveland, one our favorite local breakfast spots.  We laughed and talked about random things, small talk as you would expect.  We said our good-bye's and we had to rush off to another soccer game.  

Nearly there, I got the call I always expect from my Mom.  Hey honey, it's Mom, I'm sitting at a field and no one else is here.  Where am I?  I look at Chrissy and laugh knowing Mom refuses to use today's technology to help guide her to the destination.  Oh, I see a car I recognize I must be in the right place.  Thank goodness I was worried sick.  I reassure her that she's in the right place and we're almost there  save us a spot on the sidelines.

In my head I knew Dad hadn't made the trip to today's game.  The leaves are turning, the weather is cooling and buck fever is around the corner.  Mom didn't say anything to me about Dad not being there and I didn't say anything to her as we both knew he was doing what he loved.  Not that he didn't love coming to soccer, football or basketball games but at certain times of the year the call of the wild is just too strong  it was in his blood.  

Within the same thought I was excited to talk to him that evening after the sun was down to see how his hunt went.  Or maybe, just maybe I would get the excited call that every hunter can relate to.  The call that every Dad, brother, son, grandfather, daughter or granddaughter that enjoys the outdoors dreams about.  I got a big one and the chase was on!

On this day it wasn't meant to be.  There would be a phone call, but not the kind any of us ever wants to get.  The call that rocks you to your very core.

There will never be another call, either from me to my Dad or my Dad to me excited to tell him about my day, my hunt, something great the boys did or a tool that I need to borrow.  I'm going to miss those more than words can ever describe.

When I think of the strength behind my father I think of one thing  my Mom.  Mom, you are the rock, our foundation with which we've built this strong and loving family.  We are all here for you  forever and always.  Dad loved you with all his being  to his very core.  You will be together again and your love for each other has shaped my life in so many ways.  Thank you!

It's impossible to list all the things that I owe to my Dad.  He taught me a love and respect of the outdoors.  A pastime that I'm passing down to my kids in hopes that they'll one day pass it on to their kids.  I look forward to the day I'm old and sitting on a dock giving my grandson or granddaughter a hook and a worm.

My Dad taught me to work hard and that nothing comes easy in life.  Most of all he taught me how to be good to others and how to take care of my family  every day.

Physically my Dad is no longer here but everywhere I look he is with me  he's with all of us.  He's with me when I put in a long day's work.  He's with me when I hold a door open for a stranger.  He's with me when I pick-up a tool and work with my hands.  He will be with me when I'm out hunting or fishing.  He's with me when I tell a funny story or a joke.  He's with me when I look at my wife and kids.  He's with me when I have to make a tough decision or do the right thing even when it's hard.

I hope that I can do right by my father every day.   There won't be a day that goes by that I don't miss him and thank him for everything he's done for me.

I like to think when God comes calling for me I'll see my father again.  We'll walk toward each other, shake hands (a firm hand shake no doubt) and we'll embrace.  He'll smile and I'll smile back.  He'll say I'm proud of you and I love you son.  I'll say thank you and I love you Dad. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I wanted to close with a poem/reading.  I love this message and I think my Dad would have loved it too.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. 

Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. 

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. 

Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

-Tecumseh (Shawnee Indian Chief and war chief (1768-1813) came of age amid the border warfare that ravaged the Ohio Valley in the late 18th century.)

I'm very sorry to hear of Ricks passing.  Rick was one of my best students at the Atlantic High School.  My Condolences to the Michalski family.

My deepest sympathy to the Michalski Family. I am saddened by news that we loss a great Man so suddenly. I worked with Rick at Elliott Aviation from 1990 to 1999. He was a great mentor and friend as I started out my aviation career. I hold dear to me those skills he taught me, which I use to this day, as I remain in aviation. I last spoke with Rick at Elliott's, April of 2015 on my way through Des Moines. After our brief conversation I was remembering how much I missed his friendship and how I wish we didn't live so far away... he hadn't changed a bit. Rick, I can't wait to see you again someday. I'm praying for healing, as your family goes through this difficult time.

