Some background:He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer (Squamous cell carcinoma) late in June and had a series of complications from that point forward. He struggled with Hypercalcemia (an increase of the calcium in his blood), which led to dehydration, impacting his concentration and cognitive capabilities. The tumor itself apparently contributed to furthering the Hypercalcemia by generating more calcium on its own. Between July 3rd and the 16th he went from being admitted into Sharp Memorial in San Diego a couple of times to being in a nursing facility and then being readmitted to Sharps on the 16th. His health quickly declined over the last couple of days with a notification late on the 16th of my dad having kidney problems. Early on the 17th we were told his kidneys were shutting down. Dave (my brother) called me at work and I left for San Diego. Yesterday morning my brother and I met with the Dr. and the condition was stated pretty clearly- at 80 years old his body was shutting down and it was time to prepare for the inevitable. We stayed with him throughout the day and at 9:48 pm my dad’s heart stopped. At 10:08 pm the Dr. officially announced the time of death.
Some acknowledgements:My brother David has done so much for my dad over the years, but in the last month he has gone from work to the hospital, then back to work and spent so much of his time and energy helping my dad, checking on him and taking care of him. I really appreciate all that he has done for our dad. The nursing staff and Dr.’s at Sharp Memorial were fantastic. They took a vested interest in our dad, were very kind to us and were compassionate to the end. They really were wonderful and could not have taken better care of him.
Your dad was one of a kind, that's for sure. I'll always remember him from our Little League days when he was coaching your team and with that booming voice of his would gather his 'gang' around for a last minute pep talk. For some reason that always stayed with me through all these years. Please know that he made an impression on a lot of us and was admired outside of his family as well. God bless and I celebrate the great life he had with you! (From Jesse Park, by permission)
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about your dad. I want you to know your dad had a positive influence on hundreds of kids in Mission Village. & yes, I do believe the infamous "Vortex Logi" is one of those awesome memories I have as we cruised in the back of your dad's car on way to pizza ...
*I remember going to baseball practice at Juarez
*I remember getting game tickets and getting "pizza-rinos" at the snack bar
*I remeember your dad lining up against the fence and hitting balls to us.
*I remember your dad teaching us not just fundamentals of the game of baseball but as it turned out... fundamentals for life...
*I remember playing wiffle ball in front of your house.. then coming inside to see your dad on his chair and his weiner dog by his side...
*come to think about it .. your dad was very patient w/ all us goofy kids running about.
* I remember you dad fondly..
Your pal,
Dan Higdon
I remember your dad, especially from the days of little league. He was a really great guy. Always very friendly and nice to us kids. I have nothing but fond memories of him. (Lee Noble, by permission)
ReplyDelete