• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • About RAA
    • Meet Sherry Truhlar
    • What makes us unique
    • Reviews/Clients
    • Press
    • Licensing
  • Contact
  • Client Login

Fundraising gala auctioneer Sherry Truhlar

  • Services
    • Onsite Auction Services
    • Virtual Auction Services
    • Fund a Need Experts
    • Consulting
    • Onsite workshops
  • Products
    • $10 Trainings
    • On Demand Webinars
    • Books
  • Speaking
    • Why Sherry
    • Keynote and Other Topics
    • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Free Resources
    • Webinar: COVID-19
    • Virtual Gala Cheat Sheet
    • Newsletter
    • Auction Item Guide™
    • Recording: Porch Parties
    • Benefit Auction Case Study
    • Blog
  • Store
You are here: Home / Blog Post / Thanks, Dad
Jan 06

Thanks, Dad

Sherry Truhlar 23 Comments

Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar 1970A couple of days ago — at 8:17 PM on 01-04-14, to be exact — my Dad died.

He was surrounded by people he loved and who loved him. My brother, Mom, and I tried to make his transition to spirit peaceful. As he took his final breath, we shared with him our personal sentiments against the backdrop of Johnny Cash singing “Danny Boy” (one of Dad’s favorite songs) from my iPhone1.  

Though I personally believe we are eternal, it’s still a heavy loss. “And grieving will take longer than you think,” my cousin messaged me on Facebook.

Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar 1971 in poolDad was an involved, hands-on father. When one of my parent’s retail businesses demanded too much time away from my middle-school brother and I (6 days a week, 9 AM – 11 PM), they got rid of it.  Mom reminisced, saying, “We had kids so we could do things with you.”  Working until nearly midnight didn’t fit the mold, so the place was sold.

 

 

Fundraising auctioneer sherry truhlar 1975He was über creative with an uncanny eye for detail. As kids, we were hauled to salvage yards and pawn shops, where he would find things to fix or mold into new creations. He led our 4-H woodworking classes and my brother’s dead-of-winter Boy Scout camp outs. He taught me about plants and gardening. And when I accidentally poured fingernail polish remover down my Mom’s beloved heirloom desk, he guided me in refinishing it.

He once prepared me for high school cheerleading tryouts by working with me on a walk-over. After coaching me through numerous failed attempts, he decided that showing would be more effective than telling.

“Watch me,” he said. He sprinted a few yards and hit the ground with both hands. His feet sailed up … up … up … over … boom! He soundly landed on his back. That memory makes me smile.

Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar 1978Dad was a relentless “do-er.” When I joined a sorority in college, he helped me paint backdrops for rush parties. When I bought my home, he flew out for a week, helping me with plumbing, painting, tearing out cabinets, and innumerable other tasks involved with fixing up a fixer-upper.

When my parents visit to Washington, D.C., coincided with a departmental party my supervisor at General Electric was hosting, we three headed to the Eastern Shore to learn how to eat Maryland crabs. For no apparent reason, the boat lift at my boss’ beautiful waterfront home failed to work … and Dad fixed it. 

Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar 1980“I’ll work on it,” was one of Dad’s favorite lines. Be it rewiring a lamp, untangling a twisted necklace, or eliminating a rattle-y engine, he’d work on it. “Fix it” implied a satisfying outcome; “work on it” offered no guarantee of resolving the issue– though in his hands, the problem was usually fixed.

(It’s a language strategy I’ve adopted when visiting with clients about their auctions.)

He was enormously proud of my brother and I and told us so often. 

When COPD eventually confined him to a chair, he (for the first time!) learned how to use an iPad. He’d endlessly watch my YouTube channel videos again and again and again, even though he’d never been to a fundraising auction.

Dad 1989 Supersport convertibleWhen he still drove, he’d carry around a 2011 clothing catalog because it prominently featured me as the model. Business cards and photos from my brother and I were lined up on his pickup dash, and he’d share our latest news with anyone who would listen. Frankly, the nurses in the skilled care facility these last five months knew more about my life than I preferred.

Dad 2011He (and Mom) made childhood pretty darn easy, which is a blessing some kids never get. From enjoying lots of house pets to camping at the lake to scrimping to buy me braces (“I could have bought two Yamaha motorcycles for what’s in your mouth,” Dad said a dozen times), it was a stable upbringing. 

We weren’t two peas in a pod; his belief system on a number of subjects didn’t line up with mine. But as a loving, hands-on father, he nailed it.   

Dad was fond of saying, “death is a part of life.” It was one of those catch phrases often heard when it came time for us to put down a beloved pet.

There is no argument there. Death is a part of life. But I’ll still miss him.

Thanks, Dad.

1Many hospice nurses will tell you that hearing is our last sense to leave.

Share on Facebook Share
Share on TwitterTweet
Share on Pinterest Share
Share on LinkedIn Share
Send email Mail
Copyright © 2014 Red Apple Auctions Co. All Rights Reserved

About Sherry Truhlar

Fundraising auctioneer and educator, helping schools and nonprofits plan more profitable benefit auctions. A prolific writer for her own blog and other fundraising sites, she’s been covered in The Beacon-News, Town & Country Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, Wiley's Special Events Galore!, AUCTIONEER, and other publications.

Reader Interactions

Auction Regifting: What to do with gifts you don’t want
Searching for trendy fundraising auction themes? Use the official color of 2014 (Radiant Orchid)

Comments

  1. Sherry Truhlar says

    January 20, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    I want to thank everyone who has posted such kind words of support here. It’s touching to hear your own stories, too, so I appreciate you sharing them. I usually try to respond to each person who comments on my blog, but my schedule just overwhelmed me for a bit and I quickly determined I’d just need to “let it go” and respond in group fashion. Just know that I read (and continue to re-read) your supportive notes, coming from near and far. It’s also nice to be able to refer my Mom and brother to this so they can “feel the love,” also.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Hoekstra says

    January 20, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    Thanks for sharing, Sherry. My sincere condolences about your father. May these bright memories come to mind and bring joy to your heart.

    Reply
  3. Roxie Janssen says

    January 11, 2014 at 4:38 PM

    We were sorry to hear about your dad. You were blessed to have a father like that. Not many people get to have those kinds of memories. As the days go by you will think of things that he said or would do and it will bring a smile to you. That’s when you know the healing has started. He would want that for you. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  4. Cynthia Worth says

    January 8, 2014 at 1:44 PM

    May the peace that comes from the memories of your Dad comfort you now and in the days ahead.
    Sharing in your sorrow and sending prayers to you and your family.

    Reply
  5. laurie S. says

    January 8, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    Sherry,

    Your dad sounded like an amazing man. Thank you for sharing this tribute with all of us. I am very sorry for your loss and your family’s loss. I lost my own dad at 16 and even though it’s 30 (!!) years this March, my love and memories of him have not diminished. He’s in my thoughts every day. Sending healing prayers.

    Reply
  6. Linda Bode says

    January 7, 2014 at 5:52 PM

    Sherry,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. My Dad passed away on September 10, 2013 and I still miss him everyday. I understand your loss. But like you I remember the best of times with him. You are lucky to have him in your life. Thinking of you during this time.

    Reply
  7. Cecily Peterson says

    January 7, 2014 at 5:10 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your father. I am so sorry for this deep loss ess for you. I so appreciate your braveness is posting personal subjects on a professional site. Thank you for sharing some of your memories and letting us all know how the world is richer place because of him. You are still making him proud!

    Reply
  8. Terry Mate says

    January 7, 2014 at 3:22 PM

    So very sorry to read about your Father’s passing. He looked and sounded like a very wonderful Dad. You were lucky to have him in your life.

