My father passed on yesterday. He was far too young at 66. He had some rhythm issues that arose this past year but all seemed fairly well. His dad, my grandfather is 91 and his mother just passed at 89 the beginning of this year.

He was working in the woods near his home cutting some paths with his ATV and pull behind mower. I probably was the last person he spoke with. I looked at my phone and I called him at 1:38pm. He and my mother were coming over to babysit last night and stay over and go to a Twin's game today with him. My mother called about 4:30pm which I thought was odd because my father had told me they were going to leave at 4 and be at my home at 5. My mother told me they hadn't left because dad wasn't back yet. He had told her he would be back by 3. Right away I knew something was up because being on time is late for him. I almost left then but my mom was so calm. I got a call back about 20 minutes later saying a neighbor (who my mom called to go look) had found him. I grabbed the kids and jumped into the car with limited information. The EMT's apparently arrived immediately and a helicopter was flown in (they live in rural WI) so I had some hope. But knowing that he was supposed to be home at 3 and it was now 5 I knew deep down something was not right. I made several phone calls to my brother's and my mother who didn't go to the scene. I pulled up about 10 minutes after the medical examiner pronounced him dead to find my mother sitting next to his body. More than likely he was there for a few hours before the neighbor found him.

We just heard from the autopsy. He had evidence of substantial heart attacks in the past and more than likely was what killed him. He was found lying face down next to his ATV with zero sign of struggle.

My father was a man of great impact. He was a teacher and administrator by profession. He touched many, many lives and was the ultimate role model and mentor for not only myself but many others. He was involved in too many community things to keep track off. He lived in many places throughout his life and was involved in many different churches in those locations.

It has been a whirlwind of emotions. If this happened any earlier in my life I don't know what I'd do. He was always my level-headed rock. I think I have matured enough in my life to think like him and am on a path towards living my life as he did. One of his greatest joys in life was seeing all his grandchildren play. My nephew had a 6th birthday party this past Saturday where the family was gathered and I got to see the joy in his eyes watching all of them. It was nice have most of them around last night, I know he would have liked it.

I got to spend lots of time with him and am very grateful for that. I will miss him every moment of the rest of my life.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing your dad has got to be one of the hardest things a man can do.

I have no words of wisdom, nor words to console you other than this...I'll be praying for you and your family.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

I'm sorry to hear - stay strong and all the best to you and your family

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

Very sorry for your loss. I lost my dad a few years ago and reading this brings a lot of the emotions back to the surface.

You might want to look into grief counseling for your family.

wow man...very sorry

I'm sorry to hear that, too. The ones we love all die way too young. My dad died 24 years ago and I still miss him. My thoughts are with you.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Harder or easier to bear if the father/son relationship was basically sound has always troubled me. If not all that sound creates perhaps a reflexion of what might have been. If sound as yours was a greater sense of loss at the ending of it perhaps.

Anyways besides the actual loss it is a reminder of our own mortality. None of us like to see our fathers pass. Your father was at least doing something he liked at his time of passing. Best of wishes and condolences for your family.

My father is long gone now and my mother a few years ago. I always have and probably always will miss their company since their demise for my remaining years.

Very sorry to hear that, Graplr! Having lost my mother last year unexpectedly at about the same age, and she was my "rock", I can certainly relate to what you're going through.

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1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)

My condolences. 66 is too young.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Sorry for your loss. My Dad also is gone. Sounds like your relationship was something to cherish.

Absolutely agree with this^^^^^.
It took me just about a year after my father died to actually deal with it. We were not close, but I still miss not being able to get his advice.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Very sorry to hear this Graplr. As others have said not many things in life hurt as bad as this. My Dad has been gone almost 3 years (he was 85) and I almost called him yesterday. I don't think you ever get totally over it although the edge and the pain will subside.
Grieving is good, folding up is not. Be there for your family and cherish the memories.

__________________
1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".

May I offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family at this saddest of times.

Mine's been gone almost 2 years, and I still pick up the phone to call him, and end up talking with mom. It's not easy, but it's what makes a man out of a son.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

Graplr I know you haven't solicited any advice but permit me to make a suggestion: Keep a close eye on your Mom. Involve her in all the family things you can. She will feel very alone and may need to be reminded that there are others out there that count on her.

__________________
1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".