2. In Memory of Dad 2/12/26-5/26/11
by Vicki Tillard
In 2008 Dad and I finished a three-year project of writing his story. The following is my editor's note: My deepest appreciation to Dad for involving me in this project. It has been, for both of us, a labor of love and a test of patience. He knows what he wants to say and I think I know how he should say it. He says I keep telling him it’s his story but when he wants to change something I get cranky. I say, “Is that really all you want to say about this or that,” or “don’t you want to talk more about your accomplishments,” and he tells me he’s not writing this story to show off. In the final telling, I think we have managed to capture Dad’s story in Dad’s words. For whatever reason, though, I think there are some significant things missing. Dad I hope you will grant me license to add just a few notes. If anyone ever asked one of his children—and I dare say many, many people who know him—they would describe Eddie Moore as a “larger than life” kind of guy. Physical stature alone had him towering over many, but what really makes him stand out is his character. He has a well-earned reputation as a man of unfailing integrity and unbending honesty. He is kind, funny and genuine. He has an innate wisdom that can’t be learned and he has educated himself over the years in the “real life smarts” that can never be taught in school. Dad and Mom have had a long, happy marriage and have been a shining example to us of the love and commitment. They are the foundations upon which we have grown into adults of character and upon which we are raising our own families. We couldn’t have asked for better role models. His contributions to the ranching industry and to the state are many. He managed the Moore Mineral Trust for many years and mastered the computer long before it was popular. He loves airplanes, boats, traveling, playing golf, making plans and inventing new projects. He kept detailed personal and financial records on his computer. He planned his trips with the help of the internet. He kept current in pursuit of his interest and never quit gathering knowledge. He drew blueprints in the late 1960s for his own home and again in 2000 for the home I live in. And he loves his 5 o’clock cocktail…always has, always will. In 2000, Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It was the beginning of a long and often difficult journey for him. Over the past eight years, other health issues have cropped up, including a battle with bladder cancer that has meant almost continuous rounds of treatment for the past seven years. As it is inclined to do, the Parkinson's has progressed and has taken its toll on his body and his mind. It is more difficult by the day for him just to get around. His memory has failed considerably. Month by month, things that used to be second nature to him are becoming impracticable and sometimes impossible. This project started more than three years ago when Dad began the stories about of his flying adventures. Once he got started, it just kind of snowballed. He started writing his thoughts on the computer. Story after story and memory after memory, he chronicled his history and his life. I took his notes and stories and “cleaned them up,” and fleshed out details. More recently, as it has gotten more difficult for him to write or type, he has dictated to me and I have taken notes. The changes in his life necessitated by his illness have not been easy. He has been frustrated, disappointed and saddened by it When we told him he had to quit driving, he was just plain pissed off. But through it all, he has managed to maintain his dignity and his wonderful sense of humor. All my life, when things were tough, he told me it was “character building.” He’s got more character than anyone I know. There is no doubt more could be said about Eddie Moore. But this is his story and this is the legacy he wanted to give his family. I know you will enjoy reading it and learning more about a truly good man. Dad, I know I speak for all your family when I say we are incredibly proud of you, your life and your spirit. And we love you. __________________________ Now, three years after the writing of that story, I am more grateful than ever for having been able to work with him on it and so very glad we have his book!. All my life, it has been my pride and joy to tell people I was their daughter. It was like a, a stamp of approval, a sign of goodness, a source of unfailing comfort and confirmation, even in my darkest days, of my potential. Time after time, especially during the past year, someone has expressed respect, admiration, and affection for Mom or Dad. They will be remembered as gracious, generous, tolerant people and for that we are so blessed and grateful. Mom and Dad touched so many people during their lives. We are better people for having known them. We want to thank you for reminding us, every day, what an incredible honor it is to be the children of Eddie and Rhoda Moore. The last year was a rough one for Dad. He missed Mom terribly and because of his Parkinson's, he didn't always remember she had died but rather thought she had left him and us. We could do nothing but assure him she was waiting for him on the other side, that she would never leave him, that she would be with him if she could, and that they would be reunited soon. Thank God, they are together again, watching over us. Dad and Mom, 'til we meet again, enjoy your heavenly martinis, rest in peace and know you are loved and missed every single day.