Thank You from the Rygiel/Castellano/Gator family

[Gatordad]

Kelly was kind enough to drive up and represent all you sick demented people. Frankly, I am pissed that people I went to HS with couldn't bother to attend, and here is someone that we had never met before took time out of her and her friend Sara's busy day to pay their respects to Big Dave. You guys truly are the best, and one night over this zany vacation, we will have a big toast to all those that have gone before us, be it in 2009 (the year of the gatordad jinx) or any year. Bring a lot of toasting materials, as it is toasting time.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Pete, when my dad passed away, his best friend from high school, who had been my boss for 5 summers, didn't even show up. I'm all for toasting, campers and non campers, who have blazed the trail before us. It's a journey we all have to take, and one we have to do alone. Here's to better days ahead for your family.

 

[BRDof3]

Consider my glass raised in a toast, even though I can't be there to do it in person.

 

[mrsscooter]

I just read this and I am so sorry for your loss.....no matter how old we get or what the situation, it is always hard to loose a parent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family......just remember to rejoice in the memories that have been throughout the years, and you will always have a smile. That is awesome that someone from your "other home" was able to come and represent all of your family from the Dis. This just shows, that the families on here are such a great group of people.

Take care.....Kristin

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

I know its hard to take some folks not coming, when my Dad passed there were a few people that I was surprised werent there. I didnt take any offense to it because some people (me being one) just dont like to grieve publicly. The process of saying goodbye to someone is very personal and individualistic, I just try to remember that funerals are for the living. You honor your FIL by telling his story and he will live on in many hearts because of that.

 

[clkelley]

That's what we're all here for. Taking care of each other, laughing with each other, crying with each other, propping each other up, and teasing each other silly!!! (Just for you Pete)

 

[mamaloya]

Oh Pete, I am so sorry. I didn't know. I don't get on here too much. I am so sorry you were hurt. I have to say that I had the opposite experience that equally ticked me off. At my brother's funeral, there were so many people that I had not seen in so many years. Some that I had never met. People that I knew didn't even like him. That showed up. I was really angry about it. I remember thinking "how dare they show up. they don't even know him or us anymore. they haven't talked to us in years. they don't even like us." I remember feeling ill because of it. Not sure why. My dad's funeral was smaller and I really don't remember as much. I actually didn't stay long because I couldn't handle it.

It is a hard time for sure. I feel horrible that I had no clue. Ya'll were so supportive when my world collapsed. Shame on me. Please know that my heart and thoughts are with ya'll. Tell your wonderful wife that I am thinking about her.

Sandi

 

[Gatordad]

I know its hard to take some folks not coming, when my Dad passed there were a few people that I was surprised werent there. I didnt take any offense to it because some people (me being one) just dont like to grieve publicly. The process of saying goodbye to someone is very personal and individualistic, I just try to remember that funerals are for the living. You honor your FIL by telling his story and he will live on in many hearts because of that.

That's what I've been saying all along, the memories are alive forever.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

That's what I've been saying all along, the memories are alive forever.

You have told many of them here, your pics of the ball games and other stories reveal your love for the man. In some way we all felt a loss just from what you shared with us. Its glaring obvious that you all loved him, not every family is so lucky.

 

[g8trmom1]

Thank you everyone for the cards, prayers, and thoughful posts....He was a GREAT man!!