I Love You Dad

After a long illness and courageous battle, my Father passed away this morning at the age of 64. He was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1945 to Mary Ellen and Fred Armstrong. A gifted athlete, he ran track and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in History. Later, he would receive a MBA from the University of Louisville. He was a US Army helicopter pilot and served in Vietnam from 1970-1971. He is survived by his wife Lynn, his father Fred, his brother Freddie, sister Joyce and his two loving children, Kelly Joann and Jeffery Todd and their mother Patty.

Dad was a very loving Father and a good man. He loved his family dearly and we were on his mind until his last breath. An avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, Dad was looking forward to an exciting season under new coach John Calipari. Dad loved science fiction (especially Star Trek), politics (we often disagreed) and working in the yard.

My brother and I will be leaving early tomorrow morning to make the 12 hour trip south to New Orleans. He will receive a full military funeral and will be laid to rest near his current home in Louisiana. Family will be coming from here in Louisville, Dayton and throughout the country. While it will be a very difficult week, I know in my heart that he is in a better place and has finally found the peace that has eluded him these past few years. I hope that there is a Heaven and if there is, his beloved Mother was waiting with open arms and welcomed him home.

I love you Dad. Always have and always will!

4 comments:

Jacq | October 26, 2009 at 8:03 PM

Kelly, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Your memories of your father won't hurt so much as time goes on. I promise. Hold him close to your heart, talk to him every day. He'll wrap his love around you, always.

Anonymous Woman | October 29, 2009 at 10:07 AM

It will get better. The pain will ease soon.

i'm sorry, Kelly.

Some Hippie Chick | November 2, 2009 at 5:44 PM

Hi Kelly, thinking of you.

-Erin

Kara | November 20, 2009 at 3:45 AM

Hi Kelly,

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts go out to you.

My mother has also had severe health issues the past few years, and it worries me that she may not have much time left here.

Take care,

Kara