For My Dad

Dad was different. And if you knew him, you understand why I am saying that. He moved to the beat of his own drum with a long list of varied interests. He was a hard worker, a good listener, and when needed, he was there to give you a good kick in the rear.

He was obsessed with Soccer from an early age when he spent time overseas in England. He always reminded us that he coached and had his referee license while there. If ever he didn’t show up when he said he might, there was a good chance once you got him on the phone it was because he’d gotten caught up in watching an Arsenal soccer match. His obsession went as far as when his grandson Wyatt played the game, he would complain about the height of the grass if it was too much for the kids to get a good strike on the ball. He truly loved the sport.

One thing we truly had together was hunting, camping, and the time we spent in Elk Lick. Even now I believe it was his favorite place anywhere and he was truly at peace in those mountains. Even as recent as a trip to the hospital it would come up if we were going to go and spend time in Elk Lick for one more hunt. Dad didn’t just have the beard to look the part, he was truly at home being out in the woods whether hunting, gathering herbs, fishing, or just being one with nature he was a mountain man.

Dad loved dogs, and there was rarely a time when he didn’t have a favorite of his own from Smokey, Tiny, and Bear, and we couldn’t leave out his poodles Blondie and Talon. Even when he came to my house, he would sneak our dog treats, and they all loved him. They always loved seeing him come even if he didn’t have a treat for them, they knew they were getting pets. Dogs always know when someone is a good person at heart. And Dad had a big heart.

Dad had his beliefs…  Bigfoot and Aliens among a lot of other things, he loved his tails and a good cryptid conspiracy, and he got a kick out of it if someone didn’t believe. And he loved using a chainsaw, whether it was a simple task like cutting down trees or something more elaborate like making his art he was always up to something.

Most of all he was a dad, and though there may have been times we butted our heads for whatever reason, I always knew he had my back. He made me a better carpenter, hunter, and person. My biggest hope is that I can be half the father to Wyatt that you were to Joey, Lyle, and myself. You were supportive and loving and we made some of the best memories growing up and well into adulthood.

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is to say goodbye. The past month and a half have been rough but these past few days as fear has become reality have been the most heartbreaking. None of us know when we’re going to be called away, but we all thought we had more time with you.

You would have hated the fuss we’d made over you, but you didn’t realize the impact you had on others, especially those who loved you the most. I was proud to call you, my dad. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Love you old man.