My father-in-law died in the wee hours this morning. He was 71. I didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to him….
Dear Grandpa Ned,
I trust there’s a good Internet connection in Heaven, and that you now have automatic RSS feeds from all your family and friends. So here are a few things I need to tell you.
You were a great father-in-law. I feel so bad for people that hate their in-laws. I’ve been blessed with wonderful in-laws that have become family to me over 16+ years of marriage.
You were a great Dad. You raised a wonderful girl, and two sons with big hearts. Good people all around. You grilled me when I called for permission to marry your daughter, not because you doubted me, but because you love her so much. I hope you think you made the right choice when you said “yes.”
You had a great sense of humor, but came up with the worst puns and one-liners ever. I’ll never hear another terrible pun without thinking of you. 🙂 In fact, bad jokes are usually referred to as “Ned jokes” in our house. Worst of all, I’ve started picking up your sense of humor. My poor kids…..
You were an amazing grandfather. Not because you gave our kids nice gifts, but because you gave them your time. I don’t know of any other granddad that would call, not to talk to his daughter, but so he could talk to his grandson — sometimes for 20 and 30 minutes — about life, school, sports, you name it. I’ll try to do the same when I have grandkids. You were one of Sean’s best friends. Thank you for that. He took a photo of you into school today for the weekly sharing time they do. He’ll miss you as much as anyone does.
You were a good man. I miss you already.
Your son-in-law,
Matt
12 Comments
Matt, my absolute best for you, your wife and children. Like you, I’ve been blessed with a great father in law who challenges me to be a better husband, father and person. I completely understand just how difficult this time is for you – so if there is anything at all that I can do to help out, please let me know.
Thanks for the kind words, EL. Much appreciated.
I am really sad to hear of the passing of Ned. I worked with him at Alex. Brown. A truly great guy. I spoke to him everyday on the phone and do not think he ever had a bad day at work. He and Tom Petrie made a great team.
Dave
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I, too, worked with Ned when we were both at Alex. Brown and I have fond memories of him from those days. Ned was always cheerful – not an easy task in our business – and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Matt –
I was a co-worker of Ned’s while at Alex. Brown, and in a business where quality people are rapidly disappearing, your father-in-law was among the very best. Ned was a man if character, integrity, and honesty! He will be missed!
Dave/Bill/Dan – thanks so much for your kind words about Ned. We all miss him. I’ll make sure my wife and her brothers read this. Thanks again.
Ned always had a smile for us, and a funny quip. He never got upset on the golf course, unless it was a short putt for $5. His funniest story was about getting a black market driver’s license in Arkansas. It was truly a joy when Merritt brought him to live in the cul de sac.
So sorry to hear about your father in law, Matt. You and your wife and family have my sympathies.
Anita
Thank you Gerry and Anita for the kind words.
I began my career in the stock market in 1959 with Mitchum Jones and Templeton. Ned took me under his wing as I started my career as an O-T-C trader. Ned was the only one of my new associates that attended my wedding to Penny in 1959. We are still married. 4 children and 5 grandchildren
Ned joined Woolrich Currier and Carlson which gave me an opportunity to fill his spot at MJT in 1961. We continued our friendship over the years. He helped me get a position as head trader at Sutro in SF in1984. Ned was always a ray of sunshine. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He was smart and quick. He was well respected.
I have been retired for 3 years and just turned 75.
And this is what I do at 11pm on Friday night.
Bill
Thanks for the kind words, Bill. I shared your comment with my wife – Ned’s daughter. We still miss Ned.
Hi! I went to high school with Ned and actually went out with him. He was President of the number one boys’ social club. They had social clubs in high school way back then. He was so cute! I then ran into him again unexpectedly in Hacienda Heights at a Little League meeting for the parents – so many many years ago. As we get older, we start thinking a lot about the past. Since I am a computer nerd, googling is a fun activity. I have a wonderful family with whom I get together with every weekend. I feel so lucky to have most of my family close by. I hope life is treating you well, also.
Charlotte