All,

We want to share this news that was posted by his family.  

Dearest friends and family,

Yesterday, December 20, 2024, at 1:17pm, Dad peacefully left us to meet Mom at the gates of paradise. He was surrounded by all four of his children in his final moments, who all had the chance to give a loving goodbye.

Over the last few days, friends and family gathered around Dad as his condition swiftly declined. We worked with the incredible staff at Scripps Encinitas to prioritize his comfort. The room was always peaceful, filled the voices and laughter of those who knew and loved him. We shared stories of his life and adventures, read him the messages from all of you, and celebrated his life with him for as long as we could.

After the difficult news late Tuesday night, Dad started playing the worship music that he loved so much. We left it playing for every minute up to the moment he passed, interrupted only by calls to his friends and a virtual meeting with his beloved book club. The messages of love and grief that you all shared meant so much to him, and to us. The outpouring of appreciation for Dad and his service to community, God, and country created an atmosphere of calm and reverence for a life well lived.

Holland & Lyons picked up Dad yesterday afternoon to transport him back to Ridgecrest. We are in the process of planning and fulfilling Dad’s last wishes. As we coordinate these things, we will use his Facebook page to announce plans and events.

Dad wanted a viewing at Holland & Lyons, which we will plan soon – date and time to be announced. Currently, we expect to host his memorial service later in January, as well as a graveside burial for a smaller group. Again, all specifics will be announced and circulated later.

We encourage you to reshare this post. Dad reached so many through the foundation and his many acts of service. We wanted to get the word out so that everyone, everywhere, who knew and loved him, can celebrate and grieve in their own way.

Thank you all for your love and support as we navigated these final days of Dad’s life. Your words of encouragement, your condolences, and the memories of Dad that you shared were so meaningful. He heard them all.