Dad

My last post was Dec 5th. Coincidentally, my Dad went into the hospital on Dec 6th. Sadly, after being there over a month, Dad passed away 2 weeks ago, at the age of 80 (only 20 days before his 81st birthday).

He told people he was 81, but he really was only 80. I think he wanted to be 81, so he could say he lived longer than anyone else in his family. Technically, he lived longer than his older brother, by a few months, who also passed away at 80.

In his favorite hat

He was not the kindest or most patient man. But he was generous, loyal and loved his family fiercely. He really loved his 2 grand children so very much.

Last summer with Mom and the grandkids (Thomas and Isabelle)

I wasn't "Daddy's little girl". That was my sister. She was the first born, so she had hold of Dad's heart before I came along. But, in later years, my sister and brother both moved away, and it was my parents and me, at every holiday or family event. I think in the past couple decades, he appreciated my loyalty to him and Mom (I got that from him).

He loved his family.
He loved duck and goose hunting.
He loved golf.
He loved Italian food, and steak with A-1.
He loved bourbon and beer.
He loved his black labs and labradoodle.
He loved watching TV (mostly sports and crime shows).
He loved reading, too.
He loved his job, before he retired.

Relaxing by the pool, but NEVER in it

He hated water - but spent the last 36 years tending an in-ground pool, for the grandkids, Mom and the dogs.
He hated stupidity and laziness.
He hated waiting.

In Mom's garden

He had his personality flaws, like anyone, but I loved him. In the end, he was at peace and was ready to go, as he believed, to heaven.

I'll miss you Dad. R.I.P.