Henry O. Mckee

When I've said goodbye
and you're wondering why
Don't be full of regrets and sadness.
Think about me
I'm with Jesus -- you see
and away from the world's great madness.

              I've had a great life
              with my children and wife
              and doing the things that I love.
              But now it is time
              while I'm in my prime
              to go to my Father above.

See - Jesus is near
and he left me down here
as a miracle -- proof He's alive.
I was in a rest home
But was never alone,
it was Jesus who let me survive.

              He let me leave there
              and go back to my chair
              to build and design and create.
              He gave me a year
              with everyone dear
              and allowed me to feel just great.

Well, the time now has come,
God is calling me home
I'll be spending eternity there.
And I'll see all the others
the Fathers and Mothers
who have been there in God's special care.

              I wish you all knew
              who just ushered me through
              those gates that are pearly and white.
              And you wouldn't believe
              all the things that I see --
              how beautiful, awesome & bright.

      But that will just be
      a secret for me
      that you'll get to know later on.
      It is something you'll learn
      when it comes your turn
      to tell all "Goodbye" and be gone.

                            Dee Dee Mckee     9/15/06

      The great actor James Dean starred in a movie entitled,
"Rebel Without a Cause". He lived a short life much like the
character he portrayed.

      Henry O. Mckee, our Father, was also a rebel, but in his
case, Henry was a rebel with a cause. His desire from youth was
to make things bigger, better, stronger, faster and safer.

      He often pushed the envelope, defying his critics. To be
conformed to traditional methods when he knew there was a
better way was like a prison. Henry didn't measure his success
by the amount of money he made but by the results he achieved
from his endless experimentation.

      By being true to himself he enriched, enlightened and
inspired the ones around him that took the time to understand
him. His legacy will not be the products that he invented, nor the
boats that he designed and built, but his legacy will be the lives
that he touched. He was loved by many, and liked by all. His
spirit lives on to inspire us to continue his legacy and to always
be true to ourselves.
                                              God Bless