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We come here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable man. Many of us knew Tommy Townsend as boss, neighbor or colleague, but we all called him friend. I am one of the luckiest though, because I called him "DAD".
My father was a great man; he seemed larger then life at times. He had an electric personality. My brother, Tim, recently described him to me as a magnet of positive energy. People were drawn to my father, especially children. My three children were so lucky to have such an awesome GRANDPA. He was active and very involved in their lives from the word go. He volunteered frequently at their schools. Twill never forget the time he said a cuss word in Scott's kindergarten class, and was put in time-out by the children. He knew my kids playmates by name, and many were guests in his home as well as mine.
He made me promise to always help them remember him. When I look at my children, I see so much of him; it will be impossible to forget. Scott has his heart of gold, Amanda has his intense drive and Brandon, OH BOY. BRANDON, and he got Dad's love for risk and living on the edge.
He could always see the strength, talent and good in every person he ever met. He motivated people and helped them find strength and courage, which many couldn't find on their own. He touched many lives and helped steer many people in a positive direction. I don't believe my father ever met a stranger in his life.
Growing up under my father's expectations wasn't always easy. His high expectations bordered on perfection. His intense drive and strong work ethic became the standard which Tim and I were not only expected to meet, but exceed His cliches were long and many. I can still hear him saying, "Don't tell me what you can't do, I only want to hear what you can do", and "Make it happen" were words often spoken. Patience was never his strength. and he never settled for anything less then excellence. My Dad always strived for 100%. He firmly believed that with hard work, a positive attitude and plenty of effort, he could always meet that 100% standard.
Over the last 10 years or so, I have seen someone work so hard at living their life to the fullest. My father chose to "LIVE", not just exist. He refused to allow his illness to hold him back. He turned his limitations into challenges, which he faced head on, with intense gusto, which I'm sure caregivers treating patients with COPD had never seen before.
Dad was always looking for a new angle, trick or a way to "tweak" his body into doing what he needed it to do, in order to achieve his goals. We were so lucky to have a doctor like Bob Benkert on our team. I know in my heart, without a doubt, that he explored every possible solution, to extend and save my Dads life. With his encouragement, vast knowledge, and unprecedented dedication, my father continued to live his life to the fullest, until his very last breath.
Watching my Dad fade into the sunset of his life was the most difficult thing I've ever done. He never gave up or lost his famous positive attitude. He told a respiratory therapist at St. Anthony, that his family had never lost a battle, and we weren't about to lose this one either. He refused to allow anyone around him to leave without a feeling of positive energy and positive thoughts.
On Saturday morning, at 8:20 AM., my Dad left this world. He was lying in my mother's arms, with Tim and me by his side, surrounded by love. I miss him so much, but I know I will carry his love in my heart forever, and I am so grateful for the time I had with him.
Recently my Dad told me that soon he would be running up and down the halls. I find comfort in knowing that in heaven there are no more treatments, procedures or medications. He's breathing easy now, I know he's running and he's finally 100%.
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