Sunday, November 29, 2015
To Eugene, Dale, Brian, Judy and Heidi: I just want you to know that I am thinking about all of you during this difficult time in your life. I am so sorry that I could not take your Aunt Phyllis to the wake and funeral but I have a cold and didn't want to get anyone sick especially her. I have thought a lot about your dad the last few days. I did not get to meet this wonderful man that you all called dad, until 10/11/2012. I was riding the roads of Stone Arabia doing some geneology and I stopped to ask him, a complete stranger to me at the time, where one of the cemeteries was. He proceeded to tell me, in such a kind and gentle manner, and then asked what name I was looking for. When I told him I was looking for the name Stock. He said my wifes name is Stock and that is when we realized that your mom and I were second cousins. He then invited me into their home to meet Arleen. Your dad was a gracious host and both your parents made me feel right at home.
When I stopped him in the driveway that day, he had a board in his hand. He then proceeded to tell me that he played St Nick at Ft Klock and that every year they would cut out and paint wooden ornaments for the little children. I asked him how long he had been doing that and he said 30 years. I then calculated it out and realized that back in 1992 my mom had taken our daughter to Ft Klock and so I am sure she sat on your dads lap back then and I also have a couple of the wooden ornaments from Ft Klock that I put on our tree every year.
In recent years, we have taken our grandchildren to Ft Klock. In fact, I told your dad that every year, he is on our refrigeration at Christmas time as I have pictures of my grandkids with him and that I also have him on video tape from past times at Ft Klock at Christmas. He was always so good with the kids when he played St Nick at Fort Klock. He had a way of drawing them in even if they were scared and frightened. And I so loved how he talked about God with them. I could tell he was a strong Christian man who loved the lord dearly. I played my video tapes that I had of him the other day with my grandkids on his lap. I will never forget his kindness to them or his twinkling eyes. I so hoped that he would be there again this year so I could bring them to see him but I guess God had bigger plans for your dad.
One thing I did notice when I attended your mom Arleen's wake was how your dad was with all of you. I could tell that he cared for you all very much and loved you so deeply. How fortunate you all were to be blessed with such a great man that everyone has nothing but kind words to say about him. I know the days ahead will be hard but hopefully with your own faith in the lord and the fact that your dad is once again together with your mom, that your burdens will be lighter. Your cousin Paula Goodbread Tucker