It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write this to let everyone know my dad passed away this afternoon.  We were fortunate enough to spend time with him this morning, my entire family in person joined by Mikes family on Skype. We opened a few gifts with him and then shaved his beard that he had proclaimed weeks ago that he wanted to keep until Christmas! We knew that this was inevitable but just didn't think it would be today or quite this soon. We take comfort knowing that he is in a better place with the Lord!