Father-In-Law, I Look Forward to the Day We Meet Again

by Julie Brown Carlin
(Simi Valley CA )

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 at 3:00 pm, Richard J. Carlin joined our Father in his heavenly home. We are all blessed to have been part of his life, and to have the assurance that we will one day meet again.

Dick was loved and treasured by those who were fortunate enough to have him touch their lives in many ways: husband, father, brother, Grandpa, President of the Men’s Golf Club, Mason, Radio Control operator in the Navy, friend and confidant. He impressed us all with his charm, his patience, his intelligence, his ability to fix anything, and of course his handsome good looks.

He was a devoted husband, to Betty Cook, whom he married in 1950. Together they raised 3 amazing children. He impressed upon each them the values of family first and the strong morals by which they lived. His 4 grandchildren were very special to him and a source of pride and great joy.

A valuable lesson that he modeled for his family was his contentment and positivity in whatever the situation. He made life work with what he had, successfully raising a family of five on a limited budget, but always having plenty to go around. Never was there an envy of others nor a want for what he did not have. It was his ability to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and to find joy in most situations that put him in a class of his own.

Many admired him because of his gentle manners and the way he delicately spoke about others. Dick was never one to raise his voice or speak negatively about anybody. You never heard him gossip or belittle anyone. He could always be heard saying I am most humbly grateful for my kids, for my health, for just about anything, and he really meant it.

Dick showed his love in very practical ways. He lovingly taught his children to be strong, tenacious, use their intelligence, be determined and to work hard. He taught his sons how to play golf, and modeled how to be a good father, provider and put family first.

Always a source of good advice, Dick had many famous quotes that I will always remember and treasure in my heart forever. Whenever we’d pick him up to go do something, or make arrangements with him he’d say, “Sounds like a plan.” When I was frustrated about something and releasing some steam, he would say, “Sounds like you have a bee in your bonnet." And my personal favorite; when we would talk about his age he would say, “Funny thing is I don’t have any aches and pains”.

Dick always welcomed me and treated me like part of the family. He warmed my heart and made me feel extra special.

Dick will be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his artistic expertise in making movies come to life, his love for his family, his compassion for others, his independent nature, his Scrabble skills, his outstanding golf game, his quick wit, and a memory that rivaled no one.

I am grateful for the time we spent together, and the laughter we shared, and look forward till the day we meet again.

God Bless this gentle man and his gentle soul. He will be missed.