Honor & Dignity

After a brain aneurism, heart and lung failures; a World War II and Korean War veteran could only communicate by writing his questions and short responses.  In his last communication to his loved ones, he struggled to say something very important, but he could not be understood.  He was given a pen and paper, and he wrote “Bon Appetite”.
 
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.

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 vortex carry you home.
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!