The Passing of My Dad in Colorado

 

On Feb. 20 at 3:10 a.m. my dear father, Michael Sullivan Harwood, departed this life, taking the express lane to Heaven. He had a long robust life of 90 years. Dad was devoted to my mother, his wife for more than 70 years. He was devoted to his children and he was devoted to God. He worked hard during his military career then his civilian one and he found time for leadership roles in many church and civic organizations. 

We were blessed to have him our father. 

Alesia and I flew to Colorado for the March 1 funeral. In Estes Park we gathered with more than 20 relatives representing several generations of our big, widespread family. 

Ahead of the funeral, my brother Pete asked us for photos of Dad. With them he produced a beautiful montage about Dad’s life, accompanied by music his son Andy created. It was shown during a reception after Mass.

The funeral Mass program featured this lovely image of my parents taken at the beloved home they built on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. They lived there for something like 30 years after Dad retired. 

We enjoyed many wonderful Bay visits over the years. Many involved fishing. In 2008, we had a big family reunion. I’m so glad I captured the charter boat excursion that I shared at the funeral reception. 

The funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Curch in Estes Park. This became my parents’ church when they moved here in March 2022. 

Dad would be pleased with this photograph of him on the altar. He may have selected it himself. My sister Ann, who lives nearby in Glen Haven, told me our folks did actively plan the funeral. 

The cemetery service was also carefully planned and smoothly executed. Soldiers from Fort Carson near Colorado Springs performed a 21-gun salute and my mother was presented with a folded American flag. Such a touching moment.

Dad was stationed at Fort Carson in the early 1970s. We lived on the post for a few years, then moved to Colorado Springs when Dad was sent to the Vietnam War for one year. 

This was taken at the cemetery. It was nice to see so many family members, just wish the circumstances were different. 

That evening the 24 of us broke bread together at the Inn of Glen Haven. It was a chance to loosen up, laugh and share stories about our beloved and sorely missed Dad…Papa Mike…Great Granddad…and Mike to my Mom and her sister, my Aunt Kathy. 

Back at school last week, I wore a sweater my Mom allowed me to take. It was Dad’s and I will always wear it with pride and gratitude. 

Miss you Dad!