Sunday, August 29, 2010

'HE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT' KELLY'S DAD DIED THIS MORNING AT 11:30 A.M.

DSC_0052
SPENCERPORT NEW YORK......2006
After a long & difficult struggle, Kelly's Dad, Frank Knapp, passed away this morning at the Hildabrandt Hospice House in Rochester, New York at the age of 91.  His loving wife of 66 years, Gene, was at his bedside as was his son Peter.  Frank was a U.S. Marine who fought his way across the beaches of Iwo Jima until being slightly injured there & returned to the States.  He spent all his working years in Spencerport New York as a dedicated U.S. postal worker delivering mail for many, many, years. In his retirement he & Kelly's Mom spent their years RVing & wintering in Florida.
DSC_8123
FRANK & GENE WITH THEIR CLASS A MOTOR HOME VISITING US AT THE OLD FARM
 DSC_0064 DSC_0066 DSC_0070
AUGUST IN SPENCERPORT NY.....2006
I remember when we lived in the old farm house near Fullarton years ago & Frank & Gene came over from New York to spend a few days at the farm with us.  When the big Class A pulled into our long driveway I could hardly see Frank behind the steering wheel.  He was not a big man & I remember thinking, how could such a slim little guy handle such a big dinosaur of a vehicle.  But handle it he did & for many winters they would be on the road with the big Motor Home heading for their spot in Clearwater, Florida.  Despite having their toad come off the hitch one time on the Interstate & ice sliding off the Motor Home roof & smashing their Honda's windshield, nothing ever deterred Frank.  Even when he was sooooo sick the last few years, he would still pull himself up on his riding lawn mower determined to cut his own lawn.  He would take his walker & a hoe back to the garden to get rid of pesky weeds.  Sometimes he would collapse & lay on the lawn until he had enough strength back to get himself on his feet again & continue to chase after those pesky weeds.  Frank was one of those non stop hard working guys who preferred to do things himself....his way.
DSC_8122
FRANK TENDING TO HIS BELOVED GARDEN
DSC_0088
<<< A TRUE MARINE TO THE END
The last time I saw Frank was 3 years ago at Kelly's surprise Birthday Party at Deer Park Lodge here in Bayfield.  At the end of the surprise week-end which began on a Friday night we all met for breakfast at a country restaurant nearby on Sunday morning.   I remember as everyone was leaving, shaking Frank's hand that morning wondering if I would ever see him again.  I didn't.
DSC_8124

FRANK AT DEER PARK LODGE
 DSC_0077 DSC_0079 IMG_0341
WE CALLED HIM, 'MR. COOL' THIS DAY:))
Kelly is so thankful she made the decision to drive over to Spencerport last Sunday morning.  She got to spend 5 full days with her Dad helping in all aspects of his care.  They had some serious moments together & they had some laughs.  Frank never lost his sense of humor, even in the final days.
DSC_0039

FRANK STRIKES A DAPPER POSE IN HIS DRIVEWAY
Funeral arrangements are not yet complete but Kelly will be heading back to Spencerport first thing Tuesday morning.  It is a comforting feeling for everyone to know that Frank's long period of pain & suffering has finally come to a peaceful end & knowing Frank, he's probably already in the process of figuring out how he can get back home & get after those pesky weeds in his garden..............10-4
DSC_8120

GROANER'S CORNER:((  I knew I was going bald when it took longer & longer to wash my face!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
"UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UN-AWAKENED"

OUR BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/
AL'S SMUG MUG PHOTO GALLERY http://stargeezer.smugmug.com/ (a work in progress)
The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...... AL.

44 comments:

  1. Kelly, our sympathy is with you at the loss of your father. Al, what a great write-up about Frank's life. He sounds like quite a man and a bit of a character, like many men of his generation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

    ReplyDelete
  2. On behalf of Paulette and myself, please pass on our condolences to Kelly on the loss of her Father. I was so sorry to look at my sidebar just a few moments ago and see this news.

    I'm very glad that Kelly took the opportunity to go and visit her Father last week and spend so much time with him during his final days.

    Judging by the stories and pics on your blog tonight, you will both have many, many pleasant memories of her Father, Frank.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so sorry to hear of the death of Kelly's father. She was so lucky to have spent time with him last week. It sounds like he lived a good life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Our condolences to you and Kelly on the loss of Kelly's Dad. You're all in our prayers. God Bless.
    - Mary Ann and William

    ReplyDelete
  5. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kelly and her family in this time of sorrow. Sounds like there are many good times to relive to help ease the sorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Having just been thru this ourselves this last few weeks, please accept our love and understanding of how difficult this can be. Frank sounds like a bigger than life kind of guy, and a true Marine patriot. We are sending our strength and understanding as you go thru these times.
    Rod and Loyce

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, Kelly and your father-in-law, Al.
    My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Kelly's Dad. Please accept our heart felt condolences.

    Red and Jeanie

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great tribute to your father-in-law..thanks for sharing some of the great memories..on this sad day..our thoughts are with you and Kelly..cherish the memories!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice post,Al and not to worry you didn't see him again. He can see us all at once now. Again, nice post and some vintage photos I had not seen.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I know you will get a lot of comments about the loss of Kelly's Dad.

    Mine are that I am sincerely sorry for your loss. What more can I say.

