eulogy

When we went to Pathways, we had an activity where we wrote our own eulogy. I have not shown Bear mine and this is the first time I've seen his. I thought it would help some people and give them closure. Before you go on and read, I think it is important to go over a few things. Bear has six kids, three from me, two from his ex-wife and one from his teenage years. In case, one day this son will find out who his real dad is and will be lead to this blog, I want him to know that Bear loved him. He was the main reason why Bear joined the army so he could marry the mother of this child since Bear was only 17 when the child was born and could not legally marry. However, while in the army, she (the child's mother) died in an auto accident. Anyway, his first born son's name is Jason Shane Floyd (mother's maiden name) but his adoptive parents must have changed it. Bear told me he only saw him once on the day the baby was born but he was never allowed to hold him and his name was not on the birth certificate (that's why it is so hard to find him). Bear spent a whole lot of resources to find him. When I first came to America 13 years ago, I found application papers to find kids who were put up for adoption, around the apartment where we used to live. When Bear went to Pathways, one of his main goal after graduation was to find Jason Shane. We went on troythelocator.com and paid them a pretty high amount but they only got our hopes up and never gave us positive results. At one time, I thought about writing Oprah so she could help but then Oprah went off the air so I never got the chance. What was important to Bear was important to me. It brought me joy to see his face light up every time someone from troythelocator.com gave him a call. Oh I just miss him so much but tonight I especially miss his voice. I hope he'll come to my dreams and talk to me. I'd really love that.

The Eulogy for Art McKnight (by Art McKnight, June 2012)

Art to his acquaintances, Deen to his family and Bear to his wife and closest buddies. He was a giver who always put himself second to the needs of others. He believed this service would gain him the respect of those individuals but knew God would bless him for it. He was successful but never took credit. He was generous even though it left him without, again putting himself second.

The father of six children, having 5 grandchildren-- three or more he has never seen. To them he says to forgive their parents because they only did what they were taught.

His wife was his treasure that he always put first and never retaliated when hurt. His love for her drove the latter years of his life. He was a cub scout leader and worked with his children in their sporting activities. He always tried to be there for them and supportive of their efforts.