Notes:
His view of the water always brought peace, support, accomplishment and unbridled joy. As a child of the Great Depression, his Dad supported their family by working for the Cleveland Water Department. Accomplishment came when he won the state high school swimming championship. He was training to become a swim coach at KSU when he met and married Cherie Willis and was abruptly sent to Korea by the Marines. He rarely spoke about being awarded the Purple Heart, saving others or surviving the bitter cold, but he never much liked frozen water after that. Upon returning to a growing family, he went to work in the HVAC industry and founded Air Comfort Inc. in 1961. He delighted in teaching his four kids - Gary, Ted, Merrily and Melody - to swim and enjoy the water as much as he did. It didn't matter where - Little Punderson, Silver Lake, Crystal Lake, Marco Island, Portage Lakes or Cancun - if there was water around, there was fun to be had - and he generously shared it with others. Whether boating, fishing, sailing, picnicking or swimming - all were welcome. In 1963 he became a founding member of the Akron Executives Association and later served as president. Further unselfish dedication consisted of stints on the boards of the Mechanical Contractors Association, YMCA and Better Business Bureau. "...blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good." (M. B. Eddy) Dad exemplified this and in turn was a blessing to those who knew him. He is survived by his four kids; three grandkids; four great grandkids; and second wife, Sharon. Per his request, no memorial service will be held. Donations may be made in his name to First Church of Christ Scientist, 2390 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. He has a new, higher view now that likely includes peace, joy, and water. May you walk on it, Dad.
[Published in Akron Beacon Journal on May 16, 2021.]