My Dad ~

My Dad died a week ago this past Thursday, unexpectedly.

I knew this day was coming, eventually, but it was a shock.  There were quite a few times over the past two years he was in the hospital and very close to dying -- times we were more prepared to hear the news -- but he had been doing pretty well for quite a few months.  He was on oxygen and limited in activities but still a full part of all of our lives.  He had a cold since right after Christmas that he just wasn't getting rid of and his body couldn't handle the strain anymore.

His death was very peaceful though; he was in the home he built, in his own bed, with my Mom, sister and nephew talking with him.  He heard their voices as he took his last breath, and that gives me a lot of peace.  I did think it would be easier to accept, knowing he is finally breathing clean air and is not sick anymore -- but selfishly I am really sad.  I'm not ready to not have my Dad around to talk with, run an idea by, or to hug -- and it makes me really sad that Zoe and Ella don't have more time with him.  I feel a lot of pain for my mom too.  It all doesn't seem real.

One thing I've learned, a person is never old enough to lose a parent.

{Dad's Obituary}

Lynden Charles "Lindy" McLain

McLain, Lynden Charles "Lindy" age 73, of Buffalo passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at his home. He was born on June 23, 1938 in Renville County, the son of Arlyn & Ruth Eggert McLain.

Lindy graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1956 and later attended Mankato State University for two years. He played baseball as a kid and in high school, and then town ball for the Hutchinson Hornets. He was a left-handed junk ball pitcher.

Lindy honorably served his country in The United State Army and was a proud paratrooper in The 82nd Airborne Division. On September 4th 1965 he married his best friend Dianne Soule, in Madison, South Dakota, and over the years raised three children together. He was a former business owner in Hutchinson and later a banker at First State Federal in Buffalo, where he was also the branch manager. Lindy was a faithful member of The United Methodist Church in Buffalo where he served as Lay Leader, he was involved in the formation of the Men's Club and served on the Finance Committee. He was also a past President of The Buffalo Rotary Club, past President of The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, a Master of The Masonic Blue Lodge and participated in many other civic activities over the years.

Lindy was a woodworker at heart and truly enjoyed creating many beautiful pieces of furniture. After his retirement he happily spent a few years building grandfather clocks at Kuempel Clock and Chime Company in Deephaven. Family meant everything to Lindy and he lived his life by example. He loved Dianne and was a very devoted and involved dad and grampa. He always had time to listen and would help anyone in any way he could. He loved spending time with his family at the cabin, and will also be remembered as an inspiration to many in Little Guy Football and Baseball. 

Lindy was a very compassionate person who took pride in Buffalo and will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, neighbors, church community and civic groups. He was a special man and was one-of-a-kind.  He lived his life well.

Sleep well grampa. We love you.