My father is gone

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

My father, Gunter David, passed away today at 2:53 in the morning. He died of cancer at the age of 85. He has been in hospice care for some weeks and lapsed into a coma several days ago. He died in his own bed, with his daughter Beth and my mother lying next to him.

I miss him terribly.

PAD

81 comments on “My father is gone”

  4. I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. David. My best to you and your family. Be well.

  5. My sincerest sympathy. Be extra gentle with yourself for a while. No matter how ‘expected’ it is, losing a loved one is something you’re never prepared for enough.

  7. So very sorry to hear this, Peter. I just got off the phone with my mother because my Great Aunt Joy passed today as well. Memories of her have been flooding my mind. I’ll be raising a tankard to her and to your Dad tonight. Deepest condolences to you and your family.

  8. So sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

  9. I am so sorry Peter. I’m never good at words during times of loss but were I to know you, I suppose I would just sit beside you for company.

  10. My condolences to you and your family. I remember you saying in one of your occasional question and answer posts that your father being a reporter inspired you to become a writer yourself.

  12. I lost my dad last April. Mom is still hurting. It sucks. But we are all here to share the pain with you.

  13. Deepest condolences to you and your family, Peter. Please let us know shiva hours (if any) and where we might be able to donate in his memory.

  15. I’m very sorry for your loss, Peter. My deepest condolences to you, your family, and all those who love him. Baruch Dayan Emet.

  16. So sad and sorry for the loss of your father, Peter. My condolences to you and your family.

  17. I’m sorry Peter. I can only imagine how much he meant to you. Many of your best stories are about fathers and sons.

  18. What everybody else said.

    Knowing that it’s all part of the cycle of the world and that it comes to all sooner or later can be comforting, considered in the abstract, but when it’s your own loved one, it’s so much more poignant.

  21. I’m so very sorry for your loss, Peter. My thoughts are with you and your family, whom I’m sure are coming together in this time of grief to remember the wonderful memories and the legacy that your dad has left you.

  23. I’m so sorry for your loss, Peter. I lost my father to cancer just over 5 years ago and I still think about him everyday. Cherish the memories you have of him and make sure your kids and their kids know what kind of man he was. I can’t think of a better way to honor a dad.

  24. That’s . . . that’s two writers I respect and follow online that have lost one of their parents in the last month.

    Ðámņ. Condolences to you sir.

    As I said to him, so I say to you: a tip of the hat, to you and your family, in honor of the Great Journey. Though we lose party members on the way, the grand quest never ends.

  27. Peter, condolences to you and your family on your father’s passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  30. I’m so very sorry to hear that, Peter; from all of your stories over the years it’s clear he was one terrific guy. May all the good memories be a comfort to you.

  32. Greatest sympathies to you and your family. May his memory be for a blessing, and may your sorrow pass quickly, leaving you the warm and wonderful memories of him.

  33. It’s always terrible to lose a parent. The dependence and security that you had always felt is suddenly and notably absent, but the love and memories will always be there.
    Condolences to you and your family.

  34. Sorry for your loss, Peter. I’ve met you a few times in my life & if your Father had anything to do with how you’ve turned out as a human being, let alone as a writer, he must have been very proud of you

  35. Peter – very, very sorry for your loss. I lost my father about eight years ago and still miss him terribly almost every day of my life. Hëll, I was having a conversation with my Mom just last week where a passing mention of him managed to bring a tear to my eye.

    Losing a father leaves a big space in your life. Like most spaces, you get used to it and learn how to deal with it in a healthy manner, but in my experience, you never quit missing him. But that space in your life that feels so empty is also a testiment to how important he was to you, and will also help you cherish his memory.

    Losing a father is a tough one, but hang in there and know that you’re surrounded by people who love you. And also remember that you are also a very loved father to some very special people in your life. I have found that thought to be a sometimes frightening burden and responsibility, but wonderfully so.

    Many, many, many condolences . . .

  36. I’m very sorry for your loss. At least your father had a long life, and he was in the company of his wife and daughter at the end.

  37. Peter, my sincere condolences to you. So far, I’m fortunate to still have both of my parents, but I did lose my father-in-law a couple of years back. My son shared this news with you at DragonCon in 2013, because five year olds do that sort of thing. You were, as always, gracious to him.

    Take care of you and yours. I hope the outpouring of love here and on Facebook remind you of the good times with your dad.

  38. Sincere condolences from both my spouse and myself. We just lost my father last week at the age of 76.

  40. So very sorry for your loss and all the pain you are feeling right now. I hope his passing was peaceful, and I’m glad he was with loved ones at the end. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.

  45. I’m very sorry for your loss, Mr. David, although I’m glad to hear he was surrounded by loved ones as he passed. I hope the many years’ worth of wonderful memories you have with him will be a comfort to you and to all of his loved ones.

  46. I’m so sorry for your loss. My father passed away two years ago, so I know the hole this leaves in your heart.

  48. PAD,

    My condolences. There are never any adequate words in a time like this, so I will echo everyone else on this thread and say that I’m sorry for your loss. You and your grieving family will be in my prayers.

    Chris

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