Ross G. Alsup 10/6/1940 - 11/20/2006

[Oldtoe]

My father passed away at 9:20 p.m. in the ICU of North Kansas City Hospital on Monday night. My brother, mom, and I let Dad go after 9 days in a coma after he fell head-first down some stairs after a stroke, and a subsequent impact causing severe damage to his frontal, temporal, and occiptal lobes of his brain. The man we knew was gone and he wasn't going to ever be able to survive without a machine. We had a pact that none of us would ever subject the other to such a horrible existence; and we held up our end. I'm going to miss my teacher, mentor, adversary, and champion. Make sure you let those you love know that you love them. Dad and I knew where we stood with each other, and that gives me more comfort than I ever thought possible.

So Godspeed, Dad. You had a good time and did a good job while you were here.

 

[bovinehost]

You know how I feel about his boys.

Hell, you know how I feel about almost everything.

Jack

 

[MCBTunes]

It's good to hear your doing ok Oldtoe. Your dad is in a better place now, watching over you.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

All the best over there Ben.

 

[Oldtoe]

It's good to hear your doing ok Oldtoe. Your dad is in a better place now, watching over you.

As long as he keeps out of my refrigerator and my bedroom, he can haunt me all he likes.

One of the things he liked to do when at dinner was to ask, "Are you gonna eat that?" (pointing at a particularly nice piece of chicken or something similar), and then taking it when you clearly WERE, in fact, going to eat it. Damn, I'm going to miss my son growing up around him. People act so differently as grandparents, it seems. On the day my son was born, my Dad suddenly conjured up a smile that had previously never existed. I'm glad I have a picture of him (smiling) with Jackson (my boy.)

Just so we're clear: this thread is intended to be a celebration of his life, and less a lament for his passing. We should all be so lucky to have lived as much as this man did in his short 66 years.

 

[Bill]

So sorry to hear that, Ben. I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories of him! Cherish those memories, and those photos, too.

 

[koogie2k]

Sorry to hear about your Dad. However, I am glad you and your family are doing okay and that you are looking at all the wonderful memories you and your Dad had together over the years. You will miss him for sure.

 

[artisan]

sorry for your loss.
p.s. i think you've got a brilliant attitude on this,which is how it should be IMHO.
all the best.

 

[Psycho Ward]

Ben I know what you are going thru, well sort of, I guess each one of us goes thru this in their own way.

I'm so sorry this accident happened, at least with my Mom we knew it was coming.

You are a great guy and were helpful to me, I only hope I can help you in some way. I certainly will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Call me anytime bro, you got my number.

Chuck

 

[SteveB]

Ben,

Thanks for posting this. While I'm sorry for your loss, I'm grateful for your outlook. We had to make a similar decision with my paternal grandmother nearly 13 years ago, and we held up our end as well.

 

[Big Poppa]

Ben you got a headstart on what they dont teach you. You get extra credit for having class during the holidays

Strange as it seems they never leave you, its just different

 

[Morrow]

My condolences to you , Andy , and your mom , Ben .My thoughts are with you all at this time. It is a terrible thing to lose a parent.

godspeed

 

[Hutton]

Sorry about your loss Ben. Although I lost my Dad nearly thirty years ago I still celebrate his life and our relationship every time I think of him.

 

[jongitarz]

Ben, I am sorry for your loss.

Jon

 

[Oldtoe]

Thanks, fellers.

 

[bovinehost]

Grab your toothbrush, Ben, and drive on over. Got some new stuff for you to play with. If you're in Dallas, that is.

 

[roburado]

My condolences. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Moondog]

Real sorry for your losses Ben and Chuck

 

[Randracula]

My condolences Ben

 

[Oldtoe]

Grab your toothbrush, Ben, and drive on over. Got some new stuff for you to play with. If you're in Dallas, that is.

I was in Dallas for barely three hours on Thursday night. It'll be a little bit before I get back, but don't throw anything out, dig?