My Father

My father Joseph Wallace Croft, Junior passed away earlier this month.  Long before his final breath, dementia had stolen away the person that I had known while I was growing up.  His recent death was a reminder to me of that previous loss.

When I was twelve years old, I used to swing by Radio Shack and play with the computer that was on display.  After some repeated visits, the salesman asked me for my father's phone number.  Dad brought home from Radio Shack a TRS-80 Model I personal computer which we both learned how to program.  For both recreation and as a profession, I have been programming computers on an almost daily basis ever since.

While I was still in high school, my father and I took an evening electronics course together that was hosted by a junior college in an old shopping mall.  When I went to college, I selected my degree major a year before most other students did, having already decided that I wanted to study Electrical Engineering.  When I returned to school for my first graduate degree, I chose Electrical Engineering again.

My father was a second generation Air Force officer.  Upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, I became a third.  It was only after his death that I learned that my father had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice in addition to many other medals for his service to our country.

My father was generous to his family.  He supported his children throughout their academic studies and in other times of financial need.  He contributed to the college funds of all six of my children.

During the eulogy, I learned that upon the death of his own father, my father made a life-altering decision to take up many of the responsibilities that his father had shouldered.  At the time of his sudden passing, my grandfather was a beloved and steady center of our extended family.  My father stepped up to fill that role.

My father and grandfathers were defenders of their nation and caring providers.  Until diminished by aging, disease, and death, they gave their families that security which comes from having capable and reliable ancestors who are concerned with and actively engaged in ensuring the well-being of their descendants.  We extend the love that they gave to us when we reflect it in the care that we provide to our own children and grandchildren.