Update from Stansblue72's daughter

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MelanieZ

In Memory Of STANSBLUE72
Joined
Mar 3, 2015
Messages
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Location
Marysville,Wa
Hi everyone.

My dad has been gone a week now, and I can't believe how much I miss him. Yesterday we had a really beautiful celebration of life and about 120 people came. So many people loved my Dad, he was sure an amazing man.

As you guys know, before he took a turn for the worse and landed in the hospital we had plans to go to a car show today here in our hometown called Rodz on 3rd. When my dad was sick in the hospital he said "I guess I don't get to go to the show" and I kept telling him how he had time still, he just needed to start getting better and get out of the hospital soon. Then he took yet another turn for the worse, and as you all know he passed away on Friday July 1st.

I had several hours just me and him when I knew he was leaving this earth, but other family had not yet arrived. I had hours alone just me and him to tell him my tearful goodbyes over and over, and one thing I promised him was that I was going to take his car and make sure it gets out to lots of car shows like he always wanted. I promised him I would still take it to the Rodz on 3rd show.

Today I honored that promise. My husband (who is also a member here but not very active) and I took the car to the show. My husband has his own dart (The orange one my dad often posted pictures of) but today it was all about my Dads car so we just took the one car.

It was so emotional for me. The whole time I was sitting there I just kept thinking how getting it out to the shows and letting people see all of his hard work is all he ever wanted, and he hardly even got a chance to do it. A member from here stopped in, and it was so meaningful to me they did. I want to say it was Rich and his wife Becky from Oak Harbor but I'd like him to confirm it if he's reading it. If so- thank you so much for coming!

Before he died he was sleeping most of the time and would mumble in his sleep sometimes and one thing he was talking about in his sleep was winning a trophy. He had never won one since he never had a chance to get it out to the shows- but wanted one so badly.

Today he won.

He took the award for best 70's car in the show. My husband claimed the prize for him and I just stood there with tears running down my face. Oh how I wish he could have been here to win his first trophy.

I've never added photos before. I hope I did it correctly. There are a few of his car at the beginning of the show one of his Mopar shirt and hat hanging in the back window, and then a few of the trophy with his car at the end of the show.

I know he would have come here first to tell all of you about his big win- so I wanted to come do that for him.

I intend to take over his car in his honor, and will start attending more shows with it along with my husband who will start taking his Dart as well. If anyone here knows how I could get a sticker (if they exist) for this site I'd love to get my hands on one and stick in the window. If they are sold anywhere please lt me know I'd be happy to purchase one and stick in the window of my Dads car to honor all of the great time he spent here.

I don't have plans to change anything on the car, except necessary fixes of course and finishing up a few things my Dad had wanted to do (like installing the brake light in the window he purchased). My husband said he would like to change something with the brakes for me so they were a bit easier to stop with more like power brakes (I'm not sure what- I don't know a lot about cars but I am ready to start to learn!) But other than that, we won't change anything. Well, I am going to change the license plate frame and get something engraved with a memory to him.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this wonderful news with you. My heart is so happy but yet so sad. I was hoping so much that he would win a trophy- and he did!

If anybody wants to view his obituary, you can find it here. I haven't been able to update the blog yet.

Stanley Melvin Strid's Obituary on The Herald (Everett)

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The only regret we have is that we just didn't have time to give the car a good wash and polish it up, its been a crazy week with planning his celebration of life and everything and we just ran out of time. But it was either take it as is, or not take it- so we choose to take it a bit dirty. I'm sure glad we did.
 
I know in the pictures it looks like there were only a few cars, we were one of the last cars in the rows on the street. In all I think there were about 115 cars.
 
Thanks. I couldn't hold back tears reading this. Sorry for your loss of a great dad. Take comfort in knowing that you were there for him when it counted, and know he was aware of it.
 
That is so awesome Melanie. He has surely got a tear in his eye as do I. You are a daughter to be proud of. Keep his memory in your heart and mind and remember he will always be with you.
 
If anyone here knows how I could get a sticker (if they exist) for this site I'd love to get my hands on one and stick in the window. If they are sold anywhere please lt me know I'd be happy to purchase one and stick in the window of my Dads car to honor all of the great time he spent here.


Maybe @Joeychgo can send you some FABO stickers. Hey Joey, can you help her out???
 
Rest assured, he looking down at his trophy with a big ole grin on his face. But I'm sure that pales in comparison to how proud he is of his Daughter! Good job!
 
I have to agree that he was very proud of you today! I have followed this for a long time and although I am across country I know you have been the best Daughter that he could have had. His work sure deserved to win the trophy. Keep building on these memories and I know how tough it is losing a Dad whom you are so close to. I lost mine 38 years ago in a farming accident when he was only 51. Prayers are continuing for you to find the strength and courage to carry on and get back normal life with family. God Bless You, Joe
 

Thank you Melanie for your thoughtfulness sharing this story with Stan's friends here. I lost it at "today he won" (the trophy.) I can only imagine how emotional it is for you. Your Dad was really a "super" human being. You'd be doing the members here a great honor if you'll come to the site for any help. Saying prayers for you and your Mom, brother...all Stan's loved ones.
 
We are all blessed to have know Stan, even if just in cyberspace!! You have honored him here, and everywhere, an honor much deserved! mat your heart be blessed with peace and comfort knowing that your Dad lives on in your memory, and you as his legacy continues!!
 
Awesome, Melanie.

Like most, I cried when I read this, as I did when I saw that Stan had passed.

What a wonderful way to introduce your dad to people who never met him and to keep his legacy alive.

Those tears of pain you have now will turn to tears of joy later as you share the stories of your dad, you, your family, and his "blue '72."

Those memories will bring a smile to your face and make your heart sing as people learn of your dad and his hopes, his dreams, and your dedication to him.

Take pride, Melanie, that Stan had touched so many and will continue to do so with your efforts.
 
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