Good Day and Sad

Well it was back to work today! I am really happy to be back. I wasn't sure how I would feel but it is nice to be back. Oddly it almost feels like I never left. I mean it does but doesn't you know? It will take a bit to get back into the groove and to learn the changes that have been made over the past SEVERAL months but I look forward to it.

Sadly though my return also was right after the death of the company's owner Jeff Dockstader. He was and is such a wonderful man, father and friend. I truly will miss him always. It doesn't seem real that he is gone. It was very hard for his family today. Jeff was an amazing person. So many people loved and respected him. This Friday the shop will be closed and we will be attending his funeral that morning.

It does warm my heart to know that he now has been reunited with his mother and long lost love. His first wife passed away about 17 years ago after a horrible car accident the family was involved in. Please don't get me wrong. It saddens me that his wife here on Earth has lost her love and he has lost her but I can only imagine how joyous it must be for him up in heaven right now. Jeff led a marvelous life and has raised eight beautiful children.

I will remember his unique laugh, his lack of remembering people's names (haha), his compassion, his thoughtfulness, his generosity. He always said hello to you and asked how your family was doing. And he meant it.

I remember before I came to work for Fresno Body Works when I worked at Fresno Dodge/Lexus Jeff would bring popsicles on hot days, donuts on the days we all seemed to need one (or not!), and apples in the fall. This is what he did. Up until his passing. He always maintained wonderful relationships with businesses and tried to always see that every customer received the best service and treatment at his shops. Something that his family will continue on in his honor. And those of us that feel like family.

I only wish I had seen him more recently than a few months ago. I had visited the shops a few times but never ran into him. The last time I saw him was the night before our Ben's open heart surgery. He and his son Dean came to our home and gave a Holy Blessing. It was so thoughtful and so heartwarming that they took time out of their busy lives to do that. The night will forever remain special to me not only because of the emotional times with Ben and the comfort of the blessing but also because that was the last time I saw Jeff. What a wonderful way to remember him.

Jeff passed away this past Friday night driving home. He suffered a heart attack just down the street from his home. No one else was injured. Please say a prayer for him and his family.

Truly a remarkable man.