Ralph Weaver Rest in peace father.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

The finest car guy in the world has left this life.

The person I respect and emulate most in life is my father, Ralph Merrill Weaver.

For 19 years he has had CLL Chronic Lymphositic Leukemia, he has had generally five year healthy spurts followed by active CLL times which required Chemo to restore his health. Dad is the quietest most private sufferer you would ever meet, often I would forget he even had a condition.

This spring CLL started to return and his specialist encologist worked to get approval for a newly approved treatment specially suited for CLL patients that have had multiple rounds of Chemo. We didn't see the improvements we hoped to see and the CLL finally took over.

Surrrounded by his family and friends Dad passed away yesterday in the most peaceful manner.

There are now huge shoes to fill in this world and my goal is to follow in his foot steps.

We were blessed to have Dad in our lives.

Ryan

We spent part of today looking through family photo albums to share at his funeral, I will share a few so you can get a small sense of the wonderful family man Dad was and is.

[Charley Lillard]

Very sorry Ryan. May he rest in peace.

[leach]

Hope that God looks over him and all of you.

[Xplantdad]

Sorry to hear Ryan. May you and your family find solace in the fact that your father was a wonderful person. We will say prayers tonight for you and your family.

From MCACN 2015 <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-1805-51767-tn_dsc_0459_zpsmrkdrjol.jpg

[earntaz]

R.I.P. Mr. Weaver -- the Lord touched him and he slept! TAZ

[68l30]

Prayers for you &amp; your family Ryan. Rest in Peace.


BIG

[XXXGoldL34M20]

So Sorry to hear of your loss Ryan, My condolences to you and your Family, I know how close you are to your Dad and he will be missed.
All the best
Danny

[Postsedan]

Ryan,

I am so sorry my friend.....my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Dad will be greatly missed.

Dan

[PxTx]

You were very fortunate to have such a wonderful father and spend so much time together. Sorry for your loss.

[454_Malibu]

So Sorry for your Family Ryan,, God Bless

[shor]

So sorry Ryan.

[BJCHEV396]

R.I.P. Mr.Weaver.Sorry for your loss Ryan.

[CC Rider]

Sorry to hear of your loss Ryan.

[x77-69z28]

Sorry for your loss Ryan. There is nothing in our lives quite as important as our fathers. They are our heros, bigger than life. My dad is gone 22 years, and I think of him often. The things that they teach us, who we look up to. Know that he was proud of you as well. Live your life as if he were looking over your shoulder, because he is.
Rest in Peace Mr. Weaver.
Buddy

[SuperNovaSS]

I'm very sorry for your loss.


Jason

[daverd]

it's good you two
Spent a lot of time together working
On the w31 sorry for your loss
May your Dad Rest In Peace..
My prayers go out to you and yours.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Thank you all for the supportive comments, they mean so much to us.

My Dad enjoyed being invited to events with his Family, my brother would take Dad on Motorcycle trips up north or onto the windy roads in some of the closer states in the US, Dad would come with Jamie and I to NOCC, PSMCDR and MCACN. He loved meeting people at car events but always asked me......... &quot;how do all these people know you Ryan?&quot; I know all these people because they share in our journey.

I promised pictures and never break that promise:-)

Ryan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

49 years ago Mom and Dad married.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51772-img_3268.jpg
In the beginning there was Adam:-)
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51773-img_3273.jpg
Then there were two hooligans
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51774-img_3269.jpg
Then we had fun living and growing up on the farm:-)
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51775-img_3266.jpg

[MarcDant]

Sorry to hear the passing of your father Ryan, may he rest in peace and my condolences to you and your family.Marc.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Dad and I renovated our home from top to bottom, inside and outside.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51779-building.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51781-img_3271.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51782-img_3272.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51783-pic1.jpg

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

These pictures really jumped out at me yesterday.

Dad waving goodbye.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51785-img_3276.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-13277-51786-img_3275.jpg

[m22mike]

Take care Ryan, hopefully time will ease your family's pain some.

Mike

[Tracker1]

RIP Mr. Weaver

[VintageMusclecar]

My deepest condolences. RIP Mr. Weaver.

[RPOLS3]

Very sorry for your loss Ryan and family.

[PeteLeathersac]

'

So sorry to read this now Ryan, heartfelt thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
Thank you for sharing your Dad w/ us all here and so great how he was always a part of your projects.

~ Pete

[scuncio]

Sorry to hear this, you are in our family's thoughts.

