Happy Birthday Dad

My Dad is a Sailboat
By Juli E Ocean

My Dad is a sailboat.
He carries me faraway,
To endless reaches,
long silver beaches,
Oceans of dreams
to springs of Hope.

My dad is a feather
Floating on the wind;
Carefree and light,
adventurous and bright;
Flying on the wings
of imagining.

My dad is an open book
Sharing all his knowledge.
Wisdom of the sages written on his pages
And stories that carry me faraway.

My dad is a sail boat.

Anita Jones and Family Posts

I was the second child and the second daughter of this Wein "six-pack"... but my dad made each of his kids feel like they were number one. I remember hearing him say he always wanted a BIG family and God generously fulfilled that wish. Father God knew that this humble man, who possessed an equally BIG heart, would rise to the challenge of fatherhood with honor, integrity, devotion and unconditional love.

Some of my favorite memories includes Dad walking home from work at Akron Typesetting with that big stainless steel lunch box swinging in his hand, buying the three oldest kids brand new bikes and then patiently teaching me how to ride mine, all the excitement and hard work of building a new home in the country, drawing up plans for my two Industrial Arts furniture projects in high school, driving me and all my stuff to college, walking me down the isle on my wedding day, rocking my first baby in his arms, and all the years of long-distance phone calls to North Carolina.

One of the greatest influences his word's had on my life was his assurance that I could "do anything I put my mind to." That phrase was a motivating force reinforced by his refusal to place any limitations on my abilities. He was always quick to bless my goals and dreams; and I attribute many of the accomplishments in my life to a dad that saw no limits even in the sky... and yes, I think Julie is right... if there are any limits up there, I suspect that he is busy petitioning for that to change.

My list of fond memories includes the hours he devoted to making tiny elf houses to hide in the branches of the Christmas tree; the incredible financial sacrifice required to deliver the mountain of presents for six kids each magical Christmas morning; the Dunkin' Donuts and egg hunts on Easter Sunday; the family picnic excursions to all the nearby parks; the consistent and memorable visits to the homes of our grandparents and other relatives; Saturday evening church Services in Rittman where he served as a "layman" while his kids sat in the front row trying not to giggle, snicker or wiggle too much; his loving patience through the teen years when we thought we knew more than him; the annual trips to Cedar Point and trying to decide who got to pick the next ride; giving us a used car to drive that was in better condition than his rusted out and duct-taped-together Ford Pinto; the snow storm that swallowed his Pinto in a drift while driving home from work; mowing five acres in mid-summer heat; planting, watering and weeding a huge garden and then washing, cutting, blanching, canning and freezing the fruits of our labor; letting us have pet mice; learning how to tend chickens, rabbits, ducks, dogs and cows; the testing of his fortitude and endurance through those dating years; our one big family vacation - camping and sight-seeing in New England; Saturday morning pancakes; and finally his sadness at seeing each child marry and move out of the house - some farther than others.

We knew we were going to be missed. Now it is your turn to move away, Dad, and we are sad too. You will be sorely missed but we have so many wonderful memories to hold onto. We also have great peace knowing that you are living in a mansion built by God and basking in the glorious light of His presence. Your mansion probably has a kitchen even more beautiful than the one you built for the Sterling house with all the fancy spice cabinets, cutting boards and other nifty features. If Jesus still tinkers around in a carpentry shop I imagine you are right there by His side giving Him a helping hand! And some day we will get to see all your heavenly handiwork. I also look forward to meeting with you in the throne room of God as we cry "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord, God Almighty..." Save us all a spot near the front and until that day arrives we will keep doing everything we "put our minds to" for the glory of God and to your honor. I love you more than words can say and I will teach my children and grandchildren that even though they will not carry on the "Wein" name, they do carry a mighty inheritance as the offspring of Robert D. Wein.
Enter into your inheritance, mighty man of God.
your daughter,
Anita (Louisville, KY)


With over a quarter century of memories it is clear that Dad will be long remembered in my book. From the days in Sterling to the little shop in Wadsworth up through the last visit when I stopped by and spent the night at his home last summer. It was an honor to know Dad, the man who gave me the biggest blessing in my life when he walked Anita down the aisle and presented her to me as my bride. I am forever grateful and will miss him always.
Russ

Because I Won't Forget

I wanted to dedicate a blog to my friend and my dad that would be out there for as long as he is on our hearts and minds. It was two weeks ago today that Dad went to meet his maker. Even though he didn't want any tears, he thought it would be great to out with a big party and a lot of laughs he underestimated terribly what an impact he made on people around him.

If you loved him at all, you can't help but miss him.

Alan and Family Posts

I will sure miss you. See you in the next life i love you a lot.Thank you for being there for me as a father and a friend. All my love Alan

Alan Wein (Rockmart, GA)


Dad Wein I you will miss you with all my heart.Thank u for letting me love your son Alan and give you four grandsons.The good Wein name will be carried on with all of your wonderful grandsons who loved and cherished you. Thank you for all the pep talks after Alan's wreck just letting him know i would take time to heal and not to give up.Well by for now take that walk down the streets of gold with god.Say hello to my Dad.
Love,
your daughter-in-law
Denise


Dear grandpa I love and miss you a lot. I will never forget you as I have your first name. I love you
your grandson,
Robert


IM REALLY GONNA MISS YOU GRAMPA ALL THOUGH I DIDN'T SEE YOU MUCH, I STILL AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE LOVE FOR YOU. ME AND ROBERT WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE LOVING FATHER YOU TAUGHT VERY WELL AND HAS BEEN A GREAT FATHER TO US!! LOVE YOU BUNCHES

QUENTIN

Neil's Post

I don't know where to start. I may wander all over, so just bear with me. I have never had to do this before.
I believe Dad was the last male Wein in his family. It was up to him to carry on a family name. To leave a legacy. I think if you look around now, you will find that he did a VERY thorough job of it. Four sons, two daughters. Now, nine grandsons, and six grand daughters. Looks like the name will definitely live on. Is this not how God himself rewarded those in his favor in biblical times? I like to think so.
My parents had six kids.... SIX!!!! Just imagine doing that today. I'm glad he didn't quit at five, or you wouldn't be reading this, and two grandsons would be missing.
My dad was the greatest at making things work. fixing things, making things and just general problem solving. He was never self serving, but serving of all others. He was a dreamer, but made you also dream. He was a provider and showed us how to provide. He was a believer that showed us how to believe. He was a father that showed us HOW to father. He was decent and honest and showed us also the benefit in this. He was my confidant and my friend, my coach, my cheerleader. Now he will lead from afar. He left the map. He will now clear a new path for us. We were fortunate to know him here, and we will be fortunate to know him again.
Dad, I miss you, but I know as well that you are here. May God bless you. You have done your work here. It was time for you to go home. May you hang your hat and enjoy what "Papa God" has prepared for you. I'm sure that heaven is excited to see you!!!! All our love!!
Neil Wein (GA)

Eric and Family Posts

I have lost a lifelong friend as well my father and coworker. I was truly honored to have been able to spend as much time with my father as I did. We have worked together for the last 24 years and I know the kind of good and honest man that he was. His dedication to his family and faith were unsurpassed. I don't know anybody who knew my father who did not enjoy his good nature and his charm. He brought joy to all who shared time with him. I will truly miss being able to work with him and talk to him. He has inspired me on so many levels to always do my best and to never get discouraged or give up. My only wish now is for his total happiness. Dad, I am sure God has prepared the perfect little cabin in a woods for you nestled along a peaceful stream surrounded by abundant wildlife and serenity. Some day I hope to join you there so we can catch up on all that has happened since you passed on. I love you and I miss you dad. I will never forget your warm loving smile. May God rest your soul in peace.

Eric (Medina)


March 10, 2008
Dad Wein was truly one of a kind. He was so kind hearted and generous with a quick wit and a great laugh. He had such a knowledge and interest in so many things. He was a great conversationalist! I will especially miss listening to him and Eric banter back and forth. They were always on the same wavelength and could always make me laugh (even at myself). He will certainly be missed, but he will live on through his children and grandchildren who share his love of learning, love of family and love of God.

Karen

Juli E's Post

I started to canonize him before we left the hospital. He would have laughed at being "Saint Bob". I'm going to miss all the stories he was so great at telling, and all the jokes that made us laugh until our faces hurt. I'm proud to be one of the original "Six Pack". He was a great encourager and he always thought the sky was the limit. I think he's up there making the sky bigger...He was the most awesome kind of dad a kid could have. I'm glad he was mine.

Juli E Ocean (Beach Dreams, OH)