To my father the worker, the stoic, the supporter, the challenger. You gave me inspiration in knowing how to tackle the trials that are present in everyday life. You taught me how to respect and enjoy work. You showed me how to stand tall amidst challenges. I learned how to be a man as a result of your daily living. And you constantly tested my thinking. You are loved and deeply missed.

Dad, you taught me about how to be responsible and kind to others. You were there for me through all of my growing pains and I know you worried a lot about me. I was able to pull it together and I know I made you proud with the woman I've become and the family I have raised. I owe you for much of the tenacity and stubbornness that got me through my recent challenges. I miss you so much! OX

RJ and Sandi were the first friends I made when I moved to Rocklin from the Bay Area. We were in Norm's, Country Line Dance Class. RJ was the best stiff kneed country dancer ever. We rode the tree root trail out of Nevada City along with Shelley and Sandi. RJ enjoyed music and we went to 2 concerts at the Sutter Creek Theatre. Good times. Love and will miss RJ, may he rest in peace. Sharon

This is from RJ's granddaughter, Lili (13):

"Grampy, I love you and I miss you."

We’re grateful for this wonderful man who, with his dear wife, Sandi, created two truly lovely human beings, John and his sister, Shelley. We only met RJ once, but remain grateful to him for raising a son that has become part of our family. We love John, trust him, depend on him, treasure him. Certainly his character speaks to his dad’s guidance and modeling. Thank you, RJ, rest in peace.

RJ,
I remember sitting next to you at my Grandpa Russ & Grandmas 25th wedding anniversary. You told me many stories about your younger days and playing football with some future star Merlin Olsen? and a few other great Stories. Always having a good smile and a firm hand shake. Our memories of you will be cherished and you will be missed  

Dad, today is your 78th birthday. It's been a tough month for us but we push on and remember all the good times, despite the pain and the hole we feel in our lives. Tonight Mom, John, Scott, Nathan, Lili, and I are going to one of your favorite restaurants to celebrate your birthday and have that steak and lobster you wanted. I know you are with us. We miss you tremendously.

Dad, it's been hard since we lost you. Especially as we look back at your life and revisit as much as we can in order to share it with all of those who loved you this weekend. Your life was rich in so many more ways that we were aware of. You were a remarkable man, friend, and father. I think of you every day, Dad, and I was so fortunate to have you.

When I first met RJ, his big smile put me immediately at ease. As John's girlfriend, RJ always welcomed me and made me feel part of the family. He coined my special nickname "Shelley Marie". I think of him all the time and the huge impression he made on all those he met. On Saturday, those who loved RJ will gather together to honor him and share memories. We miss you, RJ.  Rest in peace.

I met RJ. twice, and  I was impressed both with his gentle, calm  personality, and his lovely wife Sandi. I  knew R.J.s  son John who I have always admired, with his many skills, and his desire to make great changes in this world.
Many blessings to Shelley, Sandi, and John.  Rest in Peace R.J.  Love, Les and Ob.

My son, Nathan, just turned 16 and it was the first birthday dad missed. It was so surreal to have mom walk in the door of our house without him. Last May he came to Lili's dance team's show to see her perform her first solo. It feels like yesterday but she performs again next weekend. I've accepted that I'll have these moments often in the coming years. I miss him so much.

Happy Father's Day Dad.  This would have been the 42nd of your life.  
You have been in my thoughts very often lately.  As I move closer to becoming a father myself (due date 23-September), I am remembering all of the wonderful moments of my childhood, and how you shaped them.  I wish that you could be here to guide me in this chapter of my life.

Thinking of you all day today, Dad. Happy Father's Day. I miss you so much!

It's Fathers Day and I can't wish you a Happy Fathers Day and hear you say back (always the joker), "I'm not your father." I miss feeling the love you had for your kids and grand kids. I miss you so much.

Hey Dad, I am traveling back from Nampa, Idaho today. Scott, the kids, and I spent three days with "your genes." I felt you there with me. We stayed with Uncle Marlin and Aunt Lavon. We celebrated Aunt Julianne's amazing "comeback" b-day. Uncle Walt was also there. We all miss you so much. It was the first real comfort I've had since you left, being surrounded by them. Love you, dad.

Mom, John, and I took our old boat to Blue Lakes this past weekend. It was hot but so beautiful there, as always. We took your ashes out in the boat with us and scattered some in that old spot we used to park the boat in to eat lunch. We felt you all around us over the weekend and we miss you. It will be nice to revisit Blue Lakes over the years and know that you are with us there. OXOX

We are approaching one year without you this week, Dad. It's been a rocky journey but you'd be so proud of Mom and John. Your new granddaughter is a dream come true - just perfect. I miss you so much and there is a hole the size of the Grand Canyon in my life without you here.

One year. I tell myself that I'll feel better past this day, your birthday, Christmas, New Years, etc. I know time heals but there are moments where I feel like you left us yesterday. You were such a "silent" presence in my life. Even though I didn't see you as often as I could/should have, I took for granted that you would always be there. I love you. Dad.

Happy 79th birthday, Dad. I remember how, once you turned 39, you somehow stayed that age. “I’m 39 again!” you’d say. Scott, the kids, and I are taking Mom up to Grandview tonight to celebrate another one of your 39th birthdays. Love you and miss you, Dad. Wish you were here.

