First I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming today. I know my Dad would have loved to see you all.
I am sure you all know that my Dad was quite the character. I have heard him described as the life of the party, the rock, a big teddy bear, along with many other endearing terms. He was all of those things, but he was also so…so..much more.
I know that I don’t need to explain to you the character of my father. My Dad was genuine Rene 100% of the time. The Rene you knew is probably the Dad I knew and the Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, Son, that all of us knew. He was a genuine person who was himself in every setting.
He was also one of the hardest working people that I have ever met. He built a beautiful house for our family to grow up in, and if 2601 S. Hollister Road is not a testament to how hard of a worker my Dad was, then nothing is. He was equally proud of the work that he did at home and in his career.
I know that everyone here probably has some wonderful story to tell about my Dad, and I can’t wait to share those with you. I am sure that about 75% of those stories have a humorous ending. My Dad was a funny guy for sure. He loved to put a smile on your face, and his laugh was infectious. Even when the pain was too much to bear, he would still look at you and give you a smile.
He treasured his friendships and all of the good times he spent with all of you, whether it was during a game or working on a building project he always had a good time. thank you for all being a part of his life.
He was a pleaser, and wanted everyone to have a good time. I think if he were up here reading this today he would probably throw in a joke or two just to get everyone to smile and loosen up a bit. That kind of humor is contagious, and I am glad to say that he passed that humor down to his children a bit too. Maybe it was Bob, or all of the trips to see the Buffalo Shoemaker, or the toenail soup and cornflakes…who knows, but he taught us never to take life too seriously. Have fun, eat, drink, and be merry might have been his motto if he had to choose one.
As my Dad’s illness progressed I think he started to take a look at some of the more serious stuff as well. He was not afraid to die, and not afraid to talk about it if you gave him the chance. I truly believe that his faith in the Lord and his relationship with God carried him to the end with little fear or regret. I had the privilege of talking to my Dad about his death during those long quiet nights in the hospital. He was always very nonchalant about it. On one of those occasions he asked me to read his eulogy at his service. I feel honored and privileged that he thought I was strong enough to get up here and do that without bawling.
He asked me to write down a few things that he wanted to share with those people that were important in his life. Unfortunately in the hustle and bustle of doctors and nurses we didn't have the chance to finish, but I would still like to share with you what he said.
He asked me to read this as if he were saying this directly to those that the message was intended for.
First he wanted to talk about work and the people who were important to him.
Throughout all of my accomplishments during the course of my career there has been colleagues that have been very beneficial in not only my success, but with particular projects. These accomplishments have made me very close with certain people that I hold high respect for. Two of those people are Jim Hogan and Tom Weston. Although there were many others who have been an important part of my career as well.
Next to my many nieces and nephews who there are too many to list by name, but all are very important and very much dear to my heart. I wanted to mention one nephew in particular that I had a special bond with, and that is Richard. Richard has been more like a friend and brother to me. We developed this bond over the years during the many home improvement/ home building projects that Richard and I have worked on together. Richard has always been there to lend a hand or a listening ear when I really needed him. (He also mentioned that that should be enough to get Richard crying really good)
To by brothers and sisters:
Renee is a very special sister. She has been a rock for me to lean on. Especially over the last year, but even before that I couldn't have asked for a more dear, kind, and unconditionally loving older sister.
Therese: has been a wonderful, caring, kind, person that everybody should have the experience of having in their life.
Mary: (Mary would be the exact opposite; she is the little sister that you should avoid. J/k) no, all jokes aside...Mary is also a wonderful, kind hearted little sister, and I look forward to see her again someday in Heaven.
Toby and Charlie, I wished you both lived closer together throughout the years so that I could have spent more time with each of you, but that would have meant I would have had to live in the Mississippi River Basin and I really hate mosquitoes and humidity.
We didn't get a chance to talk about Chris and Brion, but I know that he would want everyone to find comfort in knowing that there was someone to greet him on the other side. –Actually, Chris probably had a big project he was working on and just needed someone who could get the job done.
He also didn't have time to tell me what he would have said to his friends, parents, grandchildren, children, or my Mom. I think it would have been too difficult to put into words.
He held his mom and dad in such high regard, their prayers were a source of comfort for him, especially over the last 10 months. I know he would want to thank them for that.
I know that he loved all of his grandchildren very much. He looked forward to doing the things that grandpas do, and I know that was one of the hardest things for him to face knowing that he wouldn't be able to be here.
He was the best dad anyone could ask for. He showed us humor, humility, hard work, and resilience ( oh and how to clean really well) he was always there for us when we needed him, and I find comfort in knowing that he will still be there to guide us with a gentle whisper.
As a husband I know that there would not have been enough words, paper, or time up here for him to express how much he loved you Mom. Your commitment to one another is remarkable and only unconditional love could be that strong. I know that the pain you feel must be unbearable, but he made a promise that he would never leave you, and I believe he meant that.
My Dad loved to star gaze. I think all of us kids and even the grand kids have fond memories of looking at the stars with Dad. He would point out the constellations and tell us stories about them. I know now that when I look at the stars on a clear night that my Dad is among them.
My 8 year old son, Drew, trying to understand cancer, said that cancer is like jumping from rooftop to rooftop, sometime people make it across and some people don't. My Dad fought hard and his will to live kept going until the very end. He jumped far, but he just didn't quite make it. Although, On that final jump he did not fall, but Jesus swept him unto his arms and finally took him home to be with him in heaven amongst the stars.
Rest in peace dad, we love you!
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Born July 28, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, passed away February 10, 2013 at the age of 53. Rene was a department manager for the State of Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget. He served briefly in the U.S. Coast Guard. Rene was a very charismatic, outgoing, loving husband, father and grandfather with a love of music and a great sense of humor. He was a dedicated MSU Spartan fan, who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, camping, river floating, horses, skiing and sailing. Rene will be greatly missed by his adoring wife of 35 years Beckie. He is survived by his children, Nicole Garza (Joe Gray), Jamie (Doug) Kirby, Scott (Kelsie Cole) Simmons, Trevor Simmons and Christopher (Ashleigh Wazbinski) Mee; grandchildren, Taylor, Jaylee and Makenzie Garza, Avery and Drew Kirby, Autumn Gray and baby Oliver Mee; parents, Richard and Dorothy Simmons; siblings, Charles (Sue) Simmons, Renee (Patrick) Lindsay, Therese (Tom) Hamming, Mary (Les) Vietzke and Toby (Candie) Simmons; father-in-law, Clifford Mee; foster mother-in-law, Susan Garbarini; sister-in-laws, Patricia Simmons, Janet (Adam) Ravelo, Lisa Hilty and Linda Mee; brother-in-laws, Brian (Lisa) Mee and Mike (Colleen) Mee; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Christopher and Brion; mother-in-law, Joyce Mee; foster father-in-law, Mark Garbarini and a great-niece. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 15, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, with the Rev. Mark Inglot officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 14, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing where the rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com
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