U.S.S. Iowa BB-61 (Tribute for Michael Igneczi June 14, 1951 – April 10, 2013)

[Dented Rick]

On wednesday, April 10th, 2013, One of my dearest friends, Shannon, and his Brother, Bryan (Both good friends of mine) and Scotty (Shannon and Bryans mother, and Michaels wife) Lost their father, Michael Igneczi. I'll start with their own words first:

Shannon Igneczi
my dad... one of the purest souls I know, whose love and wisdom are beyond measure, whose impact has been tremendous, and whose absence will be indescribable...

I love you, Dad... your foot steps have been far too shortly lived, but your foot prints will last forever... God speed... I pray that the most of peace and grace surround you, and I thank you for everything

Bryan Igneczi
Just over a week ago, my family's lives changed forever. The sudden shock and unexpected passing of our dad, will forever linger in many minds. With still a heavy heart, I would like to say with a very deeply and heart full, Thank you everyone. For the flowers, wine, and cards that were sent to the house. For all the phone calls, and comments to various Facebook posts and pictures. For all the very kind words, and a very surprising, kind, well written tribute. For the handshakes and the simple hugs. Every word, thought, prayer and been a tremendous help, and will continue to help. There have been some good things from this week. I've learned some things some amazing things about my dad I never knew. Things as a kid, young man out of the military, and later in life. It's amazing hearing from all the people his life touched. Now I have an even better picture of how great of a man he is. I don't know if I'll every have to works to describe his passing, other then shock. Family is whomever one decides to call family. With the help of my family and friends, we will all help each other. Many have asked what can I do? For now, I'll ask, keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Keep those memories of my dad alive. Check in on us from time to time. I know many are wondering, and sometime a bit later, perhaps in summer, we will have something for our dad. When/where, still talking about it. When we have something, we will let y'all know. I would like to thank everyone again, and in time, thank everyone individually.

He left our world too soon, but he never left out lives

Scotty Igneczi:
Tired but sleep does not help.
Emptiness that can not be filled.
Laughter that does not ease the sadness
Food that does not feed a hunger.
The light of day that will slowly penetrate the darkness.
Arms that will never again hold me.
A love that will never diminish.

I would like to express my thanks and deep appreciation to my family, friends, Michael's coworkers, and our wonderful neighbors. Your caring, compassion and well wishes have given us comfort and has made the past several days more bearable. I have been overwhelmed by beautiful flowers from Chevron, Dawn & Tim Goodwin and family, Carolyn Edmonds and family, Scott & Kim Wood and family, Jeff & Tina Shaffer, Christopher & Ami Edmonds & family and Ingersoll Rand Company. Each day the Post brings wonderful cards; I am amazed, astounded and surprised at how many lives Michael touched. The outpouring of affection has helped so very much to ease the pain of the past week. I do not have words to describe how sudden and completely unexpected Michael's death was and it will be a long time before I no longer expect him to walk in the door after his long work days.
My life has been forever changed, I am slowly figuring out what needs to be done, slowly finding a new "normal"; wishing I knew a good computer hacker so I can get to information I need in Michael's computer. I can't call my In-House-Tech Support anymore. In the days and weeks to come I will need to remember something Michael often said to me, " you can do this".
I do not think there is such a thing as Heaven, I much prefer to think that my Dearest Michael is now among Carl Sagan's "Billions and Billions of Stars".

and Finally, from Sue Schmidt:
Michael Igneczi
June 14, 1951 – April 10, 2013

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the sudden passing of Richmond volunteer Michael Igneczi. Some of you remember him as that really nice guy with the mustache who often helped Bryan with bead blasting the Helo Deck. I’ve since learned in retrospect that not everyone realized that he was Bryan’s (a.k.a. Choo Choo’s) father. I remember him as quiet, but with a twinkle that belied a great sense of humor when he took his shades off. The two of them together were a riot with the endless ribbing, but it was very evident how proud he was of Bryan and how much he loved his family. Michael shipped out as a Boiler Technician (BT) 2nd Class aboard the destroyer USS Mahan, DLG-11in 1969 and served in the US Navy until June, of 1973. Following his time on the Mahan, he served a brief stint on the destroyer Everett F. Larson, DD-830 until he was transferred to the carrier USS Oriskany, CVA-34. He spent considerable time in the waters of the China Sea and off the coast of Vietnam. Right after getting out of the Navy, he married his sweetheart, Evelyn, (affectionately known as Scotty.) They had a son, Shannon, followed a few years later by Bryan, now 36. Michael studied computer technology at Diablo Valley College in Contra Costa and soon wound up working for Chevron as a unit Operator running refinery equipment. He later moved into the group managing the computer systems the Operators use to run that equipment. Michael was a “hands-on kind of guy” with mechanical inclinations and experience ranging from boiler maintenance and refinery plant operations to carpentry and auto repair. He was always tinkering with something. We know he infused at least one of his boys with a wicked sense of humor and love of the Navy. When I finally met his dad, I could see where Bryan got that side of him – at least in part. Michael would wax up his mustache, put on his shades and denim jacket, and come to the ship to do heavy labor with his son. He may have been quiet, but he loved his kid and he didn’t miss much. One thing I know is that we will all miss him.

Sue Schmidt
Volunteer Coordinator
Pacific Battleship Center
USS Iowa BB-61

I never met Michael, and didn't know much about the man, except for hearing Shannon and Bryan talk about him. The good times, the Bad times, etc. But that being said, I had nothing but respect for a Man who served his country, served his family, and could barely stay Idle for long.

This thread is my build of the U.S.S. Iowa BB-61 for Shannon, Bryan, and Scotty. The restoration of the Iowa was the last big thing Michael did with his life, and he did it alongside his son Bryan. In my mind, a fitting tribute to a Great man and his family. This one is for you Michael, I hope i do it justice.

During this build, if anyone has any tips or tricks to help me, please don't hesitate to share. this is my first Ship build, and it's a big model.

Thank you for reading, hope you enjoy the build.
~Rick

[John Bowden]

Cool tribute........ a must watch build thread.