November 18, 2017: Back to Tennessee for my dad's Memorial

While Mike and I were on our Sendai Japan trip in mid-November, I received a sad call from my dad's wife, Mary. She called to tell me that my dad had died earlier that morning after he'd gotten up to use the bathroom. He was trying to get to the sofa but had trouble breathing. Soon after he said a few words to Mary, he just collapsed on the sofa and never woke up. I think Mary was in shock and is still haunted by the experience. 

The weekend that we returned from Japan, I flew back to Tennessee for my dad's Memorial. It was good to see my twin sister and her family; my step-sister Sherry and her husband Doug Carver, and of course Mary. We sisters put together picture boards of our families and our memories of Dad. The Memorial was held at a funeral home, and there were lots of family on the Kupski side, plus some good friends of my dad and Mary.

Cathy Lemmon's packed picture board!

Sherry Carver's picture board of Dad's life

Gregory Joseph Kupski "George"
This is the photo I always remembered from my early childhood

In the U.S. Army while stationed in Japan

My dad with his wife Mary and his mother

Dad and Mary's 50th wedding anniversary in Tennessee

Dad was quite the joker and loved a good laugh

My dad with Mary and his step-son Norman Rau

Dad at the Grand Canyon in Arizona

Dad in his garage. He was a mechanic since his teenage years.

Dad with his beloved mother

Dad with his holy communion photo in the Catholic church

Sherry's other picture board with memories of Dad

My picture board with photos of my family and memories of Dad

Me, Sherry, and Cathy at Dad's Memorial--I was so tired, sick, and FAT

Baby picture of Dad

There was a wonderful video playing in the background at the funeral home celebrating my dad's life

I love you "Pops" and miss your weekly phone calls!
I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven