My dad went to heaven Thursday, April 3, 2025. Alzheimer’s has been part of his life over 13 years. ALZ did suck but my selfish side is so grateful that he lived to be 83 and I was able to show him love and compassion throughout his illness.
If you grew up with me, you know how involved my dad was in my life. He offered encouragement and guidance throughout. He coached my softball teams (shuttled kids to and from our practices/games), he picked me up from my tumbling classes on his way home from work, and he taught many of my friends and me how to water ski (while keeping his cool doing so.) My dad backed me in all of my school events (a cheer dad, a parent-sponsor of my HS class, lock-in/prom chaperone.) My dad was a cool dad – he loved rock ‘n roll and our neighborhood friends called him Sonny Bono (back in the late 70’s).
Growing up, my dream job was to be a hairdresser. My senior year of HS, my dad told me (yes, told me) to pick a college because he wanted me to get my degree. It wasn’t until after I graduated and had my 2nd real job that I realized why he wanted that for me.
My dad had a great work ethic. He was a mechanical engineer – he designed air conditioning systems for hospitals nationwide. I learned at his retirement party years ago that he mentored several engineers and a few now own their own engineering firm.
My dad spent his weekends working on my mom’s honey-do lists, working on cars and repairing things that needed to be fixed around the house. He loved Corvettes and owned 5 in his lifetime. Now you know why I love Vettes.
My dad loved Michael (who doesn’t!) He called Michael, “The Boss.” When I was dating Michael and wanted to get him the perfect birthday gift, my dad suggested chrome pipes for his car – my dad couldn’t wait to weld those onto MJ’s Camaro. After Michael & I married, I always called my dad to fix things at our house.
My dad was the best Papa to Crystal and Cody (& his other 3 grandkids.) He played Lincoln Logs, Legos, Candyland, and card games with them. He never missed their sporting, cheerleading or dancing events. At the kids’ little league & high school games, my dad always found a seat next to his favorite baseball parents so that he could cut up and get a laugh in. He so enjoyed getting to know my friends.
When my baseball flip flops went viral on FB, my dad (& mom) were my unpaid workers. My dad cut up 200 leather baseballs with his arthritic hands – it wasn’t an easy task. Oh, remember my spirit jeans – yep, he (& mom) cut out most of the fabric letters. He was always willing to help me out no matter the project.
My dad was THE BEST DAD!
