Your Dad

[Mobasser]

I've held off making this thread because I know it's a personal topic for many.                 My father was a very old school guy. He grew up in the 1930s, and served as a gunner on a bomber crew in WW2. He was very patriotic, and the flag flew on our house all year.                                 He was a great dad, but strict also. Poor grades in school, laziness, and disrespect we're not tolerated. He taught me about engines, tools, and how to fix things. He loved his family, and loved getting together with his grandchildren.                                  He also loved dogs, and always treated our dogs very well. He was tough, but never acted like it, and everyone who knew him liked him. He was married to my mom for almost fifty years. When he met someone, he always gave a firm handshake, and looking directly at the person, a kind word also.               I feel very lucky to have had him for a dad.                           What was your father like?

[A-Jay]

  What was your father like?

Me.

Just less physically fit. 

A-Jay

[padlin]

My dad… grew up poor, was a grunt in WWII, and hated Patton. Did some boxing in the service and for a few years after, all 5’6” of him. Loved to party, so of course being a tough Irish guy, he became a cop. I don’t remember him being in uniform, he was a detective when I was a kid. Worked 3 jobs, 2 part time along with the PD, so what I saw of him as a kid mostly was him being asleep on the living room floor.

 

We did spend some time together in the church bowling league when I was in my early teens. I went in the service out of high school and he retired shortly there after due to heart issues. He went back to work after a triple bypass, but got concerned when he got in his first car chase after, the other cops kind of went overboard getting the bad guy before my dad could, so he retired before someone got in trouble trying to protect him.

 

 He passed at 58. 

[Mike L]

Papa was a combat engineer in WW 2. 
Other than telling us that he built runways in the Azores and Aleutian Islands he would never talk about it. 
A few times when the subject came up at a family function or whatever, he always did the same thing….

He’d put his head down for a few seconds, got up and left the room. 

He bought a lot of land from the General Development Co from the back of a Life Magazine in 1952 for $10.00 down $10.00 month.
After working for Ford Mo Co for 33 yrs he retired built a house on it and moved to Florida. 
 

He was a 1st generation Sicilian American who loved the city of Chicago, Mayor Daley, Sicilian cooking, Cubs and Bears. 
Hated the White Sox and didn’t understand hockey. 

My Pa was a very quiet and reserved man who never ever showed any emotion regardless of the circumstance.
It was amazing how he never let anything bother him. I always thought he was afraid to do so. 
He was absolutely fiercely loyal to his family and our heritage. 

Papa was the strongest man I’ve ever known. 

 

 

Mike

[T-Billy]

1 hour ago, Mobasser said:

I've held off making this thread because I know it's a personal topic for many.                 My father was a very old school guy. He grew up in the 1930s, and served as a gunner on a bomber crew in WW2. He was very patriotic, and the flag flew on our house all year.                                 He was a great dad, but strict also. Poor grades in school, laziness, and disrespect we're not tolerated. He taught me about engines, tools, and how to fix things. He loved his family, and loved getting together with his grandchildren.                                  He also loved dogs, and always treated our dogs very well. He was tough, but never acted like it, and everyone who knew him liked him. He was married to my mom for almost fifty years. When he met someone, he always gave a firm handshake, and looking directly at the person, a kind word also.               I feel very lucky to have had him for a dad.                           What was your father like?

Your dad and my maternal Grandpa were a lot alike. Your description of your dad fits my gramps to a T. Gramps was a radio man in a B-24 in WW2. They hunted german subs over the English channel. He's been gone 35 years, and I still miss him something terrible. He was the greatest role model in my life. I was very blessed to have him, and a couple great uncles who took an interest in me in my life. My dad was an alchoholic bum.

[Mobasser]

9 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Papa was a combat engineer in WW 2. 
Other than telling us that he built runways in the Azores and Aleutian Islands he would never talk about it. 
A few times when the subject came up at a family function or whatever, he always did the same thing….

He’d put his head down for a few seconds, got up and left the room. 

He bought a lot of land from the General Development Co from the back of a Life Magazine in 1952 for $10.00 down $10.00 month.
After working for Ford Mo Co for 33 yrs he retired built a house on it and moved to Florida. 
 

He was a 1st generation Sicilian American who loved the city of Chicago, Mayor Daley, Sicilian cooking, Cubs and Bears. 
Hated the White Sox and didn’t understand hockey. 

My Pa was a very quiet and reserved man who never ever showed any emotion regardless of the circumstance.
It was amazing how he never let anything bother him. I always thought he was afraid to do so. 
He was absolutely fiercely loyal to his family and our heritage. 

Papa was the strongest man I’ve ever known. 

