Dad was a man of keen observation
Back in the 1960s when the picture went out on the set,
Dad would smack the top of the console or twist the rabbit ears
to improve the tv reception.
How did he know how to do that?
It was like Fonzie wrapping the jukebox,
before there was a Fonzie.
But looking back I understand why Dad chose this particular strategy to fix the tv -
Because it worked so well on his children
[motion of slapping the back of someone's head] Boom
"Can you you hear me now?"
Somehow a whack to the head helped transport the message to the part of the brain required for permanent storage.
I didn't fully appreciate it at the time but Dad taught me to be a good listener.
Listening is a critical skill required for academic and professional success.
Thanks Dad.
I don't know if Dad is in heaven right now, but I do know that the one sin he is definitely not guilty of is sloth.
When we were young Dad took us camping and boating but as we got older
Dad's idea of summer vacation was clearing wood lots and building garages.
The wood lots would always be
downhill
past a swamp
with plenty of blowdown between you and the road
Dad taught us that if you're willing to work hard you will never go hungry.
Dad believed in Rock Tumbler Theory of Character Development -
"Constant Friction Polishes".
Along with dinner time and family projects, we bonded around the tv set.
So it is only appropriate to describe Dad in terms of the characters who may have influenced his life.
My guesses are.
He had the quiet strength of Marshall Dillon
He learned his
marital skills from Ralph Kramden
and parenting technique from watching Sgt Carter work over Gomer Pyle.
And, even though his physical characteristics and direct style of speech may have conjured an Archie Bunker
Dad was not a racist.
He was really more of a white Fred Sanford.
Attitude and Aptitude
Dad was a Can Do guy
Always confident, consistently successful.
He was a leader.
It's easy to be an expert if you specialize.
for example you only fix VW Jettas.
But Dad could fix anything looking at it for the first time
He didn't need no stinkin manual.
And he consistently helped people that sought his aid.
We are judged by the standard that you should do what you're supposed to do.
Dad met that criteria with flying colors.
He worked his tail off to support his family.
He showed us how to be hard without sacrificing our humanity.
Dad was tight yet generous
He grew up in Depression where things came dearly.
He was careful with a dollar
He was a DIY guy.
He disdained lazy/indecisive people as "sitting around with their thumbs up their .."
Dad was not the Hug Doctor, given to open expression of affection.
But he expressed his caring in the manner he provided for his family and helped his friends.
He extended us credit when we needed credit.
He rescued us alongside the road or snowmobile path.
He fixed the stuff we broke.
He was our superhero.
Dad was a man of character
He always showed up
And he always knew just what to do.
He could solve the difficult problems.
He never shirked his responsibilities.
A tireless worker
Dad delivered!
He made his moments count.
He was generous with his time.
And, when it all comes down
time is all we have to give.
God Bless you Dad
We will miss you every day.
Yet we will carry you every moment.