Missing you, Dad
Pat Taplin
Born – March 3 1952
Passed Away – July 8 2004
Kalamazoo, MI
My dad was a youthful, humble, hard working man. His greatest joy in life was his family and he was never shy about demonstrating that through his kind words or generosity of time. He was a man of his word and never asked more of another than he’d expect of himself. He was proficient in his abilities, but would always defer accolades to others rather than stand in the limelight he deserved.
He was married to my mom for 14 years, a relationship that produced 4 children that he was very close to. After their marriage ended in divorce, he remarried and fathered 2 more children, whom he also loved very much.
He enjoyed camping, NASCAR, playing games, and working in his yard. He found his greatest fulfillment however, when he was with his family.
He realized a life long dream when he started a business with his two sons in 2000.
He died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 52.
He is very dearly missed.
Fondest Memory – I struggled with math in elementary school. I am a visual learner where mathematical concepts are concerned. My dad recognized this and would spend hours with me at the dining room table after a long day at work drawing pictures to illustrate the concepts so that I could understand. He was never impatient and never allowed me to feel stupid for my difficulties. I’m so grateful to him for that.
Pat was my cousin, I knew him from growing up and our parents visiting each other. Even though I was not around him and his family much as we got older, I still remember him and will forever. He was always very kind and so soft spoken. I remember him with a smile on his face. I Lost my Dad (Pats Uncle Frank) when he was 55 in 1988. My Dad Loved Pat very much and they shared a close relationship. Pretty close for how far they lived from each other. I know my Dad loved all his Taplin Nephews. I was shocked when I heard the news of Pats Death and my thoughts were of course with all of his family. He was so very young. I am thankful for coming on this website. I am thinking of my Uncle Al and Aunt Margaret right now and am searching the internet just to see what I can find to connect me with the family. It has been so long since I have had any connection. Time has not taken away my memories and Love for Pat and all the Taplin Family. It is wonderful to read what you have to say about your Dad. It gives me a feeling of what kind person and father Pat was. I am not surprised, he sounds like a wonderful man. I am sorry you lost him so young. Uncle Al passed away yesterday, God Bless Aunt Margaret and all the rest of the Family. Death of loved ones is the hardest thing in life. Uncle Al and Aunt Margaret (and their sons) all made an impression in my life. I remember laughing, jokes and just happiness. Uncle Al is now in the arms of his son Pat and the two of them are looking down on their families with so much Love. God Bless all of you