Dad died today....
 

Yeah, indulge me here.....

76. stroke 4 months ago, pretty disabling, another stroke Saturday, never regained consciousness.

He was a Permanent Head of Dept, he ran the government department at State level for years while the politicians of all sides came and went.
One of his proudest work moments was an overheard conversation. Some lobbyists were pushing for a certain decision, and one asked the other whether Dad could be bought. The other replied along the lines of "that guy?, he'd have you arrested for even dropping a hint".

He retired from administering 124,000 square miles of leasehold agricultural land, did a year or 2 of consulting, then ran a centre for street people in Sydney's red light district until 4 months ago. He organised food, legal and medical & pysch help for the homeless, the druggies and the street walkers. Not from an office, he worked the counter and did the admin stuff after hours. He was spat on and threatened regularly and thumped a couple of times, but went back each day. Why? Christianity. But he never preached, to anyone. Closest he came was one day one homeless druggie said to Dad "I suppose you're going to tell me I'm going to Hell?" Dad said, "You sure you aren't there already? What've you got to lose?"

He went from dealing with the Premier (the Australian name for state governor) to dealing with drug addled HIV positive street walkers, and thought both worthy of equal respect.

He was a good guy, who did a lot of "below the radar" good. I'll miss him.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. May his soul rest in peace.

I lost my Dad two years ago and think about him everyday! I wish I was half the man he was! I am very sorry for your lose.

Very sorry for your loss. Your father sound's like a man with metal.

I lost my dad one year ago this week. I know your pain. I miss my dad all the time.

I am sorry for your loss.

A nice tribute - one your dad would appreciate.

Very sorry for your loss aap1966.

sorry for your loss. Prayers sent.

Sorry for your loss. You are obviously very proud, and well you should be.

R.I.P.

The loss of a parent is significant in your life especially the first one because you think they are here forever. Your father sounds like a gutsy guy and imagine his many qualities have benefited you.

I lost my father and he was 52 when he died. I was 21 at the time. My mother passed away 2 years ago. Trust your mother is okay and you can be there for her.
Guy.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was a heck of a guy.

Condolences to you and your family.

Sounds like he was a wonderful person, my sincere condolences for your loss.

There is no substituting for the loss of your Dad and the hole it leaves in your life. It does not sound like he suffered very much, was active till near the end, and you can thank God for that. That sai his memory will live on in your heart for the rest of your days. May peace be with you

Very sorry for your loss.

Sounds like he was a great guy. You were lucky to have him in your life while you could.
Best wishes, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

I'm sorry for your loss. I've tried to teach my boy that how you measure a Man is not what you do when people are looking at you but you do when no one is looking. It sound like you Dad was that kinda Man. In my book there is no higher praise. Prayers sent

Sorry for your loss.
May he rest in peace.

Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

we had a thread about what folks will say ...
once we are gone...

what you wrote and the helping hand he offered to many..
say's it all...

Rika

Sounds like he made his mark in his short time on this Earth. He is remembered for his honesty and compassion towards fellow man, I guess that's what we all strive for.

RIP, may your family find comfort in this sorrowful time.