John Latham Obituary

Dad, It's been a year since you've been gone and I miss you so much. I think about you all the time. I love you, Moke

Been thinking about you a lot lately John, as the first anniversary of your passing is almost here. You lived a long and terrific life. Miss you and love you.

I miss taking you shopping. And the talks we always had in the car. My has been so much better because of you and mom. I miss you so much. I love pops

Ken

Uncle John,
Thinking about you today and the Latham Christmas Party. You are missed.
Love,
Ann

My Dad
My dad loved his family and you are all his family. As I look around today I see people that I am not biologically related to, but if you're here, you must be family. As my friend, Debbie told me, when you were around the Lathams, you wanted to be a Latham.
I remember when I was little; my Dad had 3 friends, Stan Storms, Fred Short & Al Slager. He tended bar for Stan on the weekends and we saw Fred & Al occasionally. But his closest friends were his brothers, sisters and their spouses. They celebrated birthdays & holidays together, went on vacations together and rang in the New Year together for many years.
But most of all he loved my mother. She was his everything. Their love was based in a deep and abiding faith that it was all part of God's plan. They took their wedding vows seriously. When she had her liver transplant, he missed one day visiting her out of more that 3 months. He was meticulous about keeping her medications straight and watching her diet…no dark green vegetables…too much vitamin K. They shared one drink together on her birthday, their 2 anniversaries and holidays. They had their own way of showing their love. My niece, Tina, nicknamed them the Bickersons. They both enjoyed their spirited conversations. But I know my mom will mourn him until she joins him.
As an adult, he buried four children, two brothers and several in-laws. He stood unbelievably strong in his faith that they would one day be reunited in God's house.
His strength in other ways was legendary. My cousin, Dan swears my Dad had the strongest handshake. Annie told us that it was the first thing her son-in-law said about my Dad. That strength was the outward manifestation of his strength of character. He believed solidly in the God's command, “Give unto others”. Ken remembers him fixing the windows of a friend's playhouse after some bullies broke them. He was a master window fixer.
That strength also manifested as stubbornness at times. Bruce took him out to lunch regularly and when his walking became a little unstable he recommended Dad use a cane. He insisted he didn't need one & so when we went to Ireland Bruce ordered him a shillelagh… my Dad was never seen without it. But it wasn't a cane.
My cousin, Ray, shared that when he was a boy, he was intimidated by two men, Uncle Vern and Uncle Johnny. As he grew into manhood, he learned to appreciate that strength, and grew to love & respect them both.
My sister Judi speaks to his dedication to family. She remembers taking her boys to Florida with him & my mom. He and my mom usually held down two jobs to provide us with all we needed. Money was tight, but we always had a roof over our heads and gifts under the tree. Holidays were an important part of life for both the spiritual aspect…as a former altar boy; he made sure we went to church…but also for the closeness of family. In recent years, he was the judge of our annual Easter Egg Coloring Contest. His heart was always with his girls even though the boys tried to bribe him. We sometimes had to tell him the boys' egg was better than ours and they deserved to win. Occasionally, he would concede a tie. When it was time for us to marry, he was sad to give us up, but proud to walk each of his daughters down the aisle, sometimes twice.

