Anyone that had ever met Wayne Bhe, knew a man that would let you know what was on his mind. There typically was no guesswork involved in understanding his thoughts, and it didn't take long for him to tell them to you. He was not elaborate in his speech, but direct and to the point, without wasting any of your time.

I've lived, seen and heard many stories that described my dad - from his childhood through his last days. From his times spent using catch-up as pasta sauce, to the times he never worried about food again (moving to the south and meeting my mom and her family). From the times he spent being cold at night in the great white north of PA, to the hot summer days of NC. From the times he spent hunting as a child and young man, to the days he spent teaching me how to do the same. From the times he spent in the bars in his earlier years, to the times he spent with me in the bars.

My dad lived. He grew up hunting and fishing, joined the army, met a southern belle, had his 1st son, fought in a horrific war, had his 2nd son, hunted and fished, watched his 1st son graduate from NCSU with an engineering degree (the 1st in his family), hunted and fished, was the best man in his 1st son's wedding, watched his 2nd son graduate from NCSU with an engineering degree, was the best man in his 2nd son's wedding, hunted and fished, was there for his 1st grandchild's birth (Tyler) in Cary, NC, and 7 weeks later was on his way to Sierra Vista, AZ for a month visit following his 2nd grandchild's birth (Eric). 22 months later, he was back up to Cary, NC again for his 3rd grandchild's birth (Maggie).

Throughout all of this time, he loved to have fun. He even learned to play golf, something he once told me he'd never, ever do. He loved to hunt. He loved to fish. He even worked on a shrimp boat later in is life (until it sunk!). He loved being able to move to the beach 10 years ago. He loved to gamble. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved to tease, but only if he loved you. He loved PA. He loved NC. He loved life. And he loved his wife.

He wasn't the easiest or most gentle man to grow up with. He was 6'1", but looked 8 feet tall to me. He had a belt that I still believe was 8 feet long and no matter how fast you were or how big he was, you were not going to outrun him! Although I never agreed with the times that I, the know it all son, got punished back then, I certainly can't think of a time when I didn't deserve it (of course, I can't speak for my brother).

He taught me so many more things than I could ever think of or put down in writing. He taught the small things, like hunting, fishing, how to tease, what made a car tick (although not until I graduated from college). He also taught me the big things, like having respect, treating others the way you'd want them to treat you, about how actions speak louder than words (both negatively and positively), about being the best that you possibly can at everything you do, about being a father, and a son.

He didn't do everything perfect, and admitted that to me several times over the last month. I told him that I didn't do everything perfect either. On his final day, he told me that he tried to be the best father that he could be, and I told him that he was more than most ever had, and more than I could have asked for. I told him how proud I was of him, and that he was my hero. Everything that he did, he did it the way he thought was right. I hope I can continue to learn from that.

Dad, it might not look like it right now, but I'm so very happy that the real life nightmare that started for you on 2/21/2008 is over, and that the pain you had to live with has stopped. This past Sunday, in true Wayne Bhe form, we didn't have to guess what you were thinking - you told us and you certainly didn't want to waste any of our time. You were ready to go. I love you DAD.

-- Tony Bhe

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can go through, so much more if it is a parent. No words can express what all of us are feeling right now and I'm sure only time can help us accept the fact.

My father was one of those hard working fathers that always got his way; so he thought. I used to fear him but I never realized he was inadvertently teaching me one of the most valuable lessons in life, standing up for what you believe in. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. As I grew older, I slowly discovered that he was a very compassionate and kind person. I learned that the most important thing that he had was us, his family. Though he rarely said it out loud - although I was corrected earlier that he stated to many folks but not directly to us - I know that he was really proud of what we have become. We are who we are now because we had a father.

Wayne is a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. I state this simply so it will not be forgotten!

I remember when I was younger my father found time to build a basketball pole and backboard with Uncle Leonard. I never even knew about this until one night I came home and there it was. And I remember he always took time when he came home from work to play a round or two. He was very strict as a father but that's only because he cared for us; something I've only recently realized since I too, am now a father. To his friends he was always ready to help. He certainly had an opinion about the solution to any problem!

I remember his abrupt solution to telling me about the birds and the bees. I think I'm still scarred from that one; or was that from the time I put the DDT on Tony, my younger brother, and almost broke his neck and then Dad taught me what it was like for a bigger person to bully a smaller person (pulling on my chin)?!

And although his education level had some limitations, he still was able to sit down with me while I was in high school and ask the question that most of us still don't have an answer to. What do you want to do with your life? He was the one that advised me to get an Engineering degree. He was the one that suggested the Army ROTC program. These each turned out to be things I succeeded in and I have absolutely no regrets!! And I know of only one other family member that has an equivalent Engineering degree. That's right, from his other son, Tony!

I'm certainly no good at giving sad speeches so let's see if I can think through and share some cameos in the life of Wayne Eugene Bhe. Not everyone will get these but please bear with me:

1. Froggy and Squeaky (pointing to Tony)
2. Although it's been quite some time for Wayne, drinking: Pennsylvania-style! If you want to know more about this then find me later and I'll explain...
3. False teeth; or should we say the imprint they left on my wedding day in my new wife's forehead as we welcomed her into our family!
4. King knucklehead! And if you want to know more about this one then just look at this little guy in the front row and let me introduce you to King knucklehead junior.

He showed strength until the end and still demanded to dictate his own way. I promise that I will continue what my father has started. I know I'll be filling huge shoes but with family and friends I know I can do it. Let's just remember everything that my father shared with us. And let's be happy that he has finally gone home to our creator.

-- Jeffrey Bhe