An Overlooked Hero Remembered

The Tribune overlooked
some major news from yesterday.
There was no mention of the fact
a hero passed away.

And since he battled cancer
for much longer than do most,
his death deserves a headline
in the Times, P-I and Post.

He grew up in obscurity
in Northern Idaho.
When Uncle Sam said, "I want you!"
this nephew said, "I'll go!"

On V-J Day he stood near Mac
aboard the Mighty Mo
and then went home to start a church
in Lapwai, Idaho.

He fell in love, got married
and was blessed with two fine sons.
He briefly worked in Oregon
and then in Washington.

To beautiful Wenatchee
this man moved his family.
As a landlord to the masses
he lived out integrity.

Tenants saw tough-love in action
when they trashed his property,
but they also saw a chaplain
to the whole community.

Those who had no church or pastor
found in him a helping hand.
He did funerals and weddings,
both informal ones and grand.

He made calls to those quite sickly.
In the hospital he prayed
for both healing and God's presence
to envelope those afraid.

And he did this full of cancer,
braving pain and growing weak.
This proud veteran still was fighting
persevering like a Greek.

A Marine is ever faithful.
He refused to ask God why.
He accepted his assignment
trusting Jesus. Semper Fi.

With undying adoration
for the starlight of his life,
he defined enduring romance
'tween a husband and a wife.

Yes, he was an unsung hero.
But I think that I should add
I am a partial observer.
This great hero was my dad.

* After battling prostate cancer for fourteen years, Edwin Asimakoupoulos passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. He is survived by his wife Star to whom he was married for 57 years and sons Greg (wife Wendy) and Marc (wife Sandy) and five grandchildren: Kristin, Allison, Lauren, Nicole and Matthew.