[Northernforce]

Our deepest condolences to the Weaver family.In this sad time I would like to share a moment I spent with Ryan's dad that always puts a smile on my face.It was this time last year and the Weavers were getting ready to go to MCACN.I stopped by to drop off some rims -it was a very cold day-light snow on the ground Ryan was at work -and here is Ralph outside washing the enclosed trailer they were taking by hand-no gloves on with a smile on his face.He stopped what he was doing and helped me with the rims and we chatted for a while.He truly enjoyed his family and will be missed by all!RIP Mr.Weaver

[Stefano]

Condolences to friends and family, so sorry for your loss.

[olredalert]

----So sorry for your families loss, Ryan!.......Bill S

[SS427]

I will always remember the time when Michael R shipped his Gold L89 70 Chevelle to MCACN and I displayed it in the L89 showcase. I believe that was the first time I met your dad or at least the first time I ever really got to talk to him. He went out of his way to make sure that we had everything we needed and was always asking if he could help. After everything was set up I finally had a chance to sit down and talk with him. He treated me like one of his own family and like he had known me for many years much the way Frank Magallon Sr has always treated me. You were very fortunate to have a father like you did and we all know that you will continue on with the same tradition with your son just like the way you already do. We will miss you Mr. Weaver.
Rick and Annie

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

These notes, and condolences and memories really help, and are greatly appreciated.

I will share this thread with my Mom as well, she doesn't exactly pore over my W31 build thread:-)

Ryan

I am always proud to share my family, and hearing these wonderful memories proves that people pick up right away on how special they are.

[69 Post Sedan]

Ryan, as I said on FB.......I'm truly saddened by the loss of your dad. Karen and I are thinking of you and your family at this somber time.

Kurt

[Damien]

Condolences Ryan during this sad time. Best wishes to you and your family.

[mockingbird812]

Very sorry to hear this Ryan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[wundercluck]

Very sorry...what a cool looking and fun loving guy!,

[napa68]

I can appreciate your feelings Ryan. I am very close to my Father as well. My thoughts and condolences to you and your family.

Tim

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

The support on sYc means a lot to me. I also had the Mrs. Read through the comments this morning.

We both thank you for the kind words.

Dan V. And I chatted today, he suggested a small customization to my car as a little tribe to Dad:-) I have been considering the same thing, just need to decide on what.

Ryan

[John]

... Ryan, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.

... He is with you now more then ever

... May he rest in peace . <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[A12pilot]

Oh man, Ryan. Just saw this sad, sad news. Just remember, your pop is not gone. He's with you in everything you do, every bolt you turn, every gear you bang through blasting down the quarter mile of life. Sorry for your loss my friend.

Dave

[wheelhop]

Ryan,
so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad in 2011 but I feel his presence with me wherever I go. Your strength will come from within and is because of him and your family.
RIP Mr. Weaver.

[livettes]

Ryan
I just saw this post. I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad many years ago but what Wheelhop said is true. He is with me everyday. And I will see him again.
Jamie

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Kind words!!

I feel like Dad is still on my side, and I know this is real.

He may be busy with carpentry projects, with the original carpenter but he will keep a close eye on us till we meet again.

Ryan

[Mr. Chevy]

Ryan, I just saw this post..I am very sorry for your loss... My deepest condolences. God Bless..

Rich

[L78M22Rag]

Sorry for your loss Ryan. The loss of one’s father marks one of the most profound rites of passage in our lives. You're a good man, and I know that you'll make every effort to step up and fill his shoes for your family.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Thanks Rich, Thanks Helmut.

Ryan

[SeattleCarGuy]

Very sorry for your loss. God bless.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

We are back to the normal hustle and bustle but keep Dad in our thoughts.

Mom is staying with us and she can have private time or family time as best suits her, it is a little security for all of us to stick together.

I lost a best friend when we were 25 and through that I made a choice to stay positive and remember the positives, the fun times, the friendship. That got me through John's death and I am using the same thought process to work through Dad's passing.

His mark is on every part of our home (my Olds) and to some degree every part of my life. We got closer and closer as I matured and became more friends than Father and Son. (But I still followed his lead:-)

Dad loved coming with me to car events and it was a joy for me.

This ended up a series of thoughts, not a story just what is rolling around in my mind.

Bottom line: Dad had a great life, he was a great man, he has a great legacy, and we miss him.

Ryan

[cook_dw]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

This is what I shared at Dad's funeral.

Preparing and delivering this note (and I had to say it out loud to my family a few times to be able to get through it) was a little bit of therapy for me.

