Godspeed.

I realized that my last tirade did no justice to the man that passed. I will try and amend that here. This is from memory, so please bear with my mistakes.

My father-in-law was a kind man and treated my son very well. He and I never quite saw eye to eye, but that can be chalked up to two very strong personalities. There was mutual respect.

He was 93 when he passed due to complications from Alzheimer's. He had a long and productive life. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Reba a few years ago. It is good to know they are together again. He is survived by three daughters and one son.

The man was fond of telling stories of his life, which was filled with experiences one could take many lessons from. He ventured from home at an early age during the Depression to find his way in the world. He found work as a welder and soon purchased his first automobile, a '29 Hupmobile. He worked during World War II as a welding inspector at the shipyards in Houston when he was not allowed to join the Navy. His services to the war effort were too valuable on the homefront. He went on to work on the Alaska Pipeline and make friends that are still close to this day.

After his retirement he continued to do work for contract and was grievously injured when a water tank and tower collapsed on him. He was 68. After intensive surgeries and months of rehabilitation, he was back on his feet and would still work from time to time. The man's middle name should have been Tough.

After an extended fight with his failing health, he has finally passed on. The world is a little less bright without him.

Godspeed, Mr. Bill. You will be missed.