    Reply
  9. Cecile Guerra says

    January 7, 2014 at 3:16 PM

    Sherry, even though you and I have never met, please accept my sincerest condolences with your Dad’s passing. Your tribute to him told me what kind of father/parents you have. You and your brother were indeed blessed with awesome parental love. Saying good-bye is never easy but I hope you know that his spirit lives on in you as well. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!
    Cecile

    Reply
  10. Erma (Loseman) Grise says

    January 7, 2014 at 2:23 PM

    What a wonderful, loving and inspirational tribute to your dad! You had an exceptional childhood with very special parents. It is true that the most important thing one can give their child is love and you had an abundance. Your dad had every reason to be very proud of you just as you have every reason to be very proud of him.
    An admiring classmate of Shirley and Wendall

    Reply
  11. Brad Boyd says

    January 7, 2014 at 2:00 PM

    Sherry: While we have never met, from your lively and intimate blog posts I feel like we know one another. As one who has lost both parents (and in-laws, for that matter), I am so sorry for your profound loss. He sounds like a genuine, loving father whose creative flair and attention to detail was passed along to you. Keep focusing on fond memories and know he is watching over you and relishing your every success!

    Reply
  12. Marilyn P. says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    Sherry,
    What a lovely tribute to your dad who was a wonderful influence in your life. He reminds me very much of my dad who was able to work on/fix just about anything. He would sit with all my 4 siblings and me while we practiced piano and attended all our sporting events. My sister and I were so proud to dance with him at our Father/Daughter dances. My dad was also very artistic and at the age of 50 decided to take piano lessons himself and later that year decided to learn the art of calligraphy. My dad has been gone since 1990 and I still think of him and miss him daily. We are both very lucky daughter to have had such great dads!

    Reply
  13. LouAnn Martin says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    I just lost my Dad on 10/21/13, 4 hrs. Before his 95th birthday. He had just been diagnosed with lung cancer on the 2nd along with my Mom being diagnosed with Melanoma on the same day. I’m finishing up my second go around of Chemo for breast cancer. I arrived home to Ohio on the 10th and he was gone on the 21st. My mom is 96 and they had been married 76 years. My Dad was an insurance agent and owned his own agency for 37 years. He insured most of Paulding County, Ohio. He was the first married man to be drafted from Paulding and my mother ran not only their agency but another agency in an adjoining town while he was gone to WWII. They had just been married 22 mos. and she was living away from all her family. As your Dad, my Dad was ready to go. He had his faith and was at peace. I know now that he was waiting for me to come home before he let go. It all happened so fast and I was so busy taking care of Mom, my brothers and my daughter that I didn’t have time to acknowledge my feelings. Then I came back to Oregon to more chemo treatments and still struggle. I’m heading back to Ohio in a couple of weeks to get mom set with the taxes etc… She has her days but has done very well considering she not been on her own for quite some time. Both my brothers live in the houses next to her. The blessings of the church and the people of this small town I grew up in is amazing. My parents contribution to this little community has not been forgotten. My dad and I talked politics all the time and we loved football. I have really missed him during this Bowl season. I would always call him during the Ohio State games at halftime. My folks always had martinis at 5pm most nights. When I was able to share that time with them, it was priceless. The last thing I want to share is my daughter and I said that the amount of love that my parents shared for each other was never more evident than the night my Dad passed away and the Days that led up to it. That, I will never forget.

    Reply
  14. Cara Crown says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    Sherry, I am very sorry for your loss but thank you for taking a moment at this difficult time to introduce us to your Dad. I truly enjoyed seeing your sweet pictures and peeking into the Truhlar family. I find it hard to be sad about someone’s passing when they lived a life with such zeal and love, not wasting a minute. I wish more of us aspired to live our lives like your Dad.

    Reply
  15. Doug Hawley says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:39 PM

    Your feelings may not have much to do with auctions, but they have everything to do with life. I can assure you that after twenty-five or thirty years, you won’t miss your Dad quite so much. .

