Obit: Sparky

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: vectis
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 04:37 PM

I'm sorry to hear this Kat. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 04:09 PM

Add my condolences, too, Kat. My thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 04:08 PM

Funny that after we talked last night that Karen asked how your Dad was doing and I admitted not asking you.....said I'd ask next time. Sorry about that Luv...........

You already know what I have to say about this. Immortality is granted only to those who can impact others to the point that they fill the voids in their heart with the memories and pass them along. Your Dad is almost there already. He has been a lucky man to have you to keep him not only vital but to write and remember and often record the stories and songs.....and to have that same person also be so supremely able to pass it along. You were blessed to have him and he will have immortality through you. You'll let us all know when Morgan learns the first of the myriad Sparky tales and songs won't you?

I remember when we were first introduced to him about 6 years ago and I also recall he was a hit with Max and Bert and all of us who gathered for the Mudcat Radio Show. We all are grateful for you sharing him with us.........as ought to be obvious on this thread which reads like a Mudcat Old Timer's Club. (Hi Gang...We all came out of the woodwork for this one didn't we?)

And do yourself a favor and forget the other relatives and all of that. The real thing is that regardless of how or where, Sparky will always be with you. And even better, I'd bet there is one of those places we've heard about where his spirit will be happy to get together with you alone..........You had a great love for each other and that force will always find a way.

The best kind of love can take away the pain,
And the best kind of answer has no sound.

Peaches

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Jack The Lad
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 03:40 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss, Kat, May his soul rest in peace.
Jack The Lad

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 03:25 PM

Dear Kat,

Your father has passed over the bridge into the realm of light, and one day he will welcome you to that land and you will be reunited. It does not matter where his empty physical shell is deposited or the container it is left in - it's all simply a form of energy which will return to the Source. Your father will be with you wherever you or other members of your or his family are. So long as he remains in your thoughts and his songs and stories continue his energy continues to still shine in this world.

Go ahead and cry your fill, but realise that you cry for yourself and for your loss. Then, when you are strong enough, also celebrate his passing, and his being, and the gifts he brought and left in this world.

All Blessings to you,

Pauline.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 02:50 PM

Cry your fill Kat, as I did when my beloved old Dad died eleven years ago. It helps. Try to rejoice in the fact that he has no pain now, and if you are religious be aware that he is 'Leaning On The Everlasting Arm'. In time you will find, as I do even now, some warm memories coming in to soften your grief. When this happens I like to think that Dad is the instigator of these feelings, just letting me know that he still looks out for me and that his love never dies.   Condolences to you and your family. Thoughts and Prayers.
Burl

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: DADGBE
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 02:24 PM

Lay down my dear brother,
Lay down and take your rest...

Oh Kat, all love and honor to you and your dad. May you find the strength to face what you need to face.

Love and condolences,
Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:49 PM

I never met Sparky and I have not - yet - met you but you are both very much alive. His 'death' will not change that. Thank you for the gift you and he have given us.

{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:48 PM

kat,
My sincerest condolences to you and your your family.
Please convey to sympathy to Bet as well.
Thank you for getting your Dad's music out to us - there's a treasure indeed.
Oh, and stay above the pettiness;
nothing they dod can spoil your memories of him - but I didn't need to tell you that.
Seamus

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Megan L
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:37 PM

Kat my dear I'm so glad.

Glad he has no more pain.
Glad he gave you stories and songs.
Glad he left behind so many wonderfull memories
and glad he has left you to carry his candle.

If you feel like a cry go ahead you cry for yourself.

Death may steal from us those we love the most
but it cannot steal the memories we keep within our heart
like the fragrance of a rose remains long aft the flower has past
his sweet and fragrant memories from you will not depart.

MeganL

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Wesley S
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:32 PM

WHO WILL SING FOR ME ?

By John Thomas Ely

Oft I sang for my friends, when deaths cold hand I see
When I reach my journeys end, who will sing one song for me ?
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

When friends shall gather round, and look down on me
Will they turn and walk away, or will they sing one song for me?
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

So I'll sing 'til the end, contented I will be
Assured that some friend will sing one song for me.
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Wesley S
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:30 PM

Kat - Take care of yourself and stay calm if you can. I know how those family situations can be. A loss like this can bring out the worst in a person. But it can bring out the best in a person too. Let your best { Sparky's best } come out now even if you are surrounded by a lot of negative feelings. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love - Wesley

PS - When the family is driving you crazy just think how Sparky would have acted in the same situation. As Davy Crockett was supposed to have said - "Be sure you're right. Then go ahead".

