My dad was a very special man. His humour, imagaination, personality and character brought pleasure and delight to all who knew him.
He was a wonderful story teller. You could ask him anything because he knew everything. There was never a better family man. He volunteered so much of his time in the community as a sports coach and on the board at the Elmwod Community Club. All of us enjoyed the opportunity to pursue any activity we liked including sports, figure skating, tap dancing and drama classes. At times, he worked three jobs and yet I always remember him being there. I am so glad I told him that.
As a child, I remember getting up in the morning and find him sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee. He had to get up very early to go to work but he was always cheerful. He worked very hard at the railway for over 40 years yet I know he also enjoyed his friends at work. Jack, Sal, John, Barefoot...and many more. Sometimes, his friend, Sal, would cook a big Italian feast that they would all enjoy. He maintained many of those friendships after he retired. He had strong, enduring friendships because he valued them so much.
He lost part of his thumb on the job because he stepped in to save a coworker. He never talked about it but when he told me how it happened, I read between the lines.
Dad loved travel and for him, a lot of the fun was in the planning. The journey was as much of an adventure as the destination. He shared that with Mom and the four of us. I have many wonderful memories of day trips out and about and special events like going out into the woods with Snoopy our dog to bring home a Christmas tree. He loved to go off the main road to explore. He would find a quiet spot, stop the car and roll down the windows. Then he would tell us to listen. At first there was silence and then slowly we would become aware of the birds singing, the insects chirping and the wind in the trees. He taught me the beauty in the ordinary moments of life.
We also took trips across Canada and Mom and Dad traveled through all 50 states. He especially loved Hawaii.
I counted my dad among my friends. We talked on the phone daily, sometimes for hours at a time. We particpated in hockey and football fantasy leagues. We enjoyed countless times at Assiniboia Downs, When you were with my dad, it wasn't just about the event, it was a whole experience.
My dad taught me to listen to my inner voice and honour my intuition. He taught me a strong work ethic, integrity and compassion. He also instilled in me a love of travel, reading (although he didn't enjoy reading, he encouraged it) and most central to my life, wrtiing.
He never lost the kid in him. He had a sense of play that he expressed with his children and grandchildren. No one topped him when it came to Easter egg hunts. We would find chocolate eggs and treats hidden about the house long after the holiday had passed. He would carve wonderful pumpkins at Halloween and enjoyed eating the candy that the four of us hauled home in pillow cases.
There are so many stories to share. These are but a few.
He left this world with a rich legacy. The world is so much less without him.
Nancy