My Dad instilled in us that God only gives you so much time on this earth & it's how & who you spend it with that makes you who you are. Linda & Bob especially loved spending time with our parents. For 11 years they took them with on their vacations to Florida, Houston, Myrtle Beach or the Dells. Sometime Colleen & Steven would join them. Once they were driving around Myrtle Beach looking for a place to eat when Dad saw a sign for Drunkin' Jack's. He declared that was the place & had them take a picture under the sign. Linda, Bob & Kate also spent every Christmas morning opening gifts with my folks. And for the last several years mom & dad spent their New Year's Eve anniversary at Linda & Bob's.
After my brother, Richie, died my parents moved to Florida for a few years. It was hard for them to come to terms with why God took one of their children. While those of us here missed them terribly, they had a need to get away. Colleen considered it a blessing because she was able to share them with her kids. The first time they visited, mom & dad gave them tickets to Bush Gardens to see the pandas. They spent many weekends and most holidays at my folk's house. Samantha was born in Florida and Dad chronicled the first ten years of her life on video. No surprise there. Melissa, Angela and Steven have very special memories of getting milkshakes every night because that was what Grandpa liked. Those were memories in the making that now are memories they will always treasure.
Jack learned to never underestimate his apponents from my Dad. He brought boxing gloves home from the school gym one day. He was showing my dad all his trick moves and kept egging my Dad on until he put the gloves on. Jack was dancing all around, faking left & right, never connecting. After a few minutes, my dad took his only swing & Jack was on the floor looking up. Jack didn't know than that Dad had been a Golden Gloves champ.
Unfortunately, Dad's brother Don & his wife can't be here today due to his recent surgery. Aunt Jennie sent me a note I would like to share.
It really pains Uncle Don and I not to be there. Under the circumstances I think it is for the best we don't go. Please express to your Mom and siblings how sorry we are. We know how much we were loved by your Dad and Mom as we always loved them in return. I never had a brother or sister and always marveled at how close they all are and wanted that in my life too. I got it when I married Uncle Don. We will be there in spirit with your family.
My Dad always put his life in God's hands and used the strength God gave him to make it the best it could be. That strength got him and my mom through burying four children and I know his hand will be on my Mom's shoulder giving her strength to live out the rest of her life. As my sisters have said, for the last several months I facilitated his medical needs. I now go back to being his daughter. I know my Dad's in Heaven and certainly not alone.
I will miss my dad forever. He was always there when I needed him and I'm blessed that I could be there when he needed me.

I'll leave you with the last verse of his favorite song:

But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying,
And kneel and say an “Ave” there for me;

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
For you will bend and tell me that you love me,
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!

EULOGY

My father was a member of what Tom Brokaw referred to and has commonly become known as The Greatest Generation. He survived, along with the love of his life, my mother, the Great Depression, World War II and raising 11 kids. My father was a man who taught his family many things. He taught us the simple things, like sports, fishing and photography as well as the more profound things such as respect for family and love of country. Dad was a man who embraced technology early in life. He was always taking movies early on and even had color movies of his experiences after war during the occupation of Japan. He had the first television in his neighborhood, had the first Polaroid camera, the first video camera and embarked on his computer experience at 82. He was an avid fan of the space program and Alan Shepherd was a personal hero. He imparted all these interest to all who knew him. He worked hard all his life to provide for his family. If a man can be judged by his legacy than look around this building. His legacy is alive here today in his children and their spouses, as well as his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
I would be remiss not to mention his sisters and brothers. Dad was very devoted to them and their spouses. But it was my mother whom he adored most. I only imagine how hard it was not to see her for a long period that they had to endure during the war.
All of us have fond memories which we will privately and together recall. I know one of my wife Paula's most cherished memories is that of my father being a pallbearer for her mother. Paula lost her father early in our marriage and she always look to dad as a father figure. To her he was Dad.
All of my family spent the last few years helping make dads life more fulfilling. My brothers in law Bruce, Bob and Frank I can never thank enough for not only their help, but genuine friendship for my dad, whether it be taking him shopping or for a sandwich and a beer. Bruce, Bob, Frank thank you.
My father taught me many things, all of which I use till this day and have passed on to my sons. And therein lies the worth of a man, again his legacy. Yes he taught me many things, first among them was to be a man. I can only hope that I have lived up to his legacy.
There is a poem I would like to quote.
EULOGY FOR A VETERAN

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of
quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

I will miss you pop. Thanks for the help in becoming a man. Hope I live up to your expectations.

I remember every Easter at my Grandma Juju's house we color Easter eggs. It is always the boys against the girls and Grandpa would be the judge.

Dad,
Too many memories to list. Know that I couldn't have had a better father. My relationship with Bruce is a testament to the lessons I learned from you & Mom. I gather my strength now from the example you set. I will always be your Pennywininkle in sixty-six cents change.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With Love,

There are two things that come to mind first with Grandpa. One is dad taking Dave and I over to Grandpa's on Saturday after we took mom to work. Grandpa would always have orange juice made and we'd be able to visit. The second is when Grandpa and Grandma came to mine and D'Anna's wedding. That meant the world to us. My grandson Christopher shares Grandpa's birthday so he'll always be remembered by us.

