Father's Day brings bittersweet memories for me these past several years. I lost my Dad 14 years ago and life has never been the same. He had a bigger than life personality. Even though he was a very successful concrete plant owner, he was an overgrown kid who loved to play.....golf, fish, camp, cards and spend lots of time with his wife, kids and granddaughters. Dad was a very generous man and wanted to make sure that everyone around him was having as much fun as he was. I really did have the perfect "Leave It To Beaver" upbringing. I always felt safe, secure and loved. A legacy that Frank and I are trying to continue through our children and grandchildren. So in honor of Father's Day here are a few pictures of some fun times that my Dad enjoyed.A salmon fishing trip off of our hometown Whidbey Island, WA in Dad's boat with Frank, my cousin, Mark and his brother-in-law, Kevin.
He and Mom getting ready to throw a party at their home.
One of many camping trips.
Dad clowning around at Burger King.
Several summers we packed up our trailers and went over the North Cascade Pass to Perrigan Lake for a week of camping, fishing and swimming. This was always a highlight of our year and one that we included friends in. We have the best memories from these trips. My dad took all of us to town everyday for an ice cream cone. We had boat parades on the lake, stories by campfire at night and ate like kings.But my favorite picture is this one. We were visiting my sister and her family off of Camano Island, WA one afternoon when our daughter, Jami was just little. It was hot that day, so we stripped her down and let her play in the water and sand. Here is Dad with her on the beach.
I could go on and on with stories of the tons and tons of wonderful times we have spent with my Dad and Mom. We were lucky to have lived in the same town and have them be such an intricate part of raising our girls. He would have got the biggest kick out of all these great grandchildren now. He loved kids and was a terrible tease. But we never tired of it and always came back for more.Thanks Dad for being the best.
Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Dad's out there!
XOXO Nancy
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6 comments:
Oh Nancy, I too have fond memories of your dad! Mostly they involve having the pee scared out of me on Halloween...but the loaded treat bags just for us were always a good payoff! What a sweet tribute to him...I LOVED looking at these pictures and remembering his bigger-than-life personality!
xoxo
Well that just started the tears that will go on through tomorrow! He was the BEST grampy in the world. I miss him so much. I can just feel his scruffy cheek right now. Happy Fathers Day Grampy..I love you!!!
Oh Nancy, I am siting here with tears running down my cheecks. What a great tribute to your dad!! We did have some really fun times. Cannot wait to see you guys soon! (so ready). Ludy
Nancy that was a wonderful post and from the images you post on your blog it looks like you are doing your father proud by creating a fun life and living it well!!
That brought lots of tears. That was great Mom! He was an amazing man! I miss him so much.
What wonderful memories. You made me feel like I knew him also. You and your family are doing a great job of living the life he so much taught you to live.
hugs
Deb
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