an explanation why I have been absent here for a while...

[PhotobearSam]

We buried my Father on Monday. His name was Léonce and he was born in May 1945. He fought Melanoma with everything he had but it was not enough. He had been in Hospital since Dec 27th and passed away on Feb 5th. I want everyone to know how wonderful he was.

He meant the world to me and was involved in everything in our town. He owned several businesses but his passion was politics.

Here is a picture of him with PM Harper. He was very proud of this picture. I know some of you would not approve...LOL but his love was the democratic process. He did not care for what party you voted for as long as you got involved and cast your vote. He just wanted everyone to participate.

I will miss my Dad very much. He was the most generous and kind man I have ever known. His funeral was standing room only. He would have loved seeing everyone. He leaves behind my Mom (wife of 42 years), me and my husband as well as my brother, his wife and 2 beautiful granddaughters. He will be missed most of all by his dog Tia. He loved Florida and had a house there.

thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about him.

The DIS has helped me escape every now and again and I wanted to thank you all.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Photobearsam/Samantha/Family/Dad/DadandStephenHarper.jpg

[jj1403]

:grouphug:

[LSmith]

We also lost a family member to melanoma.

That is a very sweet picture of your father.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[disyady]

Thanks so much for sharing - I love learning about great people. Take care. :grouphug:

[photomama]

:grouphug: so sorry for your loss!! He sounds like a great man.

Take care

[disneynuts777]

:grouphug: :grouphug:

My Dad was born the same year and we lost him in 1996 due to various forms of cancer. Melanoma being one of them. If you ever need a chat PM me.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.:hug: :hug:

[pooksma]

Just wanted to say, as someone who has met you in person, Im sure your dad was very proud of the lady you became. I'm also sure he knew how much you loved him.

My sympathies.:hug:

[lisalonglash]

Samantha, my sincere condolences on the tragic loss of your dad :hug:

[beachwarmer]

:grouphug:

I don't post very often but do enjoy reading your posts. So sorry to hear about you loss. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories of you father.

[TheZue]

I lost my dad years ago, it's really tough. I remember feeling like my whole world had been blown up while driving and seeing everyone else just going about their normal day and it was really sureal. :sad1: Your dad sounds like he was an outstanding guy! When my dad passed his best friend said something to me that was so true...."right now the memories of your dad are painful, but eventually you will find them a source of happiness again" and years later I was so relieved when that finally came true....it was just nice knowing that someday I'd be able to think of him and not cry again but instead smile.

[BitsnBearsMom]

your dad sounds like he was an amazing person - so sorry for your loss:hug:

[NancyK]

I'm so sorry about your father. :hug: That's a really nice picture. Take care.

[Debbie]

Sam, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. May God's strength help you in this difficult time. I'll bet your Dad would say that he was the lucky one, having you in his life. Hugs and blessings to you and all of your family.

[mickeywho?]

:grouphug:

[Sillyminny40]

Deep sympathy from so many of us here. My Dad has cancer too and it is tough to see them suffer.
That is a great photo of him with SH and make no apologies. That meant a lot to your dad! :grouphug: from Manitoba

[Csaks]

Sam,

I am sorry for your loss. It's a great picture and he sounds like a great guy. As someone else said cherish the memories of you dad. The pain of them will change to fondness over time. I lost my dad Valentines day six years ago to cancer at the ripe old age of 56, way to young. I miss our Sunday morning phone calls or going fishing. I see things everyday that remind me of him and his bold opinion of things and I'll end up cracking a smile.

All the best to you and yours in this trying time.

[dancin Disney style]

I know exactly what you are going through. I'm going through it too. My brother passed away last Wednesday Feb.4 to brain cancer. It was caused from having melanoma 8 years ago. We had his funeral on Monday. He was only 48 and has left behind a fantastic, mature 25 yo son, both his parents, 2 sisters and a brother as well as 2 neices and 2 nephews.

I keep trying to remind myself that his suffering has ended but, for lack of better words, this really sucks.

[disneydreamgirl]

So sorry that you're living with that loss...it is so hard; I'm watching several co-workers that I've known for years go through a similar fight and it's just so sad. I have to say though that I'm also witnessing such bravery on their part and some real selfless acts of kindness on the part of others.

Our family has a dog named Tia, so that made me smile for your dad the dog lover (and that is sure a great picture of him with Steven H.)

Take care...your kids will remember him fondly with a mom who's ready to share even at such a tough time!

[disneydreamgirl]

I know exactly what you are going through. I'm going through it too. My brother passed away last Wednesday Feb.4 to brain cancer.
So sorry for your loss, too. Take care of yourself...

