As reported the other day, longtime comic book inker Rudy LaPick has passed away. As I said, I didn't know the man but I now really wish I had. I just received the following from his son, Rudy LaPick, Jr. and we both thought it should be read by a wider audience…
How does one put into words a lifetime they shared with someone in just a paragraph or two? You see, this was not only my father but my best friend. My father was a warm, sharing, sensitive, loving person who helped provide and care for his family since the age of 9. You see, he lost his father at that age and watched over his younger sister and brother while their mother was out earning a living. His family had nothing and it was very difficult trying to make ends meet. Even at such an early age, he had a sense of humor, telling his younger siblings jokes about the area neighbors and making them laugh while they lay in bed together. My father had learned at that early age that in order to get through the difficult times in life that we all encounter, one must learn how to look at the humorous aspect of things. My father had many friends. Even the store clerks and cashiers in the stores that my father frequented knew him on a first name basis. Some of whom called him "Archie" being that he worked on the comic strip. Between his telling jokes and doing his impressions, everyone looked forward to seeing him in order to have their day brightened up. My father had a knack for making a total stranger feel very comfortable in his presence. I remember while growing up at home, that when friends came by to visit me, my dad would join right in and have them all in an uproar of laughter.
My dad loved his work and took much pride in it, I'm sure his co-workers would agree. In fact, he was sitting at his drawing desk when he passed away.
My mother Mary was the love of his life. Right up until my mother's death, 18 years ago, they were the honeymoon couple holding hands and kissing like teenagers in love. There was not a day that had gone by since her death that he didn't mention her in some loving memory. I'm sure that my brother and sister would agree that dad was the ultimate father and friend who was always more concerned with our troubles rather than his own. I know that dad is with mom now and already has Saint Peter laughing at his jokes and impressions.
In closing I would like to say that anyone here that knew dad would know what I mean when I say, "Alright pilgrims. I want you to all put your wagons in a circle." God bless you, dad.