Here is a posthumous Happy Father's Day to my father, pictured here in China, where he often said he enjoyed the happiest days of his life. I am aware that there are those among you also beam with pride the distinction of being a descendant of other US China Marines in the post-World War II era.
I found the eulogy I delivered from Hawaii. Since I was unable to attend his funeral in our ancestral home, Greenwich, Connecticut USA, and bid a final farewell four years ago I was able to do so digitally:
"My name is Jeffrey Bingham Mead, the only son of Herbert Bingham Mead. Since the sad news of my father’s passing I have received here in Hawaii many heartfelt expressions of condolence and comfort from around the world, including from some of you gathered at Christ Church Greenwich.
"On this first day of Spring we bid farewell to a true gentleman, mentor, friend, soldier, patriot, teacher, grandfather and father as he was and always will be for me and for you.
"On one hand the voice of thanksgiving we hear is a joyful one for the many gifts Dad imparted. Yet our hearts are tinged with the sorrow of separation.
"Gratitude for the life of my father fills my heart with joy because he was a giver of loving-kindness, tender mercies, forbearance and so much more. My father’s actions and his example taught us to celebrate the life we are given with a wellspring of hope, patience, purpose and humility.
"His hands were always busy, and his example came to symbolize his love for family, the demands of integrity, his work ethic, conscience, quiet vision and love of community and country. We may not have known, you and I, that my Dad had a purpose in raising a new generation. How so?
"True love never analyzes. It profusely provides bountiful legacies to those who see the light. There are many of you here today who are not his children –yet in retrospect you are. You have my heartfelt gratitude for the joy and friendship –and the light- you brought to his life. I pray for your comfort in this time of sorrow.
"He never told us how to live graciously. Herbert Bingham Mead lived his example, and now we are called to do the same.
"We are here for such a short time. The most important words that my father spoke to all his children and friends are whispered in a language beyond mortal words now.
"In Dad’s last moments the sun set beyond the mountains of Oahu and into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. The air was still. The music of my heart moved me to hear the most wonderful divine harmonies. Graceful and joyous sounds crystallized as stars appeared above.
"As day turned into twilight Dad was free. His unseen wings had spread out, and his spirit soared into the heavens. He is home.
"Thanks be to God for sharing the life of Herbert Bingham Mead. Aloha and God bless."
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