Submitted by his daughter

I am the proud daughter of Ralph Stott Jr. My dad was killed in an arson fire on September 30th 2002. We buried him on October 3rd‚ the anniversary date of his 24th year with the Terre Haute Fire Department. I was told over and over that my dad died a hero that Monday morning. When I spoke at his funeral I made sure everyone knew that my dad lived a hero. Any one that puts their life on the line to keep others safe is a hero. I miss my dad so much some days I don’t know if I can make it without him. The hurt in my heart is so great. My dad was larger than life in every way. From his voice‚ his laugh‚ his smile and his big ole bear hugs. He let you know how he felt about you‚ if he loved you or if he didn’t. My dad was one of a kind. He was a good man. He was a good son‚ brother‚ husband‚ friend‚ grandpa dad‚ and fireman. He has been missed so much since his death. I pray every day that there will be something good that comes for my dads death. That there is someone out there somewhere that will benefit because of it. I know that I am so blessed to have such a wonderful guardian angel looking out for me and my kids. I am so sad because he was taken before he had a chance to hold my triplets in his arms and tell them how much he loved them. But please know that my dad is in a better place. That right now he is sitting with my Granny (his mother) and my sister Jessica listening to Elvis sing I DID IT MY WAY. And believe me‚ my dad did.