My dad passed away recently (Wednesday October 9, 2019). I'm writing this post in his honor. Without your guidance, I would not have grown up it to the person I am today. You served in the United States Navy during the Korean War (1955 - 57, technically after official end), you were a scout leader, a Freemason, and an amateur radio operator. I know you were proud of your time in the Navy serving our country as a radio operator. You were proud as a Freemason and a Shriner always giving your time in service to others. You worked in the civil service from 1961 until your retirement in 1997 for the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base (aka the Rocket Lab). I know your work there was important even though you couldn't speak about it.
You encouraged me to not give up by pushing me beyond my comfort zone. This was obvious during my time earning my Eagle Scout award. I might not have wanted to be pushed, yet you pushed me anyway. You knew I could achieve better even if I didn't believe in myself. You believed in me.
I know things weren't always easy between us. I remember back in 1997 I decided to take on a six month co-op. You were against this because you worried that I would not finish my bachelor's degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. However, I did my six months, went back to Cal Poly, and I graduated two years later. I remember earning your respect after that.
I'm sure it must have been difficult for you when I moved to the east coast. However, you were proud of me for earning my PhD in electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon. This was something we could talk about because I researched antenna arrays and machine learning algorithms. You were even more proud of me when I accepted a job offer in the defense industry working with radar systems. In many ways, I followed your footsteps.
I know you're with Mom in a better place, and you're together now. You missed her terribly after her death six years ago.. You know that I'm happily married. (Yes, my wife and I argue just like you and Mom argued from time to time. I know that you loved mom with all of your heart.) Please watch over me knowing that you will always be missed. I love you. May your memory always be a blessing.
