On this day in 1932, the greatest man I have ever known was was born.

[imanamerican63]

Last edited Tue Dec 6, 2022, 08:31 AM - Edit history (1)

He was my father. He married the greatest woman I have ever known (my mother, of course) in 1954. In 16 years they had 9 children. He work hard as a truck driver and provided us with the necessary things to get us through our lives. He was a good man, yet hard. He wanted the best for each of us. He adored my mother. He was the glue that held us together. There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve. Then if he couldn’t? He would make it work somehow! He was a man with pride to see his children succeed. He built character in each of us. These were just some of him amazing traits. We lost him way too early. I miss him dearly. He was my father, friend, mentor, teacher and most importantly he was my reason that I am who I am today. Happy 90th birthday Dad. I will see you again someday.

[marble falls]

1. We had the same dad! Wait, is that you, Steve? Dad's birthday was in 1932 - but in April! ...

... and he was a banker with three step-kids and gave us three, three new brothers. Dad was amazing. How he kept us from knowing how close it was to the line while he and mom were working in the bank branches, how he knew almost everything when it came to fixing and reusing ...

Been good remembering with you, even if you aren't Steve (another good man himself - like you, too).

Thank-you so much for telling me about your dad. I am fortunate, my dad is still fixing things, I think I'll call him in a couple of hours.

[Siwsan]

2. Your words reflect my feelings about my father

He came from very humble beginnings. In high school he was a star football player. He joined the Marines as soon as he graduated, right at the end of WWII. Used the GI bill to go to Michigan State, where he also played football. Then on to a teaching/coaching career where he had 2 championship seasons. He's still a bit of a legend in the town where he coached. The field is named for him.

For many years he didn't earn a lot of money but he did everything he could for us. During the Summers he worked 3rd shift security at one of the local GM auto plants.

He instilled in us a love of reading, a love of travel (cross country camping trips) and a love of history. When I was in a school play he would attend the dress rehearsal AND all performances, dragging my mom along. (She couldn't understand why I needed to be 'in the spotlight'.)

When I joined the Navy he teased me about being a 'Swabby' but he came to my basic training graduation and was as proud as he could be. He also came to visit me when I was stationed in Iceland. After I left the Navy, we'd spend lots of time sipping on Manhattans and talking about our military experiences. We had such a tight bond.

He was born February 24, 1928 and died August 20, 1999. I think of him and miss him every single day.

We were both very lucky to have such amazing fathers. So many aren't.

[CommonHumanity]

3. And mine too

Although my Dad had some failings and made some big mistakes, he loved each of his children will ALL HIS HEART. There are simply no words to describe how much I miss him. He died 4 years ago and left a gaping hole in my life. I miss him so much, but am comforted by knowing that I made a point of spending quality time with him, made sure he knew how much I loved him and helped make his death more peaceful.

[CurtEastPoint]

4. Very nice tribute. Dad appreciates and love you all.

[judesedit]

5. You have been very fortunate to have been taught some very important lessons

by that great man. I hope all of your siblings feel the same way. May you pass it on to your children.

[Dustlawyer]

6. This could have been my dad too except the date would have been 6/25/1932.

[niyad]

7. A most beautiful and loving tribute.

[Rebl2]

8. It sounds like

you had a wonderful father who really cared for his family ☺️.

[LuvLoogie]

9. May his love and spirit remain with you always.

[Richard58]

10. I envy you.

I always get a little wistful when I hear people talk about how close they were with their fathers. My dad died in 2019 at the age of 88. I was never close to him. Mind you, he was a good provider and I always had nice clothes and good food to eat. But he was also very verbally abusive. He constantly put down me, my brother and my mom. Nothing was ever good enough for him. He always had to find fault with something. His favor word for me was "stupid". As in "Why are you so stupid?", "What stupid book are you reading now?", "Are you going to wear that stupid outfit to the party?" and on and on. There were times I hated him and wanted to tell him to STFU. But he had a terrible temper and I was afraid of him. I don't miss him. Anyway I didn't mean to put a damper on the celebration of your dad. I just wish I had a dad like yours. May your father RIP.