Dear Dad,
I am going to miss you dearly. I was in complete shock when you passed on December 30, 2021. I could not face the prospect of a life without you in it. I still can’t face the prospect, quite honestly.
You were funny, kind and hardworking. You made sure our family lived well and that we were happy. I will miss your delightful homemade grilled dinners. I will miss walking Basil with you. I will miss telling you to turn the TV down. Our house is too quiet without you.
I appreciate all the times we traveled to Hawaii. Your hula dance will always make me laugh. Basil loved you more than I can ever express. The cats will miss your neck and ear rubs. I remember when we used to play together when I was little and how you were so kind as to rub
my feet when I asked. There could not have been a better father than you.
One of my fondest memories is from when you took me to a Star Wars marathon in Los Angeles. I was dressed as Boba Fett and got so many positive reactions to my costume. I even won a costume contest. None of this would have been possible without your dedication and enthusiasm. We enjoyed other sci-fi films together; one of my biggest regrets in regards to your passing is that I never got around to reading the book version of 2001: A Space Odyssey with you. I missed you so much that shortly after your passing, I slept in the shirt you wore to the Star Wars marathon. That shirt will be a token of the wonderful time we had together in LA.
All in all, you were an unforgettable person who was an integral part of our family. We will never forget you, and we know you are in heaven with your beloved Genevieve. Bless your soul; Rest In Peace and know that we will always love you.
Love,
Erica
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California 92651 US, https://www.pacificmmc.org/donation/in-honor-of-donation ; and Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue, P.O. Box 491209, Los Angeles, California 90049 US, www.grcglarescue.org or to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Garbutt family.