Today My Dad Passed Away

February 4, 2012 13 Comments

At approximately 1:00 PM EST today, my dad, Ed Dodd, passed away.  Obviously, this is a very sad day for my family.  In preparation for the memorial service, we have been asked to write down our best memories of my dad.

Though very raw emotionally and not well thought out, here are my thoughts of Dad and how I will honor him this weekend:

  1. Dad taught me to always be polite.  I still say, “Yes Sir” and “Yes Ma’am” to people older than me to this day.
  2. Dad taught me to always be honest.  Tell the truth so if nothing else, people can at least trust you.
  3. Dad taught me to never be late so I would not waste someone else’s time or make them worry.
  4. Dad taught me the meaning of hard work.
  5. Dad taught me that whatever I do, do it with excellence.
  6. Dad taught me how to study hard.
  7. Dad taught me how to fish.
  8. Dad taught me how to play baseball and how to ride a bike.
  9. Dad taught me to drive safely and that a car used improperly “is a 2,000 lb. killing machine.”
  10. Dad taught me how to manage money.
  11. Dad taught me responsibility.
  12. Dad taught me organizational skills.
  13. Dad thought the world of my wife and daughter.
  14. Dad went the extra mile caring for his ailing mother (my grandmother) who died last year.
  15. Dad taught me that little things (like how you edge the yard of wax your car) make a big difference.
  16. Dad gave me my first job which was cleaning his office at Curtis Mathes.
  17. Dad taught me how to deal with difficult personalities.
  18. Dad taught me perseverance.
  19. Dad taught me to always keep my commitments and to finish whatever I start.
  20. Dad taught me to finish well. 

That’s my dad.  If you’re reading this post or think about this weekend, say a prayer for the family of Ed Dodd.  We would appreciate it.

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13 Responses to “Today My Dad Passed Away”

  1. Mark Prasek Reply February 4, 2012 at 12:17 AM

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. From your notes, your father has left a living legacy. Live his legacy well my Brother.

  2. Rick Chezum Reply February 4, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    My condolences, Brian. I’ve been exactly where you are. I won’t say it gets easier but it becomes less raw over time. Savor the memories, live the lessons, pass them both on.

  3. Dan Black Reply February 4, 2012 at 3:29 AM

    You and your family will be in my prayers. It sure does sound like he was a great man.

  4. Ron Keener Reply February 4, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    My condolences on the passing of your father. My dad died of dementia some 20 years ago, and I lost Mom at age 95 a year ago. She was of keen mind and health but did not survive a fall. I didn’t quite have the nurturing and guidance from my parents that you had and now relate, but they were good parents to their kids, and I recall them today with love and caring and all they did in being great parents.

  5. kurt bennett Reply February 4, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Brian, I’m very sorry for your loss.

    But I’m very thankful for your sharing about your father’s legacy.

    I’m going to pass your post along to my sons.

    I pray He walks with you through this valley.

  6. Michael Reply February 4, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Brian: Bless you, my brother. There’ll only ever be “one dad”, right. Do know my thoughts are with you as God brings you to mind. Thanks for the great work you are doing, a tribute no doubt to the legacy left you by your father.

    Gratefully,
    Michael

  7. Doris Reply February 4, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    You and your family are in our prayers in this difficult time. Take care

  8. Joe Reply February 4, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    Sorry to hear about this Brian. Your dad sounds like the dad all of us should strive to be.

    Thoughts and prayers.

  9. Dan O Donnell Reply February 4, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    My mother died last Tuesday in Gadsden, Alabama. She taught me a few things and left a legacy of faith. I am sorry for your loss. I love the posts that you do each day. Thanks.

  10. Karyn Wilburn Reply February 5, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    I lost my dad two and a half years ago. He taught me so much as well. Without his faith and desire to raise his family to live for Christ, I would not be who I am and where I am today. I sympathize with you and will pray for your family in the days and weeks ahead. Continue your dad’s legacy. I enjoy your posts.

  11. Michael Reply February 5, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    Brian,

    I’m sorry to hear about your dad. But, I’m glad to hear about the values and memories he left.

    My father left my family when he was 13…and he’s been “dead” to me since. Not in a bad way, I’ve forgiven him and spoke with him once or twice, but I don’t see him adding any value to my life…but I pray that Christ will add value to his.

    And don’t worry about the prayer for the family of Ed Dodd…you got it!

  12. Dave Bowman Reply February 6, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    Brian,

    So sorry to hear of your loss. We will be praying for you and your family in the coming days.

  13. Sonya Reply February 6, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Brian,

    So many of us are grateful to Ed Dodd for the legacy he helped to create in you and your family. May the sweet memories of your Dad and the presence of the Holy Spirit comfort you in the days to come.

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