John's Eulogy for Dad
For the first time in our lives, my siblings and I will celebrate Father's Day next year without our dad. The man who had the most influence on the man I became passed away on December 26th. Cecil Ray Ruckart was 73 years old.
It has been said that the loss of a parent is one of life's most traumatic events. My family learned that 23 years ago when we lost our mother, but that still did not prepare us for the loss of our Father. I've been told that, in time, the hurt will fade, only to be replaced by positive memories that soothe the soul. Already, I can feel that happening.
He was a remarkably good man; he was a person of devotion and integrity, an American patriot and a believer in God who gave most of his time volunteering to help others in many organizations at Espiritu Santo.
He grew up in a Farm house in Tennessee where he learned the value of a dollar and what a hard day’s work meant. Nothing was ever handed to him on a silver platter. He worked for everything he had.
He was a devoted husband. He married Rose Lucille Caravella only six weeks after they met, was married to Mom for 29 years before becoming a widower, never remarried or even dated after her death and will be buried today with the wedding ring that never left his finger for the last 52 years.
He made no enemies and had friends everywhere. When I moved back home 3 years ago, my wife, Kathleen made the comment to me several times as we went places with Dad, “Is there anywhere we go that Dad doesn’t know someone?” The answer was evident. He was so kind and caring, he made friends everywhere and everyone knew him.
His work with the Knights of Columbus both 3rd and 4th degree can be summed up with a brief conversation I had with John Berres just days before Dad passed. John mentioned that someone commented, “If anything ever happened to Cecil, who would we get to replace him?” John’s answer was “what do you mean who, you should be asking what 7 men can we get to replace him?”
Although he was dedicated to everything he did, he always added humor to most situations. He liked to “kibitz” people (Marie Burke especially) which seemed to put on a smile on so many faces. He was also known for his crazy ties, which you will see a number of us family members wearing today in his honor.
There is nothing Dad wouldn’t do for us kids! In a drop of a hat he was always there for us no matter what. I remember the day I ran out of gas with my entire family in the car, I called Dad and he showed up to the rescue minutes later not only with gas but with donuts for the hungry wife and kids.
To the family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dad was known as “Papa”, so named by his first grandson, Jeff. Papa said numerous times, he lived to spoil his grandchildren and great grandchildren and that he did. They will miss him as much as anyone!
The loss of my father has been painful to all of us, but he is in a much better place finally reunited with his soulmate, Mom. He made a comment to someone just a few weeks ago, he said “If I don’t beat this cancer, I hope that it will be quick”. We all know how quick his end on this earth came but God granted his wish. His work on earth was complete and now he spends eternal life with his loved ones who passed before him.
My nephew’s fiancée, Kristen, who has never met Mom had a dream the night Dad passed, where Mom was in heaven and asked Dad, “What took you so long?” he replied, “I had to use a cane!” If you knew Mom and Dad you could really see this conversation happening!
As we reflect on Dad’s Christian life, I will always remember his last coherent words on Christmas Eve as he recited “the Lord’s Prayer” perfectly with Father Jim as he delivered the anointing of the sick.
Dad, Papa, Cecil, we will all miss you here on earth, but look forward to that day we will be reunited with you in Heaven.
-- John Ruckart