My father, Albert Edstrom, was a great man. He was dearly loved by his Family and Friends . Although he came from simple beginnings, Dad worked his way through life and had a long, successful career. Hard work and determination characterized this strong and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The best thing that he has left behind for us is his example. My father was a teacher of all things. His method was simple. He taught by example. His character is the foundation of our conscience. My father was strong in body, in spirit, and in commitment. My father never let another man down. He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. His word was his bond, and everyone knew it. My father was self-made and self-reliant. Although he only had a grade 3 education, there was nothing he would not try to figure out. His skill with every kind of tool that could fashion wood or metal, brick or cement with, my Dad rose to the challenge of a man who was a master. My father was proud of his work . My father was loyal. His faithfulness to the important people in his life could be seen in the way he steadfastly maintained the ties with his childhood friends. My father loved a good Joke, including every imaginable kind of ethnic joke. Yet his humor was never mean spirited, nor designed to hurt or humiliate. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. My father had a quiet dignity, respecting himself the way he respected others. As he faced his final days, his body ravaged with the cancer, he occasionally lost his good humor. But he never had one moment of self-pity. The afternoon before he passed, I asked him how he was he doing, did he have any pain , he gave the same answer he gave every day with a wave (our code). I’m fine. The Last Five years of Dad’s life were met with many challenges. What we thought would bring him deserving happiness in his retirement, brought him instead many undeserved hurdles. But even with all of these challenges, he rose above the rest, and he faced his final years here on earth with unparalleled hope and optimism. Joe an I as his final caregivers, are so grateful to have spent the last four months with him during this last chapter of his life. Up until November 22, 2013 , he, I and Joe would spend countless hours talking and laughing about everything we could, as if we were making up for lost time. Dad had an unconditonal love and respect for Joe, and he and I appreciated the tender handling and care Joe gave to our father to the end. Because of the caring and tender Dad that he was, Dad will be sorely missed. But greater than the sorrow from his death is the Joy that he spread in his life. His wisdom and love will continue to guide each one of us throughout our lives. I loved my father very much and will miss him dearly. His lifetime of dedication and self-sacrifice serve as a monument to the exemplary man he was. His humility, integrity, and hard work continue to inspire us and those who knew him. Taking care of Dad was an Honor and a Priviledge, and one that we will Treasure for the rest of our lives. We Love you Dad Joan and Joe In Loving Memory Dad Rest in Peace