The man, the myth, the legend...

Since it's Father's Day weekend, I thought it was probably appropriate to do a little tribute to my Dad... or as I like to call him: The King of the Goofballs.

He and my Mom met back in the late 1960's when Dad was a Marine. He had dropped out of college to enlist and fight in the Vietnam war: an act that was both incredibly brave and patriotic - especially in light of this country's turmoil over what was a very "unpopular" war.



Despite the times and his experiences in Vietnam, He came back home to Mom with the goofy part of his personality intact.

Dad's always had a great sense of humor. I'm not sure, but it may have something to do with growing up in a house surrounded by women. He has always been outnumbered by the female members of his family. Growing up he had 11 siblings: 8 sisters and 3 brothers. I have a feeling that a sense of humor is essential if you grow up living in a house with so many women & only 2 bathrooms.

That's a vintage shot of his family circa 1977 at a family reunion. If you're looking for him, he's in the back row, second from the left.


Here's a more recent shot. He's a bit easier to find in this picture since he's sitting in the front row second from the left. This photo was taken at another, more recent family reunion...back in 2006.

Not only did he grow up surrounded by women, but when it came time to start a family he found himself on familiar ground when he and Mom had 2 girls. Thankfully the female to bathroom ratio was a little better for him. While the house still had 2 bathrooms, now he only had to share them with 3 females. The odds were definitely improving.

I'm not sure what to say except that he was (& still is) and excellent father. I mean, it takes a really special man to agree to wear a feather on his head & dance around in a circle so he can spend more time with his oldest daughter who thought it would be fun to be an Indian Princess.

And don't even get my grandma (Dad's mother-in-law) started...to her my Dad hung the moon. If you listen to her for any length of time you'll get an earful about all of Dad's wonderful attributes.


I can list a few myself...
He's a great photographer, and he also is quite a master at Photoshop. If he had posted any of these older pictures, they'd look a heck of a lot better. He is also a computer genius who has (seemingly) endless patience with those of us who can't seem to even get their printer and scanner working properly. He's also really smart and very logical which makes him a wonderful sounding board for his somewhat neurotic older daughter (thanks Dad!).


He's also a wonderful, patient and generous Grandpa. He loves spending time with all 4 of his grandkids.



And this is a man who takes his fun seriously! Even though he often refers to his grandchildren (and his children before them) as goofballs. I think we all know who the real goofball really is, don't we?





I love you Dad! Thanks for all you for your family. We couldn't ask for a better Dad or Grandpa. We love you very much. Happy Father's Day to you...King of the Goofballs!