 

 

Mike

Mike, our dad's sound much alike. My dad never talked about the war, and I never saw him get rattled. He could keep his cool in any situation.

[Jar11591]

My dad is an old hippie who is quickly approaching 80. Seems surreal that I have an almost 80 year old father. 
 

He spent most of his life working for the state with developmentally disable people until he became a computer programmer.

 

Hes always been hardworking, selfless, calm and cool. He taught me how to fish (albeit left handed and I’m a righty, so I fish like a hybrid), drive, and most other fatherly things. Couldn’t have asked for a better father. We still go fishing when he is feeling up to it. 
 

These days his health and mobility isn’t the best, and he spends most of his time on the golf course or on the back porch with his cigars. 

[Darth-Baiter]

you all were lucky.  my dad died when i was 13. i dont remember much.

[GreenPig]

My daddy lived, loved, and worked hard(plumber) the 64 years he was here. He of course taught me to shoot, hunt, and fish. He was the kind of man that'd help anyone that needed help.

I worked with him for three years(plumbing) and he always liked to tell folks that one of the happiest days of his life was the days I quit and went to college. 

[WRB]

My Dad was a immigrant from Scotland at age 6 and became a naturalized USA citizen. Grew up in SoCal, was on the USC water polo team. Worked for Howard Hughes Oil Drilling Co until Howard Hughes Jr started up his Aircraft Co.

My Dad worked on several aircraft from Howard’s 1st a plane he didn’t get a contract for and sold the design to the Japanese became the Zero. Spruce Goose and F1 the counter rotating propeller design.

We lived at Big Bear lake and Dad commuted to by flying his small airplane to work returning weekends. We spent mostly vacation time together as a family and boating was our the center of nearly everything we did from fishing to racing.

Dad was the glue holding our family together, always claim when Mom was flying off the hook.

My Grandma taught us fish and took care of 3 sons during summers while Dad and Mom worked.

I am a lot like Dad, aerospace engineer and dedicated to my career and hobbies, mis him.

I am the only surviving family member, Dad passed at age 94, Mom at age 102, Bill at age 32 in ‘72, Bob at 74 in 2017.

Tom

[Darren.]

I lost my Dad shortly before Christmas 2022. He was 92.

Dad was my hero. My best friend. An ear that would listen

and provide wisdom that was bottomless.

 

Dad served in the Navy, Lt. Commander. He was not one

who took patriotism lightly, nor ignorantly. He was a thinker,

not a blind follower. He taught me to think.

 

I miss my Dad dearly. He taught me fishing, among many

other things in life. He is missed, mourned. I will always love

and cherish his wisdom, tolerance, love. Now let me shed 

some tears.

[Woody B]

1 hour ago, Darth-Baiter said:

you all were lucky.  my dad died when i was 13. i dont remember much.

My Wife's Dad passed away when she was 12.   

 

I would never intentionally disrespect my Dad, and I'll do anything I can for him.    My Dad (who's still kicking at 88) was a hard worker.   When I was very young he had me out in the garden setting out tomato plants.   I was struggling to dig holes, put the plants in them, cover them up, the carry water in a bucket to water them.   I asked "why are you making me do this?  It's really hard for me but it would be really easy for you."   He said "I'm teaching you to work".   I've always been a hard workers, and I've always hated tomatoes.   

 

My Dad was always busy.  He was a building contractor.   When he wasn't working he was hunting or fishing.  I didn't get to go much.   When I was really young I'd get fussed at for not being able to keep up walking through the fields quail hunting.   By the time I was old enough to keep up I either didn't want to go, or I'd walk so fast he couldn't keep up with me.   He would take me fishing every now and then, but I wasn't allowed to cast until he said I could.   I got my butt whipped once, and not allowed to cast again on that trip because I cast to a lay down and caught a bass before he cast to it.   

 

He was always too busy to go to any of my ball games or other activities when I was a kid.  My Mom was always there though.   

 

He was usually very negative about anything I done but my Sister(a year older than me) was always perfect.   I've always been the one he calls when he needs something.   

 

Years ago I gave up caring what he thinks about me, or trying to please him.   Ironically that was when I discovered I no longer needed alcohol or drugs.    

 

Sorry for the rant.   I feel lucky to have the parents I had.   My Dad taught me how to work, but I feel like he screwed me up in some other ways, until I straightened myself out.   

[DitchPanda]

 I'm fortunate enough to still have me dad...he just turned 68. He taught me how to fish , how to safely handle a gun and how to throw and hit a baseball. More importantly he taught me the value of hard work, it you want things you work for them because people don't owe you anything.

 Also instilled toughness in me, he's a very no bulls$%& type of guy that has no problem sticking up for himself or his loved ones. My father is nobody's doormat and I'm very happy that he passed that trait down to me. Honestly both of my parents were and are great...I'm the man I am today because of them.

