Eulogy for My Father

Honoring the man who took me in when I had nowhere else to go.

30 years ago, Robert Anthony Schneider, Sr. saved my life.

Half way through my senior year of high school, my birth family rejected me. I had nowhere to go.

Gordon told dad I was in trouble and asked if I could stay with them. He said yes, unconditionally, indefinitely, no questions asked.

He fed me, clothed me, and loved me like a son every day for a year and a half. I became a member of the family.

He wanted almost nothing in return. Every once in a while, he wondered if I might want a haircut, and he asked me to go to church with the family. And I went.

He loved the church, loved the Catholic faith, and he was excited to share it with me.

He was a good man. A loving father. A faithful husband. A dutiful son. A caring brother. A loyal friend. And a true patriot.

He was generous, patient, and kind, and he passed those qualities on to all of his children.

He was a family man; he wanted his family to be as big as possible. He was always excited to welcome a new members, whether it was a new grandchild or a long-lost cousin.

He was a shepherd — a real shepherd. He kept sheep. I had a chance to see him in action when I visited Chattaroy. I thought it was delightful, even if it was a little strange. He was the only shepherd I had ever known.