Ryan



Eulogy Nov 12, 2016
Ralph Merrill Weaver
So here we are……….
What is the meaning of all of this?
Why are we all here?
Put your hand in the air if you are here for Church lady sandwiches.
There must be a reason?
Everyone has changed their plans,
We got haircuts,
People trimmed their beards,
We got all gussied up,
Yes, REAL Church lady sandwiches made by REAL Church ladies are downstairs.
But why?
Greg quizzed us on Dad, and crafted a sermon.
Not like this, I just wrote this in the parking lot………… I don’t even know how it ends……… but yes, hopefully it will end soon.
People are expecting someone from the family to share stories about Dad and maybe cry.
I know we all have stories about Dad and of times spent with Dad, and of selfless things he did for us without any want for glory or thanks……….
My stories are no better than any of yours……….

I will share a few stories (we all have lots) and we can come back to this:

On a cold November morning three Weavers embarked on an adventure.
All the preparations were complete.
Dad’s truck was full of fossil fuels, a rented trailer was loaded with care, my old car was lashed down so tight we probably stretched the whole car a wee bit.

Dad dragged my old car all the way to Chicago Illinois to show it off in its dusty, rusty, Barn Find glory, and dragged it all the way home.
We spent five days together Dad, Jamie and myself, setting up the display, making friends with car guys from all over, helping out with show preparations, checking out the best, shiniest muscle cars from North America, eating hotel food, there are no Church lady sandwiches at car shows.
We had a wonderful time, every second!!!!

I always try to keep a close eye on anyone who comes with me to a car event to try to make sure I don’t take my obsession/passion way too far and bore them.
I watched Jamie and Dad all weekend and maybe for slightly different reasons but they truly enjoyed themselves and got right in on the festivities.
Dad would say to me repeatedly “do you remember when you opened the trunk and all those Oldsmobile experts rummaged through all the rusty parts in the trunk.”
Of course, I remember, but it meant to me that Dad was loving being part of his grown son’s passion and sharing his life with his grandkids.

Another Gem of a story that comes to mind is when Papa and Emily spent a lot of time together building a car and a house out of wood and screws and you name it.
Dad would help Emily with each step but not overtake the project.
Dad took the time to show the kids some tricks and some tips even though he could have zipped through it in a heartbeat. (clearly not the point)

A big part of Weaver fun for a lot of years was boating, one day in particular we remember was a Good Harbor day with Mom, Dad, Adam, Deanna, Amy, and myself. Mom and Dad made food and drinks and welcomed us for the day. Dad blew up a mattress and pulled us around with the dingy. Boating was a great way for Mom and Dad to get away and also have fun with family and friends.

I remember one day after Dad and Adam had returned from a bike trip, they had a great trip and on the way home there was rain, rain, rain, and more rain. Dad described the trip as a wild and wonderful adventure. He was so happy to share in our lives and these little adventures were a favorite of Dads.

Mom and Dad’s long awaited first grandchild was new on the scene and my Dad broke the mold.
Dad made special arrangements to visit during the day at perfect, agreed timing between feedings to take Emily away from Mommy on walks in the mall.
Can you imagine the beam on his face?
He had to be careful not to keep her away too long so Emily wouldn’t get upset or new mommy (Amy) wouldn’t get upset. (What Papa could ever strike that balance?)
I think we can all picture Dad calling Amy from parked up the street to show up at just the right moment to take this little pet for a walk.
After Jamie arrived Dad made special arrangements to take both kids out in the double stroller.
Involvement in one’s grandkids life is a decision just like all things in life.
Dad decided he was going to go big.

Back to the question at hand, why are we here?

As far as I can tell we are here to let a little more of Dads spirit seep into us.
We are here to support each other in our sadness and loss.
We are here to learn a little bit more about Dad, we all know him in different contexts.
We are here to grieve and to find closure on a life well lived but also closure on a life that has ended.
We are here because we should be here, My Dad would want me here, so I am here.
We are here because we have been shown great respect by Dad and now we need to show even greater respect in return.
We are here to make up for any missed opportunities with Dad, and we all have them.
This is a board meeting with god to share a message with Dad that we never wanted to see you sad or hurting, or sick, or disappointed, and we REALLY didn’t want to see you mad.

I think the bottom line is not really WHY we are here, the bottom line is just THAT

We ARE Here Dad.

[BLACKLS5]

Very nicely said Ryan. I am fortunate to still have both parents but everyone knows you can't stop time and must enjoy every moment you have with them. Wishing you and your family the best moving forward.

[earntaz]

Ryan -- your Father will ALWAYS be with you and yours ... TAZ <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Postsedan]

Ryan,

I often think of your Dad.....he was a great Father and Role Model and Best Friend.
Continue to celebrate your Dad and remember all the fun times and memories.
We will salute your Dad in two weeks at Joe's and MCACN.

