mary's eulogy

I suggested my mom broach the subject with him, but we were worried because Dad had been reluctant to talk about much and we didn't want to overwhelm him.

The next afternoon mom asked him "Ron, have you thought about what you want us to do with the cars?" He replied, "What do you mean?" Mom answered, "Well, the '51 Ford and your other car in the driveway." Dad paused for a bit and then replied clearly, purposefully: "I can sell a car."

My dad was the definition of people person. He made everyone feel at home. He remembered little things about all my friends, and about all of you. From the guys who worked with him at the plant, to his friends and neighbors, to the hospice nurses who became part of our family this past month. He loved people.

My dad could sell a car.

One year during Christmastime while he was plant manager at Square D, Dad went out during night shift to personally thank every worker at the plant.

Dad befriended countless people, families from all over the world- some of you are here today- who came to Lincoln and didn't know many people. He built relationships with folks from the income tax assistance program to a prisoner at the State penitentiary.

After Dad retired, he was enthusiastic about helping people with their taxes, volunteering his time at the public library. I remember that in April it was harder to get him on the phone because he was busy helping people with their taxes. It was really important to him.

My Dad never judged.

Even with the strangest of my boyfriends, he would find a topic to discuss with them, many times asking their advice or opinion. He did not have a big ego, he liked people and liked being social.

A few years ago at a family gathering someone was asking me if I thought I'd ever get married. I paused, I sighed and said I didn't know. My dad told me later that night "Some women are just fine with their career and friends", it sounds so simple, but I think about it all the time and it comforted me. He knew how to reassure and comfort me in times I least expected it.

This however does not mean that I might not still get married. ☺

I have never known anyone as genuine as my father. When he didn't know the answer he never made anything up. Even when selling a car.

I never got the idea from my dad that there was anything I couldn't do. When the '66 Mustang needed a new water pump he said we could do it ourselves. He taught me the whole process, from buying the part to making the workspace safe.

I'll never forget the time I was underneath the Mustang in the driveway twisting a screwdriver and someone walked by and asked my Dad "Is that Mary underneath that car??"

He proudly answered ... "Yes."

In highschool, when my sister Sarah participated in the American Presidential Fitness Test, she came home upset about her low score, and she began worrying about the next year's challenge. My Dad went out and bought a stop-watch and he started coaching Sarah at the Southest High track, helping her improve the 600 yard dash, recording her progress, cheering her on, and ultimately helping her arrive at a 2 min time in the 600. It should be noted that my sister to this day believes the Presidental Fitness Test was for the President himself, and that she would be disappointing him if she didn't achieve a higher percentage ☺

When my brother Robert was slowly learning to drive a stick shift, Dad asked him if he wanted to go to "The Corral" for dinner. Rob enthusiastically agreed and about half way to the restaurant at the bottom of a hill, Dad stopped the car, hopped out of the driver.s seat, started running up the hill and shouting back to Robert, "COME GET ME!!"

My Dad never doubted any of us.

My parents laughed together all the time, and while I could recount many , many silly stories about my Mom, I'll just say that my Mom was Dad's hero.

Last month when Dad would drift off to sleep I'd sit near him and silently ask my Grandma Ellen, my Aunt Cleo, my Uncle Lawrence — and anyone else I could think of that was up to the job — to be there for my Dad. After a few days I trimmed down the list to just the Norwegians and would repeat a prayer calling on The Norwegians to help him on his journey.

They listened.

When I woke up last week and felt the heaviness of my dad's passing, I also felt a lightness that has stuck with me. It sounds so simple but it really hit me: My dad is IN me, he's IN Sarah, and in Robert and he's in my Mom. And he is in every one of you whose lives he's touched. And you'll know this when you appreciate a witty comeback that lights up a room, or when you thank someone who is giving you good service; when you tell somebody "You're doing a great job" when you know they usually don't hear it.

You will know Ron Samson is in you when you are mindful and lighthearted towards someone you meet for the first time, and you'll know it when you remember not to judge.

One night a few weeks ago when I had a quiet moment with my Dad, I shared about some of my beliefs. I told him that he'd soon be tuning into one great ham radio, where the frequency is unlimited, all signals are clear, and he can transmit to anyone at any time.

He grinned from ear to ear.