It is not the day we are born
nor the moment of our passing
that leaves a lasting mark.
It is the dash inbetween
the life we have lived
that shapes and touches our hearts.
February 15 1922 - August 11, 1992
Parkes Van Horn
My father was a wonderful man who accompllished many amazing things even though he had led a very difficult childhood. His mother was sick for many years with MS, and passed away when he was merely 9 years old. By the time he was 11 he was orphaned, and had to live with who ever would take him in. He started working at the age of 12 as a door to door salesman. Dispite all of his hardships he eventually went in the Navy as well as the Army, and served in WWII. He worked his way through college graduating from Rice University in Houston, TX to become a aeronautics engineer. He practically raised me and my brother by himself, and we never went without. There is no way that I could ever attempt to fill his shoes, yet his integrity and example have carried me, and continue to move me forward.