See you soon my friend :)

Dan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Ryan,

I often think of your Dad.....he was a great Father and Role Model and Best Friend.
Continue to celebrate your Dad and remember all the fun times and memories.
We will salute your Dad in two weeks at Joe's and MCACN.

See you soon my friend :)

Dan

Thanks Dan.

We are thinking of Dad today more than normal.

See you real soon!!

Ryan W31

[Maxsg1973]

Great pictures of your father and family. Wishing you strength and peace during this time.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Great pictures of your father and family. Wishing you strength and peace during this time.

Many thanks.

It helps to take a few minutes and feel the feels. A day or a decade doesn’t change the feels.

Ryan W31

[Zedder]

Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing...

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing...

Much appreciated.

Dad passed 3 years ago yesterday.

Ryan W31

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of Dad’s passing.

It doesn’t seem possible but it is.

Miss you Dad.

I sure hope you get regular updates about the awesome family you started.

Ryan W31

[CamaroNOS]

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of Dad’s passing.

It doesn’t seem possible but it is.

Miss you Dad.

I sure hope you get regular updates about the awesome family you started.

Ryan W31

I am sure he keeps a close eye on you and your family. I think he did a pretty good job from what I can see.

They are always there Ryan, looking over your shoulder, keeping you out of harms way. And I am sure he checks in regularly in the site just to see what you are wrenching on.....lol.

Time heals a lot of wounds....

Paul

[L78M22Rag]

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of Dad’s passing.

It doesn’t seem possible but it is.

Miss you Dad.

I sure hope you get regular updates about the awesome family you started.

Ryan W31

Ryan, from what I know about you and what I’ve heard you say about your father, he was a good man. I know he’s proud of you and your family.

Coincidentally, today also marks the 24th year anniversary of the passing of my father. It’s never an easy day, but fortunately we have fantastic memories of these men that shaped our lives. Take care buddy!

[flyingn]

so very sorry Ryan. I met him in 18 when all of us pushed your Olds across the floor on load in day.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

so very sorry Ryan. I met him in 18 when all of us pushed your Olds across the floor on load in day.



I had forgotten about that...… I ran out of gas...… on the MCACN show floor.... at least I didn't have too much gas (as the fire chief checks each car)


Honestly my Dad loved that type of thing so much, he was always wondering how I knew all of y'all????? And jumping in to help anyone was his absolute strongest trait.


Ryan W31.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Ryan, from what I know about you and what I’ve heard you say about your father, he was a good man. I know he’s proud of you and your family.

Coincidentally, today also marks the 24th year anniversary of the passing of my father. It’s never an easy day, but fortunately we have fantastic memories of these men that shaped our lives. Take care buddy!



Thanks Helmut.


I am sure 5 or 24 years makes no difference, they are in our hearts and minds.


Ryan W31.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

I am sure he keeps a close eye on you and your family. I think he did a pretty good job from what I can see.

They are always there Ryan, looking over your shoulder, keeping you out of harms way. And I am sure he checks in regularly in the site just to see what you are wrenching on.....lol.

Time heals a lot of wounds....

Paul


Thanks Paul.


I feel the same way, he is always close by.


I especially feel him leaning on my shoulder when I am chatting with my own kids (who are junior-adults now) I take a very similar approach to how Dad raised my brother and I.


Ryan W31.

[Postsedan]

Miss you Mr. Weaver....remembering the Good Times.

[mssl72]

Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Miss you Mr. Weaver....remembering the Good Times.

I remember a few times Dad I were chatting about my Cutlass restoration and he says WWDD….. what would Dan do?

:-)

Ryan W31

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

Thank you.

Mom is OTW for dinner and I’ll share these touching comments.

Ryan W31

[Xplantdad]

Hi Ryan,


You dad is still with you :)


Here's a few shots that you should remember :biggthumpup:






206923





206924

[NorCam]

That last one is a great photo of you all Ryan. Sorry to hear of your dad's passing.

RIP Ralph.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

That last one is a great photo of you all Ryan. Sorry to hear of your dad's passing.

RIP Ralph.

Thanks.

He was a great guy!!

Ryan W31

[bbbentley]

I’m sorry, this post escaped my seeing, till now. My sincere condolences for your loss. A fitting tribute you have shared. God speed.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

I’m sorry, this post escaped my seeing, till now. My sincere condolences for your loss. A fitting tribute you have shared. God speed.

Thanks.

A cousin recently connected with a long lost family member and shared this picture of my Dad in Grandmas arms. She still looks the same :-)

Ryan W31

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

She tells us she was the youngest Mom with the biggest baby in the hospital

:-)

Ryan W31