Clement (Henry) Tarpley

He was my father. I talked with him days before he died and said, "Dad, you've lived more than 90 years and you've seen so much--presidents, wars, changes in technology, the rise and fall of nations. With all of that background, what are you most satisfied with about your life today?" He was never at a loss for words, but he looked outside through the hospital window and was quiet for 15- to 20-minutes; must have been a record for him. He snapped his head back to me and said, "I know." First, my wife, children and grandchildren are people of faith who work to help others and to make the world a a better place. Second, as a vet of WWII I was able to help make the world safe for democracy so that people could realize their dreams, control their destiny and live the way their conscience directs them." That really was a good summary of his values, his worldview, his life. The minister said at his memorial service that "Clem would give you the coat off of his back if you needed it."