The year 1997. When every Packers fan felt the glory, except one, my father, a proud Packers fan who considers himself one of the, if not the most dedicated Packers fan. A man that has not missed a Packers game since those Joahana Park games. A man who eats, sleeps, and lives by the Pack. 1996 a glorious outlook for this team of green and gold. Like every year the season prep started early summer. Family gatherings, men grouped into conversation, upcoming players, game schedule, most important - who will host the Super Bowl game.
And than this man was made to prepare for much more in life than one should ever have to. His wife, my mom, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her days limited. Mom, who sat by his side at these Packers games for years. Mom came home from the hospital, dad never left her side. His bed set right beside her hospital bed. That first home game came after mom got sick, dad said he wasn't going. Mom would hear of no such thing. Dad insisted, mom demanded. Finally dad went. We took care of mom while dad called several times through the games. Then the Pack did it!! They won the championship game. Dad clung to the glory of the moment while facing such sad reality. Mom held on to the inspiration that this team gave my father. She had us buying every championship article for him. Then the Super Bowl came. Mom was very weak. How was this man who live by his idol Vince Lombardi's slogan "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" watch his reason for living, slowly leave the world. We had ideals. Rent a Medi-Van, build ramps, mom could come to the Super Bowl gathering, if not only for a few minutes. But, while we planned, mom's earthly existence deteriorated. Dad toiled with what to do. He did what a true Packers spirit would do. My sister cared for our mother, he proudly watched his team win the Super Bowl, than humbly went home where he celebrated the moment with his love of life, mom. They held each other, reminisced the glory years. Tailgate party's, cold games, looked through Packers Memorabilia. They celebrated, laughed, cried, and prayed together, decided some of the most exciting moments they shared were with the green and gold. They never selfishly asked "why" instead had the true Pack spirit - "Thank God for the glory we've shared".
Mom went to the Blessed Kingdom on March 17, 1997. And the Pack as we all know won the Super Bowl, as for my dad, Ken Whitcomb, he still has yet to miss a game. During that season this die-hard green and gold man was challenged. He showed the type of spirit that our team show's every season. The dedication to their fans while keeping perspective on what is really important in life. Using that spirit to overcome many challenges that are presented. This is what makes the Pack true winners. This is the spirit that makes our community, the Packer organization and every Packer fan proud. My father truly carried that spirit during that tough season, and continues to have that spirit. He is also a winner. He is the pride of Green Bay Packers. He is deserving of being the fifth honorary fan installed in the Packers Fan Hall of Fame.
Submitted by his daughter, Sandee Markiewicz
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