To the Michalski Family: I was very sorry to hear about your loss. Rick was one of those guys that I had a great deal of respect for. He was the guy that hired me to work at Elliott Aviation. He treated me the same as he would any 30 year veteran. He always had a smile for you and always would shake your hand. He would always ask how you were doing and always try to help where he could. It was a pleasure to work with him and for him. He will be deeply missed. "The Staver Family".

Condolences to the Michalski family. It was a shock to learn of Rick's untimely passing. It was an honour   and pleasure to have known Rick. He left us with many wonderful memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My heart goes out to all of you.  Losing someone you love so suddenly is a shock, I know just how you feel.   Steve & I are thinking of the entire family and we hope that you feel strength in the memories of your dad, son, brother, husband and grandpa lift your spirits during the most difficult times.  So, so sorry to hear about this...much love to everyone.

My deepest sympathy to the entire Michalski family. It has been an honor getting to know Mike and Jean and their children and hearing stories of family get together's and especially the fishing trips. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Karol Dammann: Friendship Home

Lindsay and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Rick will be greatly missed at Elliott Aviation.  Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Lindsay and kids, 
I am so very sorry you are going through this and please know that my prayers are with you all.
Joni Hollis

Lindsay and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Rick's passing.  We are holding your family in our hearts and prayers.  Mary and Pat Ferring

Lindsay and boys.  We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Rick into Life Eternal.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time for you.

Rick and I had many good times in our youth I am very sad to hear of his passing. Take care Lindsay my prayers are with you.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I am the cleaning contactor at Elliott and Rick has always been so kind to me.

So So sorry for the passing of Richard. Muffy and I are very saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God Bless to all. Cookie

I am so sorry Lindsay, my thoughts and prayers are with you

Our prayers are with you and your family Lindsey

We are so very sorry for your loss.  Please know we are holding your family close in our prayers.

The Smith family sends out our sympathy to Lindsay and the Michalski family. I was honored to have known Rick for almost ten years, as a friend and a neighbor. We spent many of hours talking about our fishing and hunting adventures. I will miss those talks that we had all so often.

Lindsey, so sorry to hear about Rick, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Diann Ross McLaren

Prayers to the family in this difficult time. Rick was an incredible man. We will miss him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

So sorry to hear about Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barbara and June Bobbitt(Dentville, MS)

Lindsay, I am so sorry for this loss. Way too soon. I remember Rick playing guitar and we sang Hotel California. I am thinking of you and your wonderful family. Love,

To the Michalski Family, I'm sorry to hear of Rick's passing.  He will be greatly missed.  I worked with him from the Moline office at Elliott for many years.  He was always smiling and positive.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Good morning.  I was shocked and sadden to hear of Rick's passing.  I have worked in the Moline EA location for 29 yrs and have know Rick for many years.  Rick was a man of smiles, good heart and integrity.  Prayers and comfort go out to the family.  Rick will surely be missed by many people.  It seems like God takes the good ones first...

Lindsay and family, I can't put into words how devastated all his co-workers are. I worked closely with Rick for all of his years here at Elliott's and I hope you all know how much you all and he meant to me. You are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.

Rick had a way of seeing things for what they truly were; his practicality and humor will be dearly missed and I will continue to ask myself in times of need, 'what would Rick do.'  Heaven holds the faithful departed.

My sympathies and prayers to Rick's entire family.  I was honored to work with him through Elliott Aviation in Moline.  He always stopped to speak with me when he was here & ask how I was doing.  He will be missed very much by all of us.  Keep his memories close and he will be with you always. 
Jean Bounds - Elliott Aviation Moline

Lindsay and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time in your life. May god give you comfort in the days ahead.  I had the pleasure to work with Rick over the past 20yrs and he will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Ricks Family. He was a wonderful man and a great co-worker. He will be missed dearly by all.

Lindsay, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  You and Rick were  such wonderful neighbors for the 13 years we lived next door!

Lindsay and Family my heart goes out to you. I know how close you were. My Deepest Sympathy and Love Marilyn Reed

Please accept my profound condolence in your time of grief.  May God rest his soul in peace and give you the strength to bear the loss of your dear husband and father.  I will miss him very much.

Sincerely,
Becky Meyer

OBITUARY

Richard Scott Michalski

December 10, 1951 – October 16, 2016

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

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