Wednesday, February 19, 2020
100 Years
On February 18th, 1920 my Dad was born. Today he would have been 100 years old. He passed away in 1976 at age 56. I think of him daily. I wonder what he would have thought about the world today. He was wondering what the heck was going on in the world when he was still here on earth. He used to say, after hearing about something on the news, "Is it "them" (who's nuts) or is it me?" He had a good sense of humor and could always make you smile or laugh. He could fix anything. I picture him under the hood of a car or under the house fixing one thing or another. If you had a problem or needed help he'd be there and help you through it. I always thought he was the smartest man I knew. I always felt safe growing up knowing he'd always be there to take care of us along with Mom. Every July his company closed the factory down where he worked as a tool and dye maker and that's when we took our vacations. We camped all over the country. We planned those trips in the Winter. He'd get out the big campground book that had all the places to stop and we'd pick out the ones that met our requirements. A place for us kids to swim and play, showers and flushing toilets, and if we would be there any length of time he'd want a lake so he could fish. He loved fishing. He and Mom bought a little house in Wisconsin, about an hour from Chicago and that's where my Grandparents lived. However, right down the road was a lake. So he not only found a place his parents could live, it also had a place for us to play, swim and he could fish! I told you he was smart! He loved to read and he loved to write poetry. He played guitar and loved to sing, especially at Christmas. I could go on and on and I truly wish he was here to celebrate his birthday. He loved family gatherings too! I know he would truly have enjoyed his Grandkids and Great-Grandkids. So Happy 100th Birthday Dad! We all miss you and hope you're up in heaven looking down at your family knowing that you were so loved and you were the best Dad ever!
Young man at 17.
Movie star good looks!
Served his country in WWII...drove a tank in the Army and fought many battles.
Had the best smile!
Loved his dog Rebel.
Dad singing to Mom and me at my wedding.
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11 comments:
Hi, YaYa!
Blessings to you and your family as you remember your father on his 100th birthday. Every time you post pictures of your dad I conclude that he did indeed have the dashing good looks of a movie star. From previous posts about him on Whispering Pines I learned that he was a brave, hard working, dependable family man, the go-to guy when you had a problem or needed something fixed. In that respect he always reminds me of the father figure I was fortunate to have, Mr. John Ettline. Thanks for sharing in this centennial tribute more information about your father including the facts that he was an avid reader, wrote poetry, played guitar and sang. What a splendid moment when he sang at your wedding! I know how much you wish your father were here to celebrate his 100th birthday and holidays throughout the year with your mom and the wonderful, growing, evolving family they started all those years ago. Surely your dad would be as proud of you as you are of him. I have no doubt that your dad got this loving message from you today and that it means a great deal to him to be remembered so fondly... as the best dad ever. Although your father's life was short, it was a life very well lived, and his glowing legacy lives on.
Happy 100th he sounds like a wonderful guy and a big hole must of opened up in your family when he passed.
Cathy
What wonderful memories. My mom was also born in 1920 - July of that year and I was just thinking the other day that she would be 100 years old. Thanks for sharing this lovely memories. Have a good week!
Happy birthday to your dad. Wonderful memories.
My dad loved fishing too.
How sweet with your dad singing to you and your mom at your wedding! Beautiful picture of that! I'm curious, what was the song? All great pictures of your dad; wonderful man he must have been and he left a great legacy! Happy 100th to him! He probably would have shaken his head a lot with all that is going on in the world these days!
betty
What a beautiful post of a lovely, lovely man. And you are right, so very handsome!!
You know, Richard's Dad was born on Feb. 21, 1920, so they were born in the same week, but on opposite sides of the ocean. Richard's Dad was also in WW2 and he also was in a tank.
I hope that I can write of Richard's Dad just half as good as you wrote of your father here. A beautifully written piece, my friend. xx
Shucks, I love your dad too! My kind a man. Fix it all! But he sure left too soon that is for sure. My dad made it to 69.
Love the pictures and the tribute..
Love to you
Sherry & jack
happy birthday!! and greetings from indonesia
Happy Birthday to your dad. Always the good die so young. He was a very smart man indeed. My dad passed at 64 and I still miss him too. We use to take family vacations too! Also served in the war like your dad, but the Korean War. Wonderful post about your lost loved one. Janice
Happy sweet bday to your dad. Wonderful memories you have of him that you’ll never forget. It shows what he instilled in you to be a wonderful person like him.
happy birthday to your dad. Great to have a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. Memories our our loved ones are awesome.
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