In memory of my Dad, 1926-2005
My Dad died last night after a six-month battle with stomach cancer. He was 78.
He was a character, as you might be able to tell from the picture of him.
I started this blog just before he was diagnosed with cancer. I tried to explain it to him, but I really don't think he got it. He was a journalist himself, like me, but I just don't think he could figure out what the whole blogging thing was about. That's somewhat ironic because my brother Dan and I have created a blog about him.
My Dad crafted some of his last journalistic pieces in the many letters to the editor he wrote and got published. Dan scoured through the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette archives and mined 28 letters to the editor from Dad. We put them up on a blog and annotated them with Google searches. We didn't usually agree with what he wrote, but it didn't matter.
May you rest in peace Dad. And know that your words and ideas live on via the Internet.
Sorry to hear about your father.
His words and ideas will obviously live on through you.
Posted by: j/c | January 28, 2005 at 09:47 AM
My condolences to you and your family. It's wonderful that you understand the importance of celebrating life, as you have with your father. Be well.
Posted by: deepkid | January 28, 2005 at 09:52 AM
My sincere condolences to you and your family. :o(
Posted by: Margaret | January 28, 2005 at 09:53 AM
My condolences on your father. That is a wonderful picture of him. Although I'm sure there were disagreements in opinion, what a blessing to be raised by someone who didn't "run with the pack."
Posted by: Kelly | January 28, 2005 at 10:10 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences...
Posted by: Zesmerelda | January 28, 2005 at 10:32 AM
This is Monica from work. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: monica | January 28, 2005 at 10:44 AM
My condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: Jasmine | January 28, 2005 at 10:59 AM
Now that I read my post that doesn't sound right at all. I meant I'm sure there were difference only because you wrote "we didn't usually agree with what he wrote," not for any other reason. Unfortunately I tend to do idiotic things like this if I'm not extra, extra, careful. Sorry.
Posted by: Kelly | January 28, 2005 at 11:56 AM
My condolences to you & your family. He looks like the kind of guy people want to remember.
Posted by: ChgoRed | January 28, 2005 at 12:20 PM
Kevin, I'm sorry about your dad. My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: lynette | January 28, 2005 at 05:40 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: LawMom | January 28, 2005 at 07:21 PM
i love this blog. and i think relationships with parents are complicated and delicate. my thoughts are with you now as you walk through the process of grieving your dad. what a great picture of him. love and light to you and yours.
Posted by: jocelyn | January 29, 2005 at 01:42 AM
Thanks very much to all my friends here for your kind words and wishes of condolences.
Posted by: Kevin | January 29, 2005 at 08:46 AM
Sorry about your father passing on. My condolences as well.
Posted by: BR | January 29, 2005 at 10:08 AM
Very sorry to hear about my uncle,I'm glad I had the pleasure to see him in october.It was a good visit,I'm glad my father saw him as well,now they can reminisce on their lives and ponder all the good and bad things they did!! hopefully they will be nice to each other!!! I'll miss jack as well as my own father!!! The O'neil traditions must live on!! peace to you and the family
nancy O'neil Borawski
Posted by: nancy oneil borawski | January 29, 2005 at 10:25 AM
Heartfelt condolences on your loss. I read your blog regularly and enjoy the humor and news. I'm sure your Dad was (and continues to be) proud of all you have accomplished.
Posted by: edub | January 29, 2005 at 06:31 PM
Hey there...sorry to hear of your loss. I know how it is because I lost my dad one short week ago. You'll be in shock for awhile (I am still in shock right now) then its all going to come out I am sure...you have my thoughts and prayers man. Be proud of your dad. I know I am after all I've heard about my dad this past week.
Mike Pietrusinski
Posted by: Mike Pietrusinski | January 30, 2005 at 07:31 AM
Kevin, I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: gladys | January 30, 2005 at 10:30 AM
Sorry to heat this sad news -- it sounds as if your father will live on in many people's memories. Peace.
Posted by: Steve | January 30, 2005 at 05:00 PM
I love your blog & I read it everyday. I am sorry for the loss of your Father. I recently lost my Mom & I know the loss of a parent hurts, but hang in there & keep loving life and you'll be ok. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Posted by: Steve Sierra | February 01, 2005 at 09:09 AM
My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your father. My mother passed away only 5 days prior to your Dad (same age).
Jan
Posted by: Jan | March 15, 2005 at 06:13 AM