Dieter Losansky, April 27, 1936 – August 10, 2009, Rest in Peace

My father died this week from complications from Mantel Cell Lymphoma, a form of cancer. He passed away on Monday morning with me, my sister and my step-mother at his side. After the months of suffering and the last week of rapid deterioration, being with dad as he slipped away was lifting; sad but relieving, tragic but not traumatic.

 I arrived last week, with my family, in Hawaii to spend a week with my dad, believing I would return to see him again in another two to four months. By the third day of my visit, I realized I would be staying to say goodbye to my father. He and I never were much for words with each other, particularly over the last ten years. Nevertheless, we had our moments in his last week and were able to be at peace.

I will miss my dad. He was a grand adventurer.

Karen, Kaitlin and Tyler are all back at home. I am staying longer in Hawaii. I now have somewhat reasonable high-speed internet access. I will try to balance work and responsibility while I am here.