I Have Sad News to Share
It is with a heavy heart that I share some sad news with you today. My father (George Neff) passed away suddenly last week.
We were extremely close.
He was such an integral part of all that I do and I have spoken of him so often, that I know some of you may even feel that you knew him.
At 86, Dad was still a full-time nuclear physicist running an engineering firm in the aerospace industry. But he was also an incredible gardener/landscaper who ran circles around the rest of us on our family farmstead.
Seriously…I could hardly keep up with him.
I inherited several traits from my father that impact my work:
- A deep appreciation for the great outdoors
- A knack for explaining technical material
- A green thumb
- And a love for old Zorro movies
How does Zorro fit in?
They were stories of being courageous despite the odds – which was an ability he had in droves.
A few months ago, I found myself up north at the family farmstead and unable to record my usual podcast.
However, I had my trusty field recorder with me.
On a whim, I decided to walk the property telling the story of the heirloom tree restoration project my Dad and I had been spearheading.
It has been one of my most popular episodes.
This week, there will be no new podcast episode or blog post.
Instead as a tribute to my father, I encourage you to take a moment and listen to Episode 14 – The Farmstead Restoration Project.
Even if you are not a usual podcast listener, I really hope you will listen.
This episode is different. It’s a story.
The farmstead was very special to my Dad and I will continue to carry on his legacy and work to restore the heirloom fruit orchard there.
But I will do so with a huge ache in my heart.
Enjoy this post?
Sign up for updates & receive my free Canning Resource Guide
About the Author:
I am saddened to read this. Truly sorry for the sudden loss of your dad.
Thank you Amy.
Praying for you and your family!
I appreciate that Becky – thank you.
So sorry for your loss. I’m listening to the podcast now.
Thanks Sara. I tear up when I hear his voice in that one. But I am glad he has a small part in the episode.
I am so sorry for the loss of your daddy. It is hard; I know. Someday you will be able to look back and smile at the remembrances; yet always with a sense of melancholy. My dad was a woodworker, making furniture in his retirement. Still, 20 years later I will be walking through the house or dusting and I touch the nail heads and caps knowing that his hands touched each one of those…and I feel somehow closer to him. You will see him in all he helped you do, you will touch what he touched and remember. He still lives… only differently. May God grant you peace and understanding. Be good to yourself. My prayers are with you.
Thank you De. My Dad was a woodworker too and I had not considered the part about his hands touching each piece. Thanks for that. I will treasure every thing he touched.
I am so sorry to see that your Dad passed away. There is such a hole in your life when that happens. I hope that your memories provide some comfort to you and your family. Take care of yourself.
Thank you Michael. I will try.
My son is just graduating with a degree as an engineering physicist, he is 25 yrs. old. May his journey be as long; as eloquent as your dad. May he also exhibit the personal attributes that your father had. Blessings to you and yours.
Oh thank you Deb. I am sure you son will do great things with that education. 🙂
Theresa, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the warm memories will help heal your broken heart.
Thank you Rachel. I hope those things too.
So sorry for your loss! Cherish your memories. You were lucky to have such a wonderful relationship with your dad!
Thank Kathy. I feel very blessed to have that relationship. I truly do.
Theresa, my consdolances to you and your family. The farmstead podcast is one of my favorites.
I’ll gladly listen to it again in his honor. Take care.
Theresa, I’m so sorry. It was a blessing that he was healthy and active even in his 80’s. In the midst of great sadness I hope you will cherish your relationship with him and your wonderful memories. I will be praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Love and light to you, Theresa, and to all your family and friends who are hurting. Peace.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I loved listening to that episode, and remember how touched I was to know that you and your father were working side-by-side in the restoration of that property. What a lovely connection. He sounds like an amazing man. Much peace to you.
Thank you Mary.
Leave a Comment: