My Step-Father died today, at age 94.

My birth Father died when I was 17 years old. My Mother re-married a couple of years later, to Bob, a wonderful Step-Dad to me for 40 years.

He was an amazing man, serving in WW II. At age 80, he had a both knees replaced,because he and my Mother planned to continue to visit England, which required him to be able to walk the countryside.

At age 85, he discovered he was adopted at birth. He found he had a Sister who was still alive in Detroit. He was able to meet her and communicate with her for a couple of years before she died.

When he married my Mother, we had an Irish Setter named Lizzie, whom he became best friends with. Lizzie loved him and the car rides to Kelley's Island. He and Lizzie would share from the same container of UDF, Dutch Almond Chocolate Ice Cream (yes, I know this is probably not recommended), using the same spoon. One bite for Bob, one for Lizzie. Lizzie lived to be 14 years old. The only time I ever saw him cry, was when he had to take Lizzie to put her down.

Every Easter Sunday, we would have brunch at their home. Bob would cook several pounds of bacon on the grill. We would eat much of the bacon before it even made it to the kitchen with the rest of the food.

Smoked cigars and drank beer on their Gazebo and on Kelleys Island.

So many wonderful memories flooding through my mind.

He had CHF and received a pacemaker/defib about 10 years ago. He slowed down a little bit every year. Earlier this year, he fell and broke his neck. He was in a brace. His Doctor told him he would have the brace for the rest of his life. The brace made him miserable and he asked for another option. He was recommended to a Surgeon who told him if his Cardiologist would give his approval, he would operate on him. Bob opted for the surgery, understanding the potential downside was considerable. The upside was, if successful, he would only need the brace for 30 days.

The surgery was successful and he was excited to shed the brace.

2-3 months ago, he did buy a Zinger (think kitchen chair with a motor), because by the time he walked to Happy Hour and Dinner every evening, he was winded. The Zinger provided him the ability to enjoy Happy Hour and Dinner every evening.

About a month ago, His heart Doc recommended getting Hospice involved. His heart was failing and there was nothing more he could do.

This did not slow Bob down. This past Tuesday, he still made it down for Happy Hour and Dinner.

Before I left for vacation (October 11), Bob did require assistance showering and getting to bed. He had spoken with a NP, and asked him to be frank regarding the future. The NP told Bob, he would likely go to sleep one night and not wake up. He understood the situation and was at peace. At the recommendation of a Hospice NP, we did have his defibrulator turned off.

When I tucked him in that evening, I asked if he was in any pain. He said he had no pain at all.

While I was away, his condition worsened. He began having pain. They brought in a hospital bed to try and make him more comfortable.

Yesterday, he was inconsolable and the meds provided little relief. Hospice recommended he be moved to their facility. When he arrived, he was unconscious, but breathing on his own. We visited last evening and said our goodbyes.

I went at lunch today. His breathing was very, very shallow and irregular. I left his side at 1:15. My Step-Brother texted me at 2:10, stating that Bob had passed.

He lived a good long life and did not suffer in the end. What more can someone ask for?

Thank you for everything Bob.

R.I.P. Bob. Give Lizzie a treat for me.

A life well-lived and obviously an exceptionally strong, positive impact on you and those around him.

May he indeed Rest In Peace and may you and yours be comforted with memories like those you’ve shared with us here.

my condolences

Good Bless him. I loved how you memorialized him. Sorry to hear of his passing. Sounded like a great life

That was a wonderful read. I’m sorry he’s gone. I’m sorry you’ll feel his absence. You did him an honor by posting this here.

My sincere condolences on the passing of your step-dad / father. I'm sure he & Lizzie are playing and eating ice cream together again.

I am sorry, but what a guy.

A true man's man!! I'm glad he lived a live worth living!! Now he can rest.

R.I.P. Bob. Condolences to you and your family, Steve.

Sorry for your loss. What a great man

Sorry for your loss. Hell of a run for what sounds like one helluva a man.

I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

What a life, and what a man.

My condolences and prayers for you and the family.
I completely understand as I lost my decades long stepdad at 95 this past May. It has left a lasting void.

Prayers sent for Bob, you and the family. Condolences on your loss. Regards 18DAI

Very sorry for you and your family’s loss

Condolences on your loss, but what a life he led and how fortunate you were to have such a great step-dad.

He lived a good long life. His way. My condolences to your family.

My condolences on your loss. May the memories and lessons that Bob provided last a lifetime.

My condolences to you and your family.