You were a wonderful uncle, so very special. We will treasure our memories from the Washington trip. Love you.

Dad, We will miss you so much. It saddens me to know I won't be able to see or talk to you on web-cam anymore. You will forever be in my heart and in my most precious memories. I love you so very much, Moke

You are in a better place now as they say, but I know you will be sorely missed by my dear friends and neighbor, your son, Ken and his family. So my prayers are for you but also for them that your memory will sustain them until they see you again.

Dad.... You will be missed deeply. I will miss seeing your face when I walk in the door and see you sitting there.... Every time I have salmon I will think of you.... My heart is heavy with all the memories I have of you and think of you every single day.... Love You Pops....

When I think of Grandpa there are two things that I always think of. I think of driving down to Florida with Grandma and Grandpa with a back seat full of candy and Grandpa teaching me how to make chili in the old trailer. Grandpa would tell me that chili is a junk soup and you can put in whatever you want. I think of this every time that I make it. He must have had a secret, because mine still never turns out as good as his.

I had added to the guestbook and I don't know where it went. John, you were my 2nd father. The room just lit up whenever you entered. You always had a smile for everyone. You lived a full and rich life. You know you were a success on earth when you raised a terrific family and had many friends who will miss you. I will think of you daily and say hi to Ray for me. Love you.

I remember going to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Florida during the summers growing up. Grandpa showed so much interest in my magic and would help me make things disappear with his videography skills.

Grandpa, there are so many memories and not enough space. I will miss you terribly. Your smile, your hugs, your advice, your stories and most of all your love. You will forever be in our hearts. Your life lives on through all who knew you. Grandpa "ears", you will be so missed. Tell Mom I love her too.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I always enjoyed sitting and talking with you especially during a Bears, Sox, or Notre Dame game! You will be greatly missed.

Dad I will miss going shopping with you buying me the salmon. But the most I will mis is your face when I walk in the door. I miss you so much. I love you and will also take care of mom. My love alway

John, you were most definitely my 2nd father. I truly loved your smile and how you could brighten a room just by entering. You will be truly missed. The sign of richness on earth is what you leave behind, and look at the family you and Pat raised. Truly wonderful. I'm so thankful to have known you. God bless the whole family.

Love, Debbie (Keizer, OR)

What a sweet and loving man. Always enjoyed visiting with him when I had the chance. He will forever be the man with the camera in my eyes. Prayers to you all.

Our hearts go out to the entire Latham family and for the many extended family members Uncle John and Aunt Pat picked up along the way. He was a wonderful giving, loving person who shall remain always in our hearts and now reunited with his beloved deceased children. I am certain Patty was waiting with open arms. RIP Uncle John. (like that's going to happen with you, Dad and Uncle Vernon reunited in heaven). We love you.

I always looked forward to seeing and spending time with you and grandma. I remember weeks during the summer at your house (no snack until 8), holiday parties, and you with that camcorder. =) I love you so much. Thank you for raising a great family and thank you for being a great role model.

It was an honor and pleasure to be a considered just one of the many people that consider the Latham's family. You all are very dear to me and I feel your loss. Thanks so much to Mr. Latham for sharing his family and home to all of us in the neighborhood. In our hearts, we have never left!

Grandpa, I have to many memories to list them all. My favorite ones consist of my summers in Florida with you and Grandma. We had so many good times together. You were the best grandpa I could ask for. I will miss hearing you ask "What's up Great", and my response being anything I seen looking up into the sky. You will always bee in my heart. Love always, your Great

I have so many memories that there wouldn't be able to fit them all on here. My favorite memories, are the ones we shared together every summer in Florida during my childhood. You were the greatest grandpa I could ask for. I will miss hearing you ask "What's up Great", and my response being anything I would see looking up to the sky. You will always be in my hearth.
Love always, Your Great!!! xoxo

Dad, I will always keep in my heart the love you had for all of us. Not a day will go by that I will not think of you.I miss you so much and promise to take care of mom. Love you daddy.

Gradpa was just that, great. I may not have been blood to him, but I was family none the less. Even in his final days, his handshakes were still as firm as when I had first met him. You were a tough old guy, and you will be missed.