My Funeral Speech

My goals today are these: be brief, be meaningful and above all else, don’t cry. Dad didn’t like watching people cry from the pulpit. Not because he didn’t think you should cry, but because he was such a tender guy himself, and watching other people cry made him cry.

I thought that I would share a few of the things that my Dad has taught me. He had a rich, full life and was generally a pretty happy guy, when he wasn't perfecting the art of being a grumpy old man!

So here are “ten rules to live by” according to the life of Ted Bacon.

Number one: eat a good breakfast. Growing up, Dad had bacon and eggs almost every morning. Bacon, eggs, toast, a piece of strong cheddar cheese with ketchup, and possibly some left over salad thrown in for good measure. My Mom tells the story that the morning she went into labour with me, they couldn’t leave to go to the hospital until Dad had had breakfast, and I think Mom might have even made it for him.

Number two: Talk to everyone you meet. Dad loved people, all people. He loved telling stories. He loved talking about us kids. If you smiled at Dad, guaranteed you would get a conversation. He had friends everywhere; the grocery store, the dry cleaners, the convenience store, the recycling drop off; everywhere he went people knew him and loved him.

Number three: When watching sports on television, you’re not really committed unless you’re yelling at the tv. Dad loved hockey and CFL football. He’d watch other sports if there was nothing else on, but those were his favourites. Many times growing up I’d hear Dad yelling and wonder what was wrong only to realize he was coaching from his arm chair.

Number four: When you’re working around the house, sing to yourself. When Dad would get home from work, he would go for a swim, then he would do yard work.  After dinner, he was in the kitchen cleaning up – even when we were older and we were supposed to be doing the dishes, Dad would be in the kitchen helping – and he was always singing to himself.

Number five: Be grateful. He was always saying thank you, and showing appreciation. Every night after dinner, he thanked Mom and sincerely and gratefully told her what a good dinner it was.

Number six: Be humble. Dad would frequently ask me, his daughter, for advice. “Tell me what I can do better Wen”, or “Come on tell me, what do I need to do?” And he listened, and took the advice to heart. He recognized his own deficiencies, and he always wanted to be a better person.

Number seven: Work hard, and play hard. Dad was proud of his job, and worked hard delivering parcels for Canada Post. He took pride in his work. When he got home, he didn’t stop working. He always did his part around the house.

Number eight: Find joy in the simple things. He never needed a fuss. A package of butter tarts for Christmas was the best present ever. He loved trains, and garbage day and he loved wearing all the goofy shirts and sweat shirts we bought him.

Number nine: Love your wife with your whole heart. Dad loved Mom with everything that was in him. She was his world. I remember there were a few years that they would go down to Ontario Place and go to the Oldies Dances that one of the radio stations put on. Friday night date night was a sacred weekly event. Mom and Dad always knew how to have fun together.

Number ten: Family time is the most important time. Family was everything to Dad. We did so much as a family. We went on weekend trips as a family, we went on vacations as a family. Dad drove us to lessons, he took holiday days when we had a P.A. day. We were his world. He loved us completely and without condition.

I’m so grateful to be my father’s daughter. I’m grateful for the example he was to me in all things. And I’m grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m so grateful for my knowledge of God’s plan. I know that I will see my father again. I know that he is happy and at peace. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.