He was a good man

This weekend was my father-in-law's funeral. We traveled to Ohio early Sunday morning so we would be there in time for the viewing. Which was supposed to be from 4 - 7 pm. Wow. People just came, and came and came. In cars, in busses, in horse and buggies. From a couple hours away. From Cleveland, like the people from Wynn's office. People from former churches, from Owens Illinois - and pop had retired from there about 20 years ago. People they knew from camp. From childhood. From basketball and baseball. Amish. Relatives of relatives. They came and came and came. The line never stopped for four hours. And believe me, by then we all had our shoes off! People didn't come out of obligation. Or because he was special, or rich, or they felt obligated to come because of what he had done for them. They came, because as more than one person said, "Your dad was a good man."

So often we try to impress. Try to please. Try to be better than others. Try to be someone. And we forget - all that matters is if we are a good person. Better good than right. Better good than rich. Better good than influential. It causes one to stop and think what will be said of each one of us.

They got it right. He WAS as GOOD man.

All thirteen of Richard Gerber's grandchildren.

Memories of Pop's life.

Memories of Pop's life.

cousins chillin'

Kelsey talking to Grandma.

The sisters-in-law (-minus Tena)

Jenny, Jessica and Wynn

Pop's six grandsons were his pall bearers.

He was a good man.

We will miss him.

Pop at the water tower in Lake Tahoe where he served as a conscientious objector during WW II.

Pop in FOUR states at once at the Four Corners Monument.

Mom and Pop at the campground where they stayed when their children were small. This is also where the famous water tower is.....

Mom and Pop and Kelsey at Jenny Lake in the Tetons.

After eating a really yummy lunch at Bubba's in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Kim and his dad, summer of 2003.

(You can click on any picture to make them bigger.....)