Nancy Schlich Tarkinson
Vic's daughter

Vic would not want us to be sad. He led a very happy, long and full life; and the purpose of this gathering is to celebrate that life. My Dad lived to be 84, and he remained active both mentally and, to a degree, physically right up until he passed away. He worked daily on his computer, and he and I would often sit and "talk computers".

Once I got past the point in my early teen years when, like most children I didn’t think my parents "really had a clue", I began to realize what a wealth of knowledge my Dad had and what an interesting man he was. I often went to him for advice. I didn’t always like what he had to say, but it was always good thought-provoking advice that made me think about the situation. He was truly a special person. I was always very proud of Dad, but particularly so this past year and a half.

When his suffered a ruptured aneurysm in March 2003, I prepared myself to say good bye to him never expecting I would see him again. Boy was I wrong! He mustered every bit of strength he had, and with the help of the Lord and the hands of a very skilled surgeon, he worked his way back with fierce determination. He suffered several setbacks along the way, but he never stopped persevering. Because of his determination, he was able to give us the gift of another year and a half to spend with him.

Dad always said he was a tough old bird who wasn’t going to go out without a fight, and he never gave up fighting. When I need strength, I will remember the strength both my Dad and Mom demonstrated over the last year and a half. They will be an inspiration to me for the rest of my life. Vic loved his family very deeply, and he was particularly proud of his three grandsons. They gave him so much joy through the years, and he cherished visits from them and their families. Just recently on several occasions, Dad marveled at just what a warm and loving family and extended family he had, and how very grateful he was for that.

The love, support and encouragement of his family and friends meant so much to him. It gave him the strength to continue working toward his goal. Thank you all for coming to honor Vic today and for your love and friendship.

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