"Be blessed, and be a blessing!"
When my Dad passed away, he gave me the greatest gift! He placed a perfect, short-stemmed red rose in my shirt pocket, witnessed by friends. I memorialized the moment in this writing:
Dad's Rose |
My father had been progressively ill for a year. When it became evident to me that he would not win his battle, I often debated with myself whether or not I should ask him if he would give me some sort of a sign once he had passed to let me know he was okay. I could never summons the emotional courage to ask him.
I had been traveling extensively back and forth between my home in Florida and my parents home in New York to spend time with my parents and help Mom care for Dad. I had always thought that I would be there when Dad physically passed, but unfortunately, I was not. On the plane ride to New York, I felt Dad's physical presence beside me and heard him telling me that he was okay.
After Dad's memorial service, I went back to my parent’s house and changed my clothes. In my shirt pocket I placed my cell phone and car keys. I was sitting in the living room with Karla and two friends, when suddenly I felt a sensation in my shirt pocket. Much to the surprise of everyone in the room, a short-stemmed red rose had been perfectly placed in my already full shirt pocket! I immediately knew it was from Dad - his reassurance of love and the reiteration that he was okay and always with us! Karen Manser 07.13.03 |
July 9, 2003
Daniel L. “Dell” Manser, Jr., 78, of Oneida went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 9, with his loving family by his side.
Dell was born April 1, 1925 in Bremerton, WA, a son of the late Daniel L. and Ursula Mae Carter Manser. Dell was united in marriage with Shirley Fay Clark on October 5, 1946 in Craddock, VA., a union that lasted 57 years and was blessed with 5 children.
Dell served his country faithfully during WWII in the US Navy. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Oneida to go into business with his father. Dell and his wife operated Daniel Manser Contracting and Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service until retiring and passing the business to their son James in 1990.
After retirement, Dell enjoyed gardening, spending time with his cherished grandchildren and traveling, with a special fondness for the Outer Banks. Dell had an amazing memory for details and a great sense of humor. A wonderful father and devoted husband, he was a living example of unconditional love, compassion and determination. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Dell is survived by his beloved wife, 4 sons, a daughter and their families: Steven and Nancy of Oneida, grandsons Matthew of Boston, MA and Joshua of Oneida; David of San Diego, CA; James and Patricia, granddaughters Kimberly and Katelyn, all of Oneida, Larry and Kelly of Oneida; and Karen and Karla of St. Petersburg, FL. Dell is also survived by his brother Jim and family of Fruitland Park, FL; sisters Margaret Bernard Daniels and family of Orlando, FL; and Nancy Corona and family of Rocklin, CA; a sister-in-law Edna Clark of Oneida; brother-in-law William Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA; a special family friend Jeansie LaMothe, and several nieces and nephews. Dell was predeceased by a brother, Milton, in 1930.
A special thanks to all of the angels at Oneida Healthcare Center and to Dr. Popuri and Dr. Coyle and their staffs for their belief in Dad’s fight. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dell’s remembrance to the American Cancer Society and the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Calling hours will be Saturday 5-8pm at Campbell Dean Funeral Home, Oneida. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2pm at the New Hope Christian Community Church, 350 West Road, Oneida. Services will follow at the family plot in Glenwood Cemetery. A burial at sea will be performed in November, off the shores of the Outer Banks, NC.
