Gary Norman Crabbe
March 3, 1948 – November 5, 2005
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My dad meant a lot to me. I remember the good memories of throwing the ball to each other
in the front yard, or the times we stayed up late talking about whether or not Steve Vai was a
better guitar player than Eric Clapton, or the times we just sat together never needing to say
a word. These are not that painful. I'm finding more and more each day that it isn't
remembering a past full of my dad that is painful; it is looking toward a future without him that
sometimes makes sleep hard, or concentrating impossible, or remembering the simplest of
things sometimes impossible. It's crying out for what might have been that makes grief's
sting so poignant.
Who will I turn to when I need help doing something that only he could help me with? Who
will I turn to to talk about politics and how we should vote for Michael Savage if he ever runs?
When I accomplish something, who will I make proud in that way that only a dad can feel
proud? Who indeed. But I will go on. I will keep living because that is what we do. I won't
see my dad anymore, except maybe in the smile of one of my daughters, or the way I huff
and puff and complain about nothing in particular, or in the evening rain as I sit outside
smoking one of his pipes.
I won't see you dad, but I can still feel you and cherish your memory. I can still remember,
and through that rememberance, love those around me that much more. For you taught me
that life is short and must be lived each day as if it were your last. And that is what my future
will be full of until I join you where you are.
--Jason R. P. Crabbe
This is the program that Jason
designed for his dad's funeral:
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Front/Back
Below is a song that Jason wrote the music for and used the words of an old
hymn. He performed it at his parent's 37th wedding anniversary where they
rededicated their lives to each other. The original pastor that married them 37
years prior flew from the east coast to officiate the ceremony. It was an intimate
gathering of about 50 or so family and friends. The recording is rough, but
Jason is still proud of this rendition of this beautiful hymn and that it touched his
parent's hearts during that difficult time.
"His Eye is on the Sparrow"
Words by Civilla D. Martin; original melody by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
New music by Jason R.P. Crabbe
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Check back later for new additions as Jason adds memorabilia and tributes to
his father's memory.
