OT: Father Passed Away Today

[Orioles1954]

My father, John Feagin Sr. passed away this afternoon at the age of 70 from complications of prostate cancer. I was kind of an oddity in my family because I was the only person who, in fact, LOVED sports. When my family moved to Maryland in 1984, I was just 8 years-old. While trying to find a father/son activity that would help ease the pain of moving 3,000 miles, he took me to my first Orioles game at Memorial Stadium. In entering that stadium I became immediately and totally hooked. That love for baseball, and my dad has not subsided. He didn't care for the game. But he know I cared for it and that is all that mattered to him. During my baseball card collecting days he was constantly buying packs and taking me to shows. He bought my first T206 card, a tattered Red Ames Portrait for ten bucks when I was just 10 years-old. Five years later, when my first girlfriend broke up with me, he thought a 1957 Topps Brooks Robinson rookie would do the trick in lifting my spirits. It did. On and on and through the years, the man who didn't like sports supported my love for the Baltimore Orioles and the hobby. Last week, I said my goodbyes to him as he gradually began to slip away. I'm so grateful for the 40 years of memories I shared with him and his selflessness. He engaged in our interests for no other reward than to build a personal relationship with each of his children. It is my hope that I will pass that legacy forward to his three grandchildren, my young son and two daughters.

[Stonepony]

My sincere condolences, it's really rough losing a beloved dad.

[autograf]

Sorry for your loss......will say a prayer for you and your family....

[JollyElm]

I'm so sorry, and you surely brought tears to many people's eyes with that wonderful testament to your dad. Please hang in there.

[Leon]

My condolences James. Very sorry to hear but sounds like ya'll had some great times and he was a great dad. You will always have the memories.

[D.P.Johnson]

He obviously raised a fine son and I'm sure he's proud of that.

[Bpm0014]

My condolences. Your dad sounded like he was a great man.

[gregr2]

My condolences, thinking of you and your family. All the best.

[pcoz]

James, so sorry about your pop. Great stories no one will ever take away from you and you'll pass on. Cheers to a great guy.

[Mountaineer1999]

So sorry for your loss James. Sounds like you guys really took advantage of the time you had together.

[bbcard1]

So sorry. Miss my dad all the time.

[4815162342]

I'm very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for comfort for you and your family.

[dougscats]

His love is in your heart.
His spirit lives on through you.

[tschock]

I am sorry for your loss and can relate. Here is hoping your children are able to remember him as well, or at least understand his ongoing presence in your life through your presence in theirs.

[batsballsbases]

May God bless you and your family at your time of great loss. My father passed away 8 years ago and not a day goes by that I dont think of him at least 2-3 times a day.....

[glynparson]

Sorry for your loss.

[Orioles1954]

I found out of my father's passing at H&S while writing a lot for an upcoming auction. I rushed to meet up with my mom, his wife of nearly 49 years. It was then I realized my 9 year-old daughter's Christmas chorus concert was in just a couple of hours. She was also very close to her grandpa and learned of his passing while at school. I was a couple of minutes late (dang, traffic), but I knew my pop wouldn't have wanted me to miss that event on account of him. Never saw her smile so widely.

[RelicSports]

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

[Joshchisox08]

I'm sorry man that's got to be one of the hardest things ever to endure.

[iowadoc77]

Sorry for your loss but thankful for your memories. Makes me want to take my kids to a game today! Oh wait, maybe in a few months. Thoughts and prayers your way.

[JoeDfan]

I am very sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like he was an awesome guy.

[h2oya311]

sounds a lot like my family...I have a love of baseball but there are no other real sports fans in the immediate family.

Sorry to hear of your loss, but I'm glad you have such great memories of your father. I hope to pass on the same sort of legacy with my child(ren).

All the best, Derek

[Dario7707]

Sorry for your loss. It's extremely tough to lose a Dad. Be strong my brother.

[DHogan]

My sincere condolences.

[Rickyy]

My condolences to you and your family James for your loss.

Ricky Y

[Jobu]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss, I lost my mom in August and it was rough. I love to hear that you will always have a special connection to your father through your collection, that is what this hobby is all about. Stay strong.

[CW]

My condolences to you and your family. 70 years is a good, long life. Do you still have the Ames card? Regardless, you still have the memories.

[mrvster]

I am very sorry for your loss

My condolences on the passing of your father.

[Orioles1954]

Everyone, I am so thankful for the well wishes and thoughts. They really are helping during this difficult time. One board member, Fred, sent a nice message and included the following..."I'm not trying to make light of your loss but perhaps you could buy a card "to make you feel better" and that card could be a reminder of what your dad meant to you. I'd make it a really cool card."

One of the only baseball players my pop remembers as a kid was Duke Snider. When I was little, he bought me a 1956 Topps Duke Snider and told me all about him. Several years later, when cardboard gave way to girls, I sold my entire collection, including Duke for a song. When I told my dad about it, he was genuinely hurt. In honor of my dad, I will buy a 1956 Topps Duke Snider. It will be displayed next to a picture of him and with a promise that it will never be sold....ever. Thanks for the awesome suggestion, Fred!

[1952boyntoncollector]

sorry for your loss...I too also went to oriole games with my dad..i am from the silver spring area and appreciate that I can still go with him now that hes in his late 70s to marlin games...

[baseball tourist]

It's tough to lose a parent. My heart goes out to you and yours.