Happy 79th birthday Dad.
It has been a very long year since you left us.  I am now a father, and I think constantly about you and what you taught me.  I wish you could have met Billie.  She has been such a joy in our lives.  I know that you would have cherished her.  My thoughts are with you today, and you are forever in my heart.

Happy 79th birthday, RJ. I’m sitting here at Teegie’s house. The trip down wasn’t as nice as when I had my “professional driver” at the wheel. We’re all going to Grand View tonight to celebrate your birthday. Wish you were here. It’s been a long, hard year. I miss you so much.

You have been in my thoughts often lately Dad.  I see you in my dreams where I remember your laughter and demeanor.  As a new father, I have missed your guidance in this new chapter.  And now as a new homeowner, I miss your ear to talk about the joys (and frustrations) of homeownership.  The time passes by from when we lost you, but the wound is very slow to heal.

I remember when I was a child falling asleep in the van on the way home from outings at night. Perhaps it was a restaurant. Perhaps it was returning from our annual camping trip at the lake. Perhaps it was coming back from our relatives in San Jose. My father would pick me up and carry me in his arms to my bed. I now have the feeling of what that is like as a father and I am grateful.

RJ, I just read John’s tribute from yesterday and took the time to look through all the pictures and reminisce. Those pictures brought a smile to my face now, instead of tears. Those were some fun times. We had a lot of tough times, too, but raising Shelley and John certainly made it all worthwhile. You were so proud of them and had so much love for them! I miss you.

Hey Dad, just wanted to let you know that your friends in Logan are doing well. John and Nadine are just the nicest people ever and Delwyn is hilarious and still very active with hot rods. Hanging out with them, I could see bits and pieces of your personality shining through. Your friendships with them made a real impact on who you were later in life. They are good people. I miss you. OX

Dad, it's been two years since we lost you. I swear, not a day goes by that I don't think of you....."what would dad think of this?"  "I wish dad could see this."  The only thing I could never discuss, currently, would be politics! Hahaha. But, honestly, the pain of losing you has lessened. I really miss your guidance, though. I think that is the most painful thing now. I love you dad. oxo

Dad, you would have been 80 years old today (same as Superman!). It's been somewhat chaotic lately (holidays, etc) but all of us got together last night to have dinner in your honor (see "Stories"). I miss you but time has helped, as cliche as that is. Sometimes life takes unexpected and silly turns and it is during those moments that I think of you the most. Last night you were laughing!

Happy Father’s Day, dad. Time has gone by and softened the empty feeling I had when we lost you. Instead of feeling the pain from your last days, however, I’m remembering more and more from the good ones. It’s early in the morning and I woke up hearing Scott in the kitchen downstairs. It made me think of you, making breakfast for us as kids on the weekend. I wish you were here. Oxoxoxoxoxo

It’s Thanksgiving. Scott, the kids and I as well as John, Shelley, and Billie Rose are at your home. Quite simply put, I miss you and I’m so thankful to have had a dad like you.

Hey Dad. Three years. How did the time fly so fast? I’m still really missing you. It never gets easy. I think of you all the time...you’re still everywhere Dad. I wish you were still here for us to share our lives with, to bounce ideas off of, to laugh with. I love you and miss you so much. -Teeg

Happy Birthday Dad! Today you would be 81. We still miss you every day, and there is a large hole that I wish was filled with your presence in my daughter's life. I tell her about you all the time. I had your tools shipped across the country around Thanksgiving. They arrived last week. I also have your picture in my office.  It is very comforting to have these things. We love and miss you.

Happy birthday, Dad! As John said, we think of you often and I'm always wanting to tell you when something new happens (Nathan is driving!) or ask your opinion about something, even if I might disagree. I really miss you. Love you. OXOX

Hi Dad. Uncle Walt passed away a couple of days ago. I know how close the two of you were and I hope you're together now, yucking it up. I am so happy that I was able to get the family to Idaho year before last (they loved the road trip!) and that they got to spend the time getting to know him. Nathan was so enamored by his decoding stories. We are really going to miss him. Love you Dad.

4 years since we lost you, Dad. A lot has happened since then. We are in turmoil from a global pandemic and there is widespread political unrest. What I wouldn't do to talk about all this with you! But your family continues to plug along and Lili is graduating H.S. next week. Nathan is growing into a wonderful young man. Billie is being raised so beautifully. We all miss you and love you.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Thinking of you always but especially today. Wish you were here.

5 years! How has that much time passed? What I wouldn't give to get your thoughts on a variety of subjects (global, political, health, the list goes on and on). While it seems impossible to believe that you can ever not feel the pain of loss so intensely, it is true that it lessens over time.....I love you Dad. I still miss you and your guidance so much.

Today you would have been 84. I miss you Dad and wish I could sing happy birthday to you like you did for us all those years. “….and many more, on channel 44.”

Hi grampy i’m missing you extra tonight. Tomorrow will be 7 years without you. I miss staying at your house and waking up before my mom to find you in the kitchen making coffee and your special pancakes. I can still feel your hugs sometimes they were so comforting. I love you so so much.
-lili

Dad you would have been 85 today! Well past that age you always said you were (39) - in fact, both your kids have surpassed it! We decided that we are going to go out for dinner tonight and brave the last-minute Christmas shopping madness to have dinner for you. Celebrating your birthday with a nice dinner was Lili’s idea. I’m sure you would have loved it. We think of you a lot. Love you.