This afternoon we held a memorial service to remember my Dad, Carl J. Loftesness, Jr. Dad passed away on March 11, 2010. At his passing he was 88 years young.
Today’s memorial to Dad was truly a remarkable event. In addition to us family members, so many of my Dad’s friends came – including his good friends from the Berkeley Rotary Club and the Odd Fellows. We shared many memories of how he influenced our lives with his competence, his unconditional love, and his modesty. A common theme was how he was universally liked by all who knew him.
Pastor Jack Niemi of Hope Lutheran Church in Rossmoor officiated. Jack is a very special pastor who, along with his wife Ruth, my Mom and Dad had gotten to know over the past several months.
Jack said to me on the morning of my Dad’s passing that “Heaven’s an even better place now that your Dad has arrived.” Indeed it is. Today helped us all understand just how much.
We miss him dearly – his smile, his reassurance, his confidence, his quiet joy and love of family. Today’s celebration of his life was very, very special indeed. We all love you Dad!