13 Comments
Jun 19, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

What an amazing tribute to your dad! He was an amazing guy... I miss him a lot ❤️

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Jun 19, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

I would so have loved to know your dad. I would have loved to share stories of my dad with him who was also from Oklahoma. Sasakwa, where he was born, had a population of 61 as of 2020. It was much higher during the oil boom, upwards of 700 in the 1930's.

What a life of service your father lived and as you do today. I'm certain it honors him tremendously. I know it does your mom. You're a pretty talented singer and song writer too and a hell of a writer.

It's a great privilege of mine and E's to know you both.

Thank you for sharing the essence of your dad with us.

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Jun 19, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

A lovely tribute to an overall good man!

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Jun 19, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

Thank you for sharing this story of your father, your Mom, and yourself! To have such memories is truly a blessing. Because of your ability to pen them others can begin to appreciate and value those days, that time, and to better appreciate the times of our own lives. In this fast-forward world, in which time is equal to life/life is equal to time, how one uses his/her time is unique to the person. Thank you for the time you've taken with this Father's Day Remembrance!

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Jun 19, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

Always remember Courtney at every gig, unless the basketball tournament was on! Always an encouragement to me and the band (with a “couple” of exceptions). An intelligent man with the knowledge to relate yet tell you what was needed. Those who knew him still miss him.

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Jun 19, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

Dear God. What a legacy. What a man. Immortalized so beautifully by his son. I am at a loss for words. You know what a rare occurrence that is. All I can say is you clearly come by your giant social justice heart so honestly. And ironically sitting on the seat next to me (I’m pulled over driving home from the plateau straight to my folks’ place for Father’s Day dinner) is a college basketball Kansas Jawhawks National Championship hat for my sports-loving and college basketball loving father. I’d love to hear more stories about your dad someday. I’m deeply appreciative for the man he (and your mom) raised.

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Jun 20, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

Beautiful essay on your dad. Mark, thanks so much for sharing it with us.

He radiated the goodness and selflessness you describe here, and he was a beloved friend and mentor. So kind of him to wallow with me in the shallow waters I inhabited, whether over college hoops, baseball, politics, comedy, dogs, good scotch or music. His company was sought after on election night, during March Madness, at countless music gigs and Christmas festivities. This article was a gift to those of us who loved him and miss him here in middle TN.

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Jun 20, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

Thanks for sharing this! I see similarities in my father’s journey; however, his was more stymied for working within the federal government system. Prior to that he developed a program that is still in practice with the UN. Your father clearly left a large impact on many but his close journey alongside you is the most beautiful! Thanks to you, I reached to my father last year (on the other end of the line) and his spirit flew to me. I now know him better than I ever did while he was alive. Your writing is exquisite. Thanks for sharing your gift!

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Jun 22, 2022Liked by Mark Elliott

Beautifully written! I wish I would have known him.💜

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Really nice piece.

Cheers,

ME

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David Raley draley@raleymedical.com

Pledge in Delta Tau Delta at OU with Courtney. Also had tough 1st year. Graduated in same year with poor /grades. Did get a BBA and worked in sales couple of years, then came back tin Pharmacy. I -owned drug store for 40 years in Catoosa Ok.

I was the partner in the Germany trip. Worked at farm for month, then travel over Europe for another month. Great times and stories. . drale@raleymedical.com. Live in Tulsa with wife of 60 years

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