Words of Remembrance

For

James Bruce Chalfant

March 30, 1940 - February 22, 2007

My father was many things to many people. First, for my mother he was simply the part that made her whole. True soul mate, best friend, lover, devoted husband and steady rock all rolled into one. They had a deep love like no other, holding hands and snuggling every single day. My parents found joy with each other and did everything together during retirement, making up for the years of work and business travel. They hated being apart. In fact, they even went to the recycling center together.

For my sister, Heather, he was her "hero" and inspiration. Their relationship transcended father daughter. They became colleagues in the world of financial market data. A quick lunch to talk shop was common for them in the 90's. He was so proud of her as she struggled and succeeded to be Heather, not just Bruce's daughter. Heather married Dan, and later gave my Dad his second grandson, Daniel, born on my father's birthday. Later they gave him his only granddaughter, Isabelle.

For my son R.J., my father was an amazing grandfather. He was a strong, steady role model and a friend. R.J. adored my father and loved being with him. He loved their walks around the lake, their games of catch, the Lehigh Football games, and the special trips to Nazareth Pennsylvania and Steamtown U.S.A. In fact, R.J. created his name "Daddy Bruce."

For friends Dad was kind, quiet, intelligent, unassuming and truly funny. He was just as comfortable at a racetrack for Indy Cart racing, as he was at a Broadway Show, or helping my mom plant flowers in the window boxes.

He enjoyed so many things and he was a man of many talents. He was a fantastic drummer, an excellent and accomplished writer, a strong tennis player, a struggling golfer, and a dreadful fisherman, tossing more than 1 rod into the lake. He had a great sense of humor and loved subtle humor, witty humor, slapstick comedy and especially political jokes.

In a world where true gentlemen are few and far between he was truly a gentleman. He always had a cotton handkerchief just in case. He carried a pen at all times, and he kept his change in special folding wallet so it wouldn't jingle. He believed shoes should be well polished, and a handshake told everything about the man.

It was very difficult for me to summarize my special relationship with my Dad, but this story may help...

I remember one time in New York City I passed out on the sidewalk of the Jacob Javits Center. When I came to, I was surrounded by strangers, a police officer, and my mother. It was truly chaos! Suddenly, my father appeared and offered me a Lifesaver candy. I thought it was funny and sweet, and I laughed because it was not really what I was expecting. But looking back my father was always my lifesaver.

My mother said they hadn't had enough time together, their 44 years wasn't enough. But I bet even 100 more years wouldn't have been enough for any of us here today, because when greatness is in your midst your want to hold on to it forever. I just wish forever was truly possible!

Written and shared

by Gabrielle E.C. Meyer

on February 27th for her father's funeral.