    Reply
  16. Pat Seuberling says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:17 PM

    Sherry,

    My heart hurts for you. I am truly sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute about your father. How lucky you were to have had in in your life. Treasure those memories. His spirit will remain with you but yes you will miss him forever. I lost my mom on January 4, 1997 and my dad in 2002. I still miss them everyday. I will keep you and your family in my prayers through this sad and difficult time.

    Reply
  17. Christy Inge says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:13 PM

    Sherry,

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Yet isn’t it wonderful to have these beautiful, fun memories to hold onto! Your family will be in my prayers.

    Reply
  18. Jeff Eck says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:07 PM

    Sherry, Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Your blog about your Dad and growing up is really a tribute to your parents. Ciao, Jeff

    Reply
  19. Kristin says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:06 PM

    So sorry for you loss Sherry! It’s great that you have such fond memories of your dear father. Be kind to yourself during this time of grief! Hugs to you and your family.

    Kristin

    Reply
  20. Pete Woodcock says

    January 7, 2014 at 5:54 AM

    So sorry for your loss but this is a lovely piece. Your father was always very nice to me (I spoke to him a few times when calling your brother) – he was a gent!

    Reply
  21. patrick perez says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    Sorry about your loss, it gets easier with time.

    Reply
  22. Amy Snyder says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:53 PM

    Simply beautiful Sherry – such a loving story to share and I now deeply appreciate who he was and recognize him clearly in you. He had so much to be proud of in you two. What a pure gift. Hugs.

    Reply
  23. sally says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:04 PM

    Hi Sherry,
    I love your auction postings and have been following you for the last few years. Your Dad sounded like a terrific man and you were lucky to have him guide you through your childhood. I hope you will always treasure those special moments with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Sally

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Connect with Me Here

What auction planners say

Sherry, oh, Sherry! You were an invaluable asset to this year’s gala. With your assistance we were able to add so many new elements that truly made a difference in taking our event to another level. This year was the most successful yet! Everyone loved you and the amazing energy that you brought to the event. We look forward to having you again in 2018!

Krystal Fenwick

Thank you so much for the outstanding job you did for us on April 1! I have received so much positive feedback from so many who attended. You even earned Sister Suzan’s (our Vice-Principal) seal of approval! Safe travels to all your many events and thank you for making our biggest fundraiser of the year our best ever!

Diane Albano, Director of Development
St. Joseph Academy Catholic High School (St. Augustine, FL)

Sherry is flexible and easy to work with. She gives honest feedback and advice throughout the planning and implementation process. Without a doubt, Sherry and Red Apple Auctions has helped take our annual fundraising event to the next level.

Beckie Middendorf, Development Director and Janet Gulla, Development Coordinator
St. Henry District High School (Erlanger, KY)

Sherry is “on board” from day one of auction planning, works closely with our steering committee and is only just a phone call away. The night of the auction, we toss her the keys and let her drive the event! We are never disappointed!

Charly Ryan, Director of Institutional Advancement
The Academy of the Holy Cross (Kensington, MD)

I was very fortunate to have Red Apple on board for my first auction. Working with Sherry was invaluable. She provided guidance at every phase of planning, from procurement on forward – and she challenged us to make our event more ambitious and more successful at every stage. Thank you, Sherry!

Pete Goldlust, Director of Development
Oak Hill School (Eugene, OR)

If your auction needs to upgrade, call any auctioneer you find on Google. But if you want your auction to be impressive, meaningful, and profitable, you need to call Sherry.

Erin Banda
2016 NYUMBANI Board member

The auction was entertaining .. proactive … the crowd was involved and felt a part of it,” he said, emphasizing, “The entertainment value was huge.

Darrell, a long-time attendee

We plan on booking Red Apple Auctions much earlier for our next event so we can take advantage of more of the pre-event offerings.

