Family condolence for memorial- Harry Kansman: 10/01/1928-06/11/2024
· Our father will be remembered as a kind-hearted, genuine, hard-working, and honest man. He led his life with integrity, high moral standards, and purpose.
· Dad was a fabulous husband, father, and grandfather: providing each of us with guidance, support, and unconditional love. He was our role model that we all valued and have tried to carry on his legacy with our families.
· He married our mom, Delores (Johnson) Kansman on December 31, 1955, when they met in the Navy. Sixty-eight plus years of marriage! They will always be remembered as the dancing couple, the couple in the Loon Lake Player’s Plays, and the sharply dressed couple in their hats.
· Dad started working for Ford Motor Company in 1956 as an Engineer, retiring at 62 years of age, and then consulting completing Production Quality tests at various assembly plants for the next five years, part time. Then he worked at Kensington Golf Course for ten years.
This is my perspective based on almost 68 years of observation
· As a father, I have no qualms- he was present, fair, and supportive
· Our personalities were quite different. He was analytical, and well, I am not. I respected his opinions (except on the importance of algebra in the world).
· I did resemble him physically and am always grateful for the comparison (as you can see in the picture above).
· Together with my mother, they gave me a solid chance to succeed. They encouraged me to take early schooling in food service at Vocational school, and that gave me a career direction that has spanned over 50 years now.
· An avid golfer, dancer, historian, organizer…
· Three of my favorite memories were:
o In 1965, using a pair of bongos taught us how to sing “I’m Henry the VII, I am.”
o The 1971 All- Star Game at Tiger Stadium. He purchased tickets for Kevin and me, drove us to the game, and then went to a bar nearby to watch the game on TV.
o When he noticed I had a talent and interest in art, he took me to the Ford Motor Company engineering design center and arranged a half day tour with a leader in that department.
· One of his favorite sayings was: people are no damn good! Which is ironic when 200 people showed up at his celebration of life with so many cool, loving stories.
· For us, our dad will be remembered as “maailman paras Isa”-best father in the world” in Estonian. His life lessons, influence, and guidance will continue to impact all our lives.
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