He was acknowledging that we could continue to enjoy life even as he was aware he was facing his last few hours. Even so, it was a peaceful passing and he knew he was loved. Thanks to the palliative care team and other folks at Providence Tarzana Medical Center for their kind care.
May each of us have such caring
people around us when we enter our final sleep.
Read on for a tribute to this man.
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| My Old Man in the Sea, painting by Beth Summers My old man in the sea, eternity for thee. The swirl of tempests tossed Be calmed. Let the winds of heaven cool your brow. Let go and let God invite you to become. Witness in the clouds Lift your voice, oh Hallelujah! By Loren R. Acuña
Richard Monroe Summers
Born: October 12, 1924 Died: February 8,
2014
Indiana
boy. Corn fed and full of Christmas
wonder. Born just before the Great
Depression; World War II dominated his teen years. As soon as he could, he jumped
on a ship bound for the Pacific Theatre in World War II, serving from 1943 to
1946.
Leaving
Indiana as a boy Marine, he returned a man of battle; full of soldier songs.
Settling in California, he studied at UCLA.
Then his father called from out of the blue. He needed help in his
business. So Richard expanded the sales route for the poultry and eggs raised
at his father's turkey farm in Southern California.
A man of
duty, he re-enlisted in 1952 to serve in the Korean War; serving until he was
disabled in 1953. He picked up skills in
radio repair, basic engineering and learned German. Putting these together with his naturally
likeable personality, he worked hard and became a National Sales Manager with a
large electronics distributor. Travelling often to Germany for large European
accounts during the 1960's and early 1970's.
Naturally
curious and always a learner, Richard loved to explore and stay active. He was a member of the Sierra Club and liked
backpacking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
His interests in psychology, astronomy, folk dancing, acting and mystery
books kept his alert mind engaged. And
singing! He loved to use his beautiful voice to offer cheery comfort, even when
he was ill. He sang with the Valley Master Chorale, Knollwood Methodist Church
Choir and Northridge United Methodist Choir. After retirement, he found time to
seek roles as an extra in movies, like “The Majestic”. He said he liked the buffets.
During his
31 year marriage to Beth, they both found happiness together. Through
earthquakes, fires, and cancer, Richard on the look-out for fun, found new
places to explore. Richard and Beth
travelled extensively every year of their marriage. From local trips to Pismo Beach and backpacking in the High Sierras to China,
Africa, South America, Russia, and so many more. From Indiana to the world over. Richard is now off to his next adventure in
the New Heavens.
For Richard, we who
knew you carry your indomitable spirit as your legacy to us.
Later!
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