    Happy Trails, Penny, TX

    ReplyDelete
  12. My condolences to Kelly. She is so fortunate she had the opportunity to spend time with him so recently, and I hope it gives her comfort.

    Frank sounds like one of those folks who make you feel you are a little better for having known them.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kelly, Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father ! I know how difficult it is to lose someone so close. However each and every time you miss him will mean he's closer to your heart !

    Bob Hoy

    ReplyDelete
  14. What an amazing tribute for an apparently amazing Dad. Our condolences to Kelly as she deals with this deep loss. Our thoughts will be with her as she journeys back to NY.

    Thanks Al for letting us know about this. So many have been following this situation since you first posted news that Frank was so desperately ill.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kelly, sending all our love your way. It's never easy losing your parents...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Im so sorry to hear of your loss.

    My condolences to Kelly's family. I'm sure this is a difficult time.

    My thoughts and prayers are out to you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Having lost my mother earlier this year, I understand Kelly's sorrow. I shed tears for her. It is a hard thing. Give her support, Al. :( Nice tribute...

    ReplyDelete
  18. This so mirrors my own last days with my father, also a WWII vet. I surely do hope Kelly is comforted that she was there when he needed her. My sympathy and understanding.
    Emjay

    ReplyDelete
  19. We are so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like he had a great life.

    He was part of the great generation of WWII, who changed this country forever. It is surely true that once a Marine, Always a Marine!

    It was great that Kelly could spend time with him in his last days.

    It has always meant a lot to me that I got to spend quite a bit of time with my dad before he passed unexpectedly. I am sure it will comfort her in the future, as well

    ReplyDelete
  20. So sorry to hear of the passing of Kelly's dad. Your post was a great tribute - he sounds like a great man who lived a very full life. Even though it sounds like he had been in poor health for a while, it is still never easy to say good-bye. My thoughts are with you - please also pass my condolences to Kelly as well.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kelly, Rod and I send our deepest condolences. Focus on those wonderful memories you shared.

    We will pray for you and your family during this very difficult time.

    Our best to you,
    Rod and Connie

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kelly, Wilma and I wish to send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Hopefully you will be comforted knowing he is at peace and free from his pain and suffering.

    Our prayers go out to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kelly & Al, Donna & I are truly saddened by Kelly's father passing, we will remember him and you guys in our prayers and in church this week. Your eulogy in you blog shows that Frand the Ex-Marine was truly a member of the Greatest Generation. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kelly,I'm really sorry for your loss. After going through the same thing this past May,I know what your going through.
    Glad you got your final visit last week. And Al,what a great tribute.
    Take care both of you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sorry to hear the passing of Kelly's dad.

    He sounds like a great man and I thank him for his service..

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm so sorry to hear of the death of Kelly's father.Our prayers go out to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  27. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Kelly's father. He appeared to have been an amazing man.

    Karen and Al

    ReplyDelete
  28. Al, what a thoughtful and loving tribute to Frank, and the photos gave me a good feel for the man. Very well done. Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure your recent visit meant a great deal to your Dad (and mom). My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a beautiful tribute to your father in law. Our deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Condolences to you both. That she had an opportunity to spend time with her father and say goodbye will be a comfort to Kelly though it may not seem so now.

    (P.S. Thanks for becoming a follower on our Phaeton Journeys. You won't see us on your follower list as we prefer to join in via RSS feeds, but know that we read your blog faithfully.)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Such a beautiful blog post!

    We are sending you our sincere condolences.

    ReplyDelete
  33. So sorry to hear of Frank's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with Kelly and you and all of the family.

    What a beautiful tribute you wrote!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Kelly and Al, Please accept our condolences in you loss. Frank sounds like he was a wonderful man, husband and father. Be glad in knowing that he's now at peace.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to Kelly's dad. I'm so glad that Kelly was able to spend this time with him. It's always hard to say goodbye, but a little easier when you've been able to say "I love you" in person.
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  36. Al, that was a fine tribute you wrote to a man who seems to have been full of life and spirit. Thank you for sharing Frank with us! How good that his family was able to be with him near and at the end.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your tribute to Kelly's father was eloquent and heartfelt....Our thoughts are with you and Kelly at this difficult time...Kelly has her father's eyes.....

    ReplyDelete
  38. Mine and Mike's thoughts go out to Kelly and her family--may her Father rest in peace and my Kelly take comfort from knowing she spent that time last week with him.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Our deepest sympathy. It is obvious he was a special and deeply loved by his family.

    ReplyDelete
  40. So sorry to read of the passing of Kelly's dad. You wrote a very nice tribute. Our sympathy is sent to both of you.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Al and Kelly, we are very sorry to hear of the loss of Kelly's father. How wonderful it was that he led a full life. Our sympathies and thoughts are with you.
    Don and Kim

    ReplyDelete
  42. So sorry to hear that Al. I'm sure he'll be greatly missed.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Another star is burning brightly in the night sky. I, too, have just been through this. Remember to take care of Kelly. I was prepared for the sadness of my loss, but I was not prepared for my physical reaction to grief. Encourage Kelly to ask for help if she needs it....and maybe even if she thinks she doesn't. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Great story about Kelly's dad. Met Kelly for the first time today at the Funeral Home.
    Becky and I worked together at Lifetime Care until her and Norm decided to join the RV World.
    My deepest sympathies are extended to the whole family.
    Lori Baker,
    Rochester, NY

    ReplyDelete