Bruce Bohy

Thank you to everyone that were able to gather for my dad's memorial service. Eulogy for my dad: Honestly, I’m writing this at the last possible moment I could for his 1st year memorial service. That's just one thing my father and I shared- procrastination. Regardless of that fact, he was always there when I truly needed him. I remember during my first break up, I called him and told him I needed him and he was immediately there. He was awkward and tried to provide comfort the best way he knew how, but it gave me comfort that he was at least there. When I was really little, I didn't understand that he was my dad. I don't really know what I thought, but I remember calling him "Daddy Bruce" and it felt weird like Daddy Warbucks.. Mom says when I was in early grade school that I put him on the spot one day by asking if he was really my dad and somehow calling him dad wasn't weird for either one of us anymore….. Even though normal could never be a word to describe him He would call almost everyday and I usually saw him a couple times every week. He wasn't a traditional dad but whenever I needed help with my math homework, or just wanted to spend time with him, he would come hang out, watch movies with us, or work on something. I think sometimes he just wanted to play with our dog too. He made sure he spent time with us just about every holiday and my birthday together. He would come to all my award ceremonies and plays…even though mom said he would loudly whisper his critiques and complaints not caring if a parent was sitting close by. Our favorite was Halloween. I would tell him my costume ideas and he would search and find exactly what I was looking for. I loved when he agreed to start taking me out trick or treating. He told mom it was because I was finally litter trained. He would either walk with me and hold the overflow bag or follow along driving if it was raining…then we would get taco bell afterwards. He was always amazed at how much our candy haul would be.. The last time we went he was surprised that I still wanted him to take me since I was a senior in high school…I'm so glad we didn't break the 8 year tradition. We invited his friend, aunt Sandy, and my friend–we had a lot of fun finally going to the cemetery he said he always wanted to take me to. We got freaked out by a random noise we had heard and he, of course, thought it was funny. For christmas and birthdays, I really had to put some thought into what I wanted because without fail, he would always get whatever i wanted or needed, like my guitar i got about 5 or so years ago that as he predicted, it would probably be propped up against the wall collecting dust. Or an advanced circuit board kit because he was an assistant coach for my elementary Science Olympiad team. My last few birthdays, I would give him a category so he could surprise me with something based on the category. It was normally something creepy or weird. He got me these weird little baby dolls, and then built a mini wooden casket for them to fit inside. We shared interests in martial arts. When I was in karate, he would come to watch my practices and then he would take me out to dinner or dessert before going home. Instead of awkwardly hugging goodbye, it was usually a sparring match. Or other times he would help me practice nunchucks or other weapons. Unfortunately we never made it to the day we had reserved for ax and ninja star throwing. Over the years, he taught me so many different things about cars and the tools he used with all the different projects he helped me with. And even though he didn't like my choice in a car, he taught me how to do an oil change on it. I always asking him for help that he would over explain everything that was being done or what certain parts did, but I liked spending time with him I wish I knew more about him or had more photos of when he was younger. In retrospect, I wish I would have spent more time asking questions. Some of my younger memories of him are foggy, I can't remember them all. Certain pictures help me remember those fun moments when he didn't mind the camera. I've found myself finding humor in what maybe some wouldn't understand like he did, sometimes mom and I will look at each other and crack up because something may trigger a memory of his quirky sense of humor. I miss him everyday. I miss picking up the phone and beating him before he would ask “what's happening?” without him realizing I was imitating him, I miss his voice, his laugh, our impromptu dinners at Olgas, seeing him when he'd stop in where I work and reminding me that "the union is your friend". I was hesitant knowing if I'd be able to stand up and share memories of my dad with everyone. This past year should have been a happy new start on my college journey. I never thought I'd have to do it without his advice or being able to tell him different things. But i know if i didn't get up here and honor him that I would feel a deep regret. He was a great person; I relied on him- he may not have been on time very often, if ever and even though his "I'm leaving shortly" usually turned into an hour when it's only a 5 minute drive– he would always eventually be there. He meant everything to me and I treasure the things he taught me and the secrets we shared.