Loss of the greatest man I ever knew

[Bill Stipe]

December 18-2011 at 10:20 PM I lost my Dad at the age of 95. I will miss him dearly he taught me so much in life I will never forget him. Born March 24 -1916. I can only imagine what he has all seen in his life. He served in WWII from December 2 – 1944 to February 11 – 1946 but never talked about it.
My mom handed me a brown envelope that said “Official Records” Aug 1945 in there was a booklet with maps and information on the island of Tinian where he was stationed, also with letter of commendation.
He was a baker, medical aidman for 12 months, expert Rifleman, and observed the Enola Gay B-29 bomber take off for Japan. I had no idea he was involved with that part of the war, mom told me he had helped unload the Little Boy bomb from the ship and that was his letter of commendation unloading the ship in five days when tentatively set for twelve days.
He build 4 houses for himself over life time, he was a mason, carpenter, mechanic, plumber, repaired watches for the guys in WWII, bee keeper, raised quails, gardened, farmed, worked on his Aunts mink ranch raising mink and skinning them for pelts, and could fix almost anything that broke and the list goes on. William A Stipe Sr

Bill Stipe Jr

[Craig Lewis]

Very very sorry for your loss Bill.
If your own achievements are any example, it gives a clear picture what your dad's capabilities were.
My father also survived WW2 on a naval frigate and never talked of it.
Take a big rest and know that WE know what you're going through.
...it get's better with time. Regards Craig Lewis.

[[email protected]]

So very sorry for your loss.

Always sad to learn of losing another one from the greatest generation.

[Russ/40]

Sorry for your loss Bill. You had one heck of a mentor in your life. How wonderful to have had such an amazing father.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Sorry for your loss Bill. He sounds like he was a great guy and you were very lucky to have had him for so many years. My dad died suddenly of a heart attach a few days after his 81st. birthday. Sure wish I could have had him around for several more years.

[modeleh]

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My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
A good friend of mine, also born in 1916, passed away last summer. He was 60 years older than me, but I felt that I had known him his whole life, as he always told me stories of the old days.
He taught me a great deal, not just in how to get things done, but what really makes a good man. I think of him all the time.
When we lose our friends who were born in that era, we lose the best life teachers in our society. Many started out life in poverty and hardship and worked their asses off to provide the luxuries we enjoy today.
These guys designed and built the machines, buildings, and infastructure we cannot live without today. And they fought for our freedom and fair labour laws, and countless other things we will never even know.
If you are older than the baby boomer generation, my hat is off to you, and I thank you for the work you have done in your life to make this world what it is today.

[Clem Clement]

Bill,
He is in a better place with his WWII buds. I'm sure he would want you to stay strong. My Daddy fought in WWI and passed these many long years ago. I talk to him every day and our talks are most helpful.
clem

[frenchy dehoux]

Sorry for your lost Bill I also lost my uncle Friday December the 16th he was 95 years old and lived in France and served in World War 2 in Normandie. They gave him the full salute.

Frenchy

[hardtimes]

Thanks for sharing that information and that great picture Bill.
You were blessed to have been around him for so many decades. My condolences to your family. He lives on in all the good that you do !

[MN Stumpjumper]

So sorry to hear this news, Bill. It's great that you had such a mentor and friend for so many years! God will take care of him, and You and Cindy. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family. Pat and Brenda

[Mike V. Florida]

It is always sad to hear about the passing of a loved one. Sounds like he lived his life to the fullest.

[rossofozini]

Thanks for sharing this Bill, sounds like your Dad ticked many boxes in his lifetime. Clearly a good man.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Bill, I too am saddened for your & Miss Cindi's loss! Like we were just talking the other day, remember those times and cherish the legacy he passed on to you. I enjoyed the story your shared with me during his final days and everyone in the room was trying to remember that family's name there on the corner, he blurted it out when no one thought he was listening. Or when he asked just recently if you were gonna make it before the January deadline. And how he loved riding with you in the 'T' to go get ice cream. I know you will miss him dearly and my prayer is that God will continue to show Grace and Comfort to all of y'all in this sad time. I'm sure he is happier now and hopefully you will only remember the happy times too! Take care buddy!!

.

[George Miller]

Very sorry for your loss. I remember when Marilyn and I met him. He was one heck of a guy. Plus the house that he built, like no other I have seen. You are lucky to have a Dad like him.

[1931 flamingo]

Truly sorry for your loss. Prayers going out for you and yours. Lost my Dad in '78 and Mom this past july (95). God Bless.

Paul in CT

[Georgew48]

So sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like a great man. father and friend. I lost my dad when he was only 50 years old, also a WWII vet as well as a 30 year Air Force vet. I hope your dad got to see the WWII monument in DC before he passed. I miss my dad every day but I know he is in a far better place now. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

[hop up]

Our condolences for your loss and prayers with you and your family

[RcT]

My father was 88 years of age when he passed in 2005. I think of him every dat still, and miss our conversations and time together. We seemed to only get closer as time went by and we both aged. I never had that connection with my mom.

I lost a friend along with my father when he passed.

To you out there who still have your father, cherish the time you have. Consider all that he did for you and do your best to be him and then some to your kids and grandkids.

[Gumpy]

sorry for your loss Bill-- my "pops" was my best friend also....please let the fordbarn community know if there's anything we can do....regards gump

[harleyjj]

So sorry to hear of your loss! My grandpa was a WWII vet and passed in November at 92. It is sad to see the members of the Greatest Generation slowly pass into history.