Nicole Carr, Director of Grants and Special Events
The Ivymount School (Rockville, MD)

2012 Oakcrest Anne and CarolinaSherry, personally, I can’t even begin to tell you the immense amount of positive feedback that I received having YOU (and Darby) there with is this year!… Read The Rest “Anne Livaudais Knudsen, 5th year gala co-chair”

Aren’t KK and Michael a cute couple? PHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiIHNyYz0iaHR0cDovL3JlZGFwcGxlLmV2c3VpdGUuY29tL3BsYXllci9NakF4TWkxSGRXVnpkSE10UW5Wc2JHbHpMVXRMTFdGdVpDMU5hV05vWVdWc0xVcHZjMlZ3YUM1dGNEUT0vP2NvbnRhaW5lcj1ldnAtV0JBVTkwTlVBUyI+PC9zY3JpcHQ+PGRpdiBpZD0iZXZwLVdCQVU5ME5VQVMiIGRhdGEtcm9sZT0iZXZwLXZpZGVvIiBkYXRhLWV2cC1pZD0iTWpBeE1pMUhkV1Z6ZEhNdFFuVnNiR2x6TFV0TExXRnVaQzFOYVdOb1lXVnNMVXB2YzJWd2FDNXRjRFE9Ij48L2Rpdj4= They liked that I “moved the crowd along … kept the crowd engaged but wasn’t obtrusive or invasive. We were able to talk but still keep track of what was going on.”

Staci Meruvia 150 ptYou have NO idea of how many people came up to me (I know Julie as well) and said, ‘That auctioneer was incredible … she engaged the crowd, …… Read The Rest “Staci Meruvia”

Geri said: “Great job of getting potential donors in the room to step up to the plate and not feel guilty or bad about it. They actually wanted to give more … and that’s not something I’ve seen in many other auctioneers.” 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 The following… Read The Rest “Geri”

Irene attended one of my New Hampshire auctions and assumed I must be a radio personality — until I started to chant that fast talk. PHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiIHNyYz0iaHR0cDovL3JlZGFwcGxlLmV2c3VpdGUuY29tL3BsYXllci9SM1ZsYzNRdE1qQXhNUzFPU0ZOUVEwRXRTWEpsYm1VdWJYQTBMVEU9Lz9jb250YWluZXI9ZXZwLTVHMlVHQlFGN1YiPjwvc2NyaXB0PjxkaXYgaWQ9ImV2cC01RzJVR0JRRjdWIiBkYXRhLXJvbGU9ImV2cC12aWRlbyIgZGF0YS1ldnAtaWQ9IlIzVmxjM1F0TWpBeE1TMU9TRk5RUTBFdFNYSmxibVV1YlhBMExURT0iPjwvZGl2Pg== “I’ve been to this event before with a couple of other auctioneers,” she said, “Your ability to get personal… Read The Rest “Irene”

Most product & consulting remarks are found on their respective webpages, but I’ve listed two below so you’re assured my products are as spot-on as my auctioneering.   Not only was our 2013 auction a blast, but our Washington, D.C. public school raised $67,000 — that’s $25,000 more than last year! The evening went… Read The Rest “Carolyn Kahn-Hall and Andrea Del Vecchio”

Cynthia Steele Vance_150X180As a former Fox News Anchorwoman, I am often called on to perform at auctions. So, I know first-hand that auctioneering can be a difficult job. Sherry Truhlar is one of the best in the business.… Read The Rest “Cynthia Steele Vance”

Cynthia Steele Vance
Guest at The Potomac School 2014 auction (McLean, VA)

home | auctioneering | consulting | free item guide | about

 

Red Apple Auctions Co., PO Box 6066, Arlington, VA 22206
Toll free: 888-474-0838 | Email: Info@RedAppleAuctions.com | Copyright © 2005 - 2021

 

Sherry Truhlar • Charity Auctions • School Auctions • Fundraising Auctions • Auction Galas • Benefit Auctions

 

Terms of Use · Privacy Statement