Richard Kainz

gkainz

gkainz

Final Approach
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Feb 23, 2005
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Arvada, CO
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Greg Kainz
On Sunday I got to sit with my dad and hold his hand as he struggled to breathe, suffering with pneumonia. I got to tell him how proud I was to be his son, how much he taught me and showed me. His life motto was the only thing you can't do is what you don't attempt; not in words, but the way he lived his life.

He, along with my grandfather, and dad's 2 brothers, brought electricity to the rural areas of Minnesota for the first time. For the next 50 years, Kainz Contractors continued to provide electrical power to MN, ND, SD, NE and WY.

I will never know how this man, without formal training in so many areas, had such skills as a lineman, mechanic, electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, father, hunter, fisherman, horseman, and patient teacher of all of these to me. How he managed to impart the knowledge to me that he did amazes me, considering that as a teenager, I already knew it all, and maybe offered him about 6 hours total of "teachable time" :)

On March 23, 2011 at 2:30 am, my dad left this failed world, his failed body, his failed mind all behind and walks with Jesus, probably planning new power lines in heaven.
 
Sorry for your loss and glad you got to be with him at the end. It's never easy to lose them, but at least somewhat easier when you know they aren't having any fun being here and things aren't going to be better for them.

gkainz said:
On Sunday I got to sit with my dad and hold his hand as he struggled to breathe, suffering with pneumonia. I got to tell him how proud I was to be his son, how much he taught me and showed me. His life motto was the only thing you can't do is what you don't attempt; not in words, but the way he lived his life.

He, along with my grandfather, and dad's 2 brothers, brought electricity to the rural areas of Minnesota for the first time. For the next 50 years, Kainz Contractors continued to provide electrical power to MN, ND, SD, NE and WY.

I will never know how this man, without formal training in so many areas, had such skills as a lineman, mechanic, electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, father, hunter, fisherman, horseman, and patient teacher of all of these to me. How he managed to impart the knowledge to me that he did amazes me, considering that as a teenager, I already knew it all, and maybe offered him about 6 hours total of "teachable time" :)

On March 23, 2011 at 2:30 am, my dad left this failed world, his failed body, his failed mind all behind and walks with Jesus, probably planning new power lines in heaven.
Click to expand...
 
It's hard to loose your hero, Our hearts go out to you and your family.
 
Greg, I know your pain, and I celebrate your father's life. No matter when the torch passes, it is too soon.

Amen.
 
Sorry for your loss, Greg. I'm glad you could be with him.
 
I'm sorry for your loss.
 
Greg,


Been thinking about you as I am in Sioux Falls this week. Just saw this. Your Dad, and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Your words convey the pride of a son for a father, and I know he had every right to be proud of you as a son. I think most of us believe we don't meet our parents' expectations, but truth be told, we usually exceed them. Proof of this is the pride we all have in our own children.

I'm fortunate enough to still have both parents, now in their 80's and my dad was a lineman as well. Not well educated, as he quit high school in 1943 to join the Navy. When I was a teenager, he seemed so dumb I could hardly stand to be around him. Now, he's the smartest guy I know.
Please know you are in our thoughts.
KL
 
Greg, I'm sorry for the loss. It sounds as though he had a good, long life which is all any of us can really hope for.
 
Greg, I'm sorry for your loss.

gkainz said:
On March 23, 2011 at 2:30 am, my dad left this failed world, his failed body, his failed mind all behind and walks with Jesus, probably planning new power lines in heaven.
Click to expand...

I had similar thoughts when my grandmother left this failed world a bit over 4 years ago at age 94 (although in her case, it was probably sewing new curtains). Her mind and body had failed her, and it was past time for her to move on. We tend to want to keep hold of this life as it's all we know, but I think at a certain point we realize that there is more for us elsewhere. I found these thoughts very comforting, and hope you do, too.
 
So sorry for your loss.

He certainly sounds like a model to look up to. I am afraid of the day that I'll have to say goodbye to my own parents, I know it will come sooner or later.
 
Greg,

My deepest condolences to your and your family. Obviously your Dad was a wonderful guy.
 
How wonderful that you had the time you had together and that you loved each other the way you did. I'm sure that he is at peace now and I hope that your grief will be eased ...
 
My condolences.

However your Dad lives on. He acquired all those skills as a lineman, mechanic, electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, father, hunter, fisherman, horseman, and patient teacher because he PAID ATTENTION, which you clearly also do. I would also add to be successful in the life you describe: accountant, planner, and manager of people.
 
You are in my prayers and may we all live long enough to have left someone behind who is as loving and thoughtful as you are/were to your dad.
 
Greg, my condolences. It's always hard to lose a loved one, especially one who brought so much to so many. Consider yourself fortunate to spend time with him at the end.
 
Greg, I'm so sorry for your loss. Its a blessing that you were able to tell him what you did. I'll pray for your comfort and healing.
 
Having had a father to learn from was truly a blessing some never have, and to get to be there to comfort him at the end of this life, doubly-so. My heart, because I've been there for three family members so far in my life, and my prayers for you and your family, are that you may find peace in the confusion and sorrow today, and joy in the memories tomorrow. Anytime you're ready, I will happily join you in raising a toast to your dad and hero.
 
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