 Funny thing is from the age of 15 to about 22 I would have sworn my dad was the dumbest man on the planet. Then one day I woke up and realized he had it figured out and I had my head up my a#$. Now at 40 my relationship with my father is less father and son and more buddy\buddy. Its pretty awesome.

 

[12poundbass]

My dad is and still is a good man. He grew up pretty poor and said their family was the last house in town to get indoor sewer. He worked a lot of side jobs as a finish carpenter so there were a lot of times he wouldn’t get home until late. It wasn’t until a few years ago I found out he did that so we could have the things we had. We didn’t grow up poor by any means at all, it was for the summer vacations, etc. and let’s face it, there were three of us siblings and kids aren’t cheap. No matter where I was for baseball or hockey, he was always there. When I was in the hospital for my chemo treatment he was there every day except one, and that time he didn’t come was because I forced him to go to my stepmoms work Christmas party because I wanted them to enjoy a night not being in the hospital with me. He still put up a bit of a fuss, but I won. ?

 

He’s retired but still works side jobs to stay busy. We talk a few times a week, and see each other frequently. He wasn’t into hunting or fishing, my stepdad got me into that. We had plenty of other things in common. I’m pretty lucky to have a good dad.

[slonezp]

Dad is 83. He worked 2-3 jobs most of his life to take care of his family. Retired his last time at 77. Needless to say, he was always busy when we were kids. I will throw in, one of my siblings was developmentally disabled and got the bulk of mom and dad's attention. Rightfully so. When we did see him, he took us fishing, shooting, and bowling. 

Dad is a hardcore Catholic only to be out Catholic'd by my mother. Was an altar boy as a kid and usher's every weekend at his church to this day.

He put my brother and sister thru college and made sure my disabled brother was in the right schools and eventually, group homes. Dad got on every board of directors to make sure he had say in how the special ed programs were ran in the facilities my brother was in. My brother is long gone and dad is still on the board of the last group home my brother lived in. 

I am nothing like my father and everything like my father.

I made every bad decision I could with my life. He let me/made me pay for it. While I always loved him and respected him, we were not really close until my mother passed away 3 years ago. We went from speaking on holidays and fishing trips to almost daily. I see him once or twice a week now. My siblings are out of state and I handle whatever he needs help with. 

 

I got a call from him this past Saturday morning. He got T-boned at an intersection and his car ends up hitting a kid on a scooter. Car is, I'm assuming, a total loss. Dad walked away uninjured. He went to church that evening and prayed for the kid he ran into. 

That's my dad.

 

[wdp]

My dad is ex military also, both Navy and retired from Air Force. Did 2 tours in Viet Nam. He was always pretty strict and strong disciplinarian when I was growing up. I thought he was a bit mean when I was a kid ?, but he was also very funny, goofy, and kind hearted, or I should stay still is. As I got older as an adult, I began to appreciate the discipline & realized it helped me learn right from wrong, not be spoiled, and generally a good person. 
 

He also taught me to fish from an early age. We fished together many times for almost 50 yrs. He’s 83 now & pretty deep in it with dementia. Our fishings days ended about 5 yrs ago but 2 yrs before that, it was difficult to keep him focused on fishing for more than about 2 hours. ☹️ It was hard to come to grips with our fishing being over, but I’ve come to terms with it & have plenty of great memories. Here’s one from the early 70s when I was only 7, a 7.5 lb bass he helped me catch on the ole Zebco 33. And another pic of one of our last fishing trips together a few yrs ago. 

[slonezp]

24 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

My dad is and still is a good man. He grew up pretty poor and said their family was the last house in town to get indoor sewer. He worked a lot of side jobs as a finish carpenter so there were a lot of times he wouldn’t get home until late. It wasn’t until a few years ago I found out he did that so we could have the things we had. We didn’t grow up poor by any means at all, it was for the summer vacations, etc. and let’s face it, there were three of us siblings and kids aren’t cheap. No matter where I was for baseball or hockey, he was always there. When I was in the hospital for my chemo treatment he was there every day except one, and that time he didn’t come was because I forced him to go to my stepmoms work Christmas party because I wanted them to enjoy a night not being in the hospital with me. He still put up a bit of a fuss, but I won. ?

 

He’s retired but still works side jobs to stay busy. We talk a few times a week, and see each other frequently. He wasn’t into hunting or fishing, my stepdad got me into that. We had plenty of other things in common. I’m pretty lucky to have a good dad.

Kids don't know they're poor until they go to school. LOL I remember getting made fun of because I wore Roebucks (for you young guys Sears) jeans that were hand me downs, while the other kids all wