DAD'S EULOGY

Imagine witty improv comments here...

Good morning everyone, we are all gathered here today to celebrate the life of my dad, Bill Bigeck. Dad was born on April 2, 1934 and died a few minutes into October 17, 2010.

I remember thinking in the days leading up to dad's death - "I hope dad doesn't die on my birthday."

Well October 17th is no longer just my birthday, it's the day my father passed away.

My first reaction was dismay, but as I contemplated it a little more it wasn't so bad. In fact it's kind of nice. For as long as I live - every year I celebrate, thoughts of my dad will be a part of every birthday.

Thoughts like how hard that man worked to provide for his family. Going to work, driving that truck through this crazy city day after day - The traffic, the sweltering summers, the brutal winters.

Or trying to save a few bucks by replacing an engine in our car himself in the garage.

Let me tell you about my dad, the groundskeeper. I loved to play baseball when I was a kid. Dad wasn't the manager or even a coach of my team. That just wasn't his thing. What he did do was take care of the field a few weeks out of the season. I remember him busting his tail on that park, and I'm proud to say that that field was always in the best shape of the year on weeks that my dad was in charge.

So I take comfort knowing that after all these years of hard work my father was finally able to truly rest on October 17,2010.

Dad, I mourned your death on my birthday this year. But for every future birthday I will not mourn your death. But I will celebrate your life.

We love you Pa!