My father, Clifford McKnight, passed away in the early morning hours of November 19th. Christie and I had returned from filming the second Rick Springfield cruise just 2 days before.

This is the memorial video we created for Dad and the speech I gave at his service:

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My sister Diana said the other day, “I would give anything to have Mom and Dad back. But of course, then I would have to live with them because I wouldn’t have anything, and nobody wants that.” Always good to open on a humorous note.

We are sad today. We are sad because Dad is no longer with us. An unspoken sentiment is that a loved one’s passing at this time must be really difficult because it is so close to “The Holidays”. Thanksgiving is two days away and we have so, so much to be thankful for. I wanted to take a few minutes and share some of these things with you.

I’m thankful for the kind of father Dad was. I had a very normal childhood, and after growing up and living some and seeing what kind of meanness there is in the world I’m very thankful for that. Little League baseball, Cub Scouts, simple things like fishing and flying kites. I got my share of spankings, and I deserved every single one. My wife maintains that I didn’t get enough.

He and mom indulged our hobbies; for many years I practiced magic and their “annual vacation” was to drive me to some destination in Texas to attend a magic convention.

As a high school graduate they attempted to provide a college education, but I thought I knew better. I resisted; I wanted to play music instead, and they were disappointed but they supported that as best they could. Dad was proud that I ultimately did graduate, just three years ago.

In my thirties I don’t know what happened, but he got smarter. The older I got, the wiser he became. He had been this wise all along of course, I just finally started to notice. I’m thankful for that.

I’m thankful for the home and the life he and Mom provided. When I met my wife Christie, she was so accepting of them, and they of her. You better believe I’m thankful for that. After mom died and Dad’s health was worsening, he moved in with us. Christie took care of Dad daily for 3 years, and I am so thankful for that.

Dad enjoyed himself, along with his cats, and he was happy. I speak for Christie when I say it was a joy and a privilege to take care of Dad and provide a loving, warm home for him in much the same way he and Mom provided for me.

But here’s what I’m most thankful for, in this week of Thanksgiving: I was able to tell Dad everything I’ve told you. When he was here on Earth, when it mattered.

I got to tell him every single day how much I loved him. How thankful I am that he was my father.

We left nothing unsaid. We left nothing undone. And above everything else, I am so, so thankful for having been given the opportunity to tell him that while he lived with us.

All of the kids were able to visit anytime and as often as they wanted. He enjoyed being at the lake with Dennis and Traci many times. Those out of town called him once a week or so, always knowing his time here was limited. And he loved all of his kids. I think he talked to all of us at one time or another, letting us know how much he loved us, but also how much he missed Mom and that when his time would come, he was ready to go be with her. And now he is. They are “Waltzing Across Heaven”, in each other’s arms.

So we are sad today, but we know Dad is happy. And I am thankful for that.

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