[Debbie]

I know exactly what you are going through. I'm going through it too. My brother passed away last Wednesday Feb.4 to brain cancer.

Hugs and prayers for you, dancin Disney style. Losing a sibling is so hard. :(: Our brothers and sisters are the ones that we're supposed to grow old with. May you and your family find the peace to get through. :hug:

[DearDaisyinDurham]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[Tantor]

So sorry, thanks for telling us about him:grouphug:
What a wonderful picture!

[tgropp]

I lost my father when I was 23. It was like someone had reached in and ripped my heart out of my chest. After the initial grief, you will be thankful for all the wonderful memories that you will cherish and be so thankful that you were blessed with a father that you had obviously loved and cherished. My thoughts are with you.

[bababear_50]

Hugs (((((((((HEALING))))))))))))))))))))))ones being sent your way.
My dad is fighting the same thing right now,,love him to bits.
My thoughts will be with you along with my prayers.
Hugs Mel

[mackeyapp]

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time in your life. Having lost my precious Mom way too soon I understand. Time does heal but you never forget. Take care.

[Disney_Mama]

I'm so sorry for your loss.:grouphug: Thanks you for sharing a wonderful story about your father.

[mtmbyck]

I lost my dad in 1996, just 3 days after my daughter was born. He passed away from Cancer so it was a blessing to have him out of pain. My love for Disney is a direct result of my dad. He took us every March Break that we were growing up and when he was diagnosed in 1990, he took my 2 brothers, our spouses, mom of course to Disney for Christmas and we stayed in the Buena Vista Suites (now Saratoga Springs). It was $450 a night back then for a 2 bedroom!

He believed that Disney was the perfect vacation for bringing families together and provided beautiful memories. He was a fantastic Christian and an absolutey loving man.

Talk about your dad, cry about your dad, don't hide your emotions. It's a beautiful tribute to just how special a man he was!

All the best and I hope you find peace in this difficult time.

[PhotobearSam]

I know exactly what you are going through. I'm going through it too. My brother passed away last Wednesday Feb.4 to brain cancer. It was caused from having melanoma 8 years ago. We had his funeral on Monday. He was only 48 and has left behind a fantastic, mature 25 yo son, both his parents, 2 sisters and a brother as well as 2 neices and 2 nephews.

I keep trying to remind myself that his suffering has ended but, for lack of better words, this really sucks.

Your family is in my prayers as well....so sorry for your loss.




My heart is with you.:grouphug:

[DisneyFreak06]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.:hug:

[MouseGirl]

We'll be praying for you and your family. Thanks so much for sharing and letting us know what a special person he was - you are in our thoughts.

[Oshawa]

So sorry for you loss. I know how you feel. I lost my Mom to cancer four years ago. There will be good days and bad days. Eventually you will have more good than bad. Cherish your memories.
I love the picture you posted. Thanks for sharing. :hug:

[Canadave]

Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family PhotobearSam

[iluvwesties]

:hug:

So sorry for the loss of you dad.... he must have been a wonderful person

:grouphug:

[maggieb9975]

Dear Samantha, Please except my condolences on the passing of your Dad. He was obviously very dear to you. Love the pic...I could see my Dad loving a picture like that too.:lovestruc I am sorry he was so sick for so long but hope you got to spend some good days with him......

I lost my Dad in a very difficult way ...not cancer but a stroke we think. But for me it was quite a shock as he died while my oldest DD and I were at WDW in 1990. The worst of it was that he died on the Wednesday and my family didn't tell me until I got home on the Saturday! They agonized over the decision but decided I really couldn't do anything and they didn't want me to lose my days at WDW:confused:

I was very angry with them but eventually realized they made the right decision. I have been back to WDW and it does get easier each time, but I still worry....

Sorry to ramble, but when i read your post it made me think of my Dad and I hope you don't mind me sharing my story.....I will pray for you and I know you have been told many times that it gets easier...but it does:hug:

[maggieb9975]

I know exactly what you are going through. I'm going through it too. My brother passed away last Wednesday Feb.4 to brain cancer. It was caused from having melanoma 8 years ago. We had his funeral on Monday. He was only 48 and has left behind a fantastic, mature 25 yo son, both his parents, 2 sisters and a brother as well as 2 neices and 2 nephews.

I keep trying to remind myself that his suffering has ended but, for lack of better words, this really sucks.

I am so sorry for your loss...you are right..it sucks....:hug:

[samepoohdifferentday]

:grouphug:
So sorry for your loss.