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Micca
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:18 PM

kat, if you can, let them do what they need to with the old packing case that Sparky came in, we KNOW he isnt in there anymore, he has moved on into our hearts, where he is in permanent residence, and the empty case matters not an Iota, make your own memorial for him in Colorado if you wish to, even if its just his name and dates on a pine board, or a framed pic with a black ribbon in the corner to show that it is a "past picture" hanging on a wall, or simply the place in the heart that he lived in anyway.
He lives on, not in a stone with his name on it, nor a Monument in St Pauls, but in how we remember him.

" The moving finger writes and having writ
moves on, and all your piety nor wit
can't call it back to cancel half a line
nor all your tears wash out a word of it

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: GUEST,amergin
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:17 PM

Katdarling, I wish I could say something to you that would take your pain away, but I can't. He'll always be alive as long as you and your family hold him in your hearts. Share his stories and songs with your grandchildren and their friends. If each succeeding generation passes them down from parent to child, your dear father will be immortal.

I only knew him through the lovely things you have written about him here. However, I have known people like him. The true cowboy, larger than life itself. It may seem that the world is darker when they pass...but that is only if their stories are never told.


nathan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:58 PM

Oh, my honey, I'm holding you and rocking you in my heart. Just feel how loved you are by all of us. Sparky was a light here on earth and he'll go on shining in your heart.

I'm sending calm, centering peace to help you over the difficulties with the step-family. Keep those deep breaths coming, in.... out... in.... out....

You've given so much love and care and know that a little of that is coming back to you now. Just hold on, we're with you.

Love,
Allison

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: CarolC
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:38 PM

So very sorry for your loss, katlaughing. You are inded one of the lucky ones for having had such a father. Our best thought and wishes go to you and your loved ones during this time.

Carol and Rob

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:38 PM

Kat, so very sorry to hear this sad news. I know you'll miss him, but I'll bet you've got a lot of great memories!

Sending good thoughts your way,
Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: open mike
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:36 PM

Oh, Kat, darling...this is salt in the wound!
Blessings on you in this difficult time and I
hope and pray that you are able to find peace
in all of this. I can envision him riding off
into the sunset, and being in a place of joy
and peace. I hope that you will be able to find
that place as well. Was there a will or any
legal documantation which records his wishes?
Try to understatnd that this "other" family
must be feeling his loss as well. Is there
anyone you can turn to for advice and assistance
in these matters? (some times rules and regulations
do not allow simple pine boxes any more)
{{{{{{{{{kat}}}}}}}}}
my heart goes out to you and your family
and I will put on Sparky's songs now to
let his spirit soar!
I hope you might be able to get the tapes
I sent of my christmas radio show....if not
let me know and i will send you another copy!
Close your eyes, and take a deep breath and
when you let it go, also let your anger and
pain and sorrow go. When you breathe in, feel
renewing energy return.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Peace
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:29 PM

Goodnight, Sparky.

Sorry, Kat.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:26 PM

I'll take a boatload of those feelings for you, Kat, and I have step-family experience to lean on. Just keep moving toward the positive, and leave the rest to your pals here. It's what he left in your heart that matters, and you get to keep it ALL.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: DonMeixner
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:25 PM

Hi Kat,

My deepest sympathies to you.

I have little say that you haven't heard. I did notice there is a balance when my Dad died. I have never gotten over the loss but I have never forgotten the stories or the lessons either. And very often when I think back on something he said or had done. I find he has taught a new lesson.

He still keeps teaching and touching me. I'm sure Sparky will do the same for you.

Don

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:19 PM

Folks, I need some help with some old feelings. Dealing with his second wife and her kids and grandkids. As little as possible, but still one of them got in a little "dig" and I really want to rise above it. I know it didn't really matter to dad and it shouldn't to me, but they've decided to bury him in Utah instead of over here in CO where his folks are. He wanted a plain pine box which they will not do. They are pillars of the community and have to keep up appearances, imo. They are at least honouring his request that there be no funeral, just a graveside service. They are writing the obit and keeping it short because they don't know how much they will be charged for it and he "didn't leave any money for expenses." I got them to add one line, "he passed his love of music on to his kids."

Please send me some "stay kind and calm" thoughts for the next few days as we try to sort things out, the service as well as his instruments and gifts etc. which we gave him over the years. Sorry if that sounds ghoulish.

Thanks a bunch,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Metchosin
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:18 PM

kat, I'm so sorry. Even when one is expecting it, the loss is no less painful. Take care.
Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Dani
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:17 PM

I am so sorry. What a hard time. I'm thinking of you and sending hugs.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: freightdawg
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 12:08 PM

Kat, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family.

His stories and songs will continue, sometimes in the oddest of places and at the oddest of times. But you will hear his voice and know that he is still with you.

{{{{big hug}}}}

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Justa Picker
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:59 AM

Kat,
I am so sorry to hear this.
I know and he knew how much you loved him.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

M.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:24 AM

Kat, have a big hug from Scotland, and hang on those happy memories, Sparky would want you to do that; and to pass on his heritage.
Giok

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: M.Ted
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:19 AM

I'm so sorry, Kat--Over the years you have shared him with us, and he's really been a part of the mudcat community--Life is a short and frail thing, but, in song and story, he's touched many of us, and he will live on with us--

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:13 AM

Kat,

I'll always feel I knew him---through you, through his songs that you and he graciously sent to me, and through the many musical places where he and I coincided --- and where we sang the same songs differently--and carried on the tradition.

Sparky was, as you know, a real link on the chain. He'll keep on keepin' on !

Love,

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Carly
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:10 AM

So sorry to hear this sad news...May you find comfort in all that he passed on to you, and may his memory never fade from all who knew him.

Sympathy and peace to you and your family.

Carly Gewirz

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:03 AM

So sorry to hear this, Kat. Lots of love coming from Oz.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Áine
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:45 AM

Oh darlin', I am so sorry to hear this news. I know how much you worried about Sparky's discomfort these past months. I'm sending big hugs to all y'all up there (and a certain trio that's helped out in the past). I just wish I could be with you.

Be good to each other.

I love ya, sister-girl.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Louie Roy
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:44 AM

Kat I 'm truly sorry to hear about your Dad and I never knew him but he had to be a great and caring person to have a daughter as caring and kind as you.My deepest sympathy Louie Roy

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: MBSLynne
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:37 AM

So sorry Kat......

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Juan P-B
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:36 AM

All my condolences and warmth coming to you!

Having read the previous input - You are definitely among the right people at this time

All love
Juan P-B

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:36 AM

Blessings, kat. From all of us here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: karen k
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:34 AM

Kat,
I didn't know Sparky physically but somehow he is in my heart because of how much you've shared him with all of us. I'm so glad to have the tape of his songs and it will be a part of my collection for as long as I am on this earth. I know that you will carry on his stories and his songs. He is in your heart and your memory and no one can take that from you. I hope that today you feel the love and the caring that you are so often the first to offer others. I hope we can meet in person someday. I have a lot to thank you for myself.

You and Bet are in my thoughts and in my heart during this difficult time.

Much love and condolences,
karen

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Homeless
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:31 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:30 AM

Go ahead and cry, kat. Many of us are crying with you. His pain is over now.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:30 AM

Kat,

It's never easy to lose a parent, even when they're ailing and you wish for the pain to cease. Thanksgivings will be difficult, poignant, for a few years, but will also be richer for the stories you will tell about him. My sympathy to you and your family.

Maggie (SRS)

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Mooh
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:24 AM

Our hopes and prayers to you and yours, Kat. After the hurt of his passing there'll be all those good memories. Take your time, pass on some memories to others (like us!), and take comfort in knowing you're not alone.

Peace & Love,

Mooh.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:06 AM

What you've once held in your heart is never gone. Thank you for sharing your father with all of us.

Sympathy and hugs to you, Rog and the whole family.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:05 AM

Thank you all so very, very much. Thanks, Jeff, for remembering my sister Bet. I wasn't quite coherent when I started this thread...

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Peter T.
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:49 AM

Hi kat, find a little room in that heart of yours as big as a barn for yourself. You need a katlaughing for katlaughing -- much love.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: jeffp
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:45 AM

My deepest sympathies, kat. And to you as well, BET. And to everybody in the family.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Deckman
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:45 AM

All my best to you Kat. Roope

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:38 AM

So sorry Kat.

As long as he is remembered he will always be with you. Now you must carry on the stories and the songs, and you will remember when he told them to you.

I didn't know Sparky but he sounded like a great guy and his life would definitely be one to celebrate.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:37 AM

Really sorry Kat. Take care.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Den
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:36 AM

Kat, I'm very sorry for your trouble. My own Father passed away last Christmas Eve. Somehow the Holidays just won't be the same. Den

Subject: RE: Obit: Sparky
From: Flash Company
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:24 AM

Kat, we've all been in this situation at some time, they don't go away, just take up another existance inside your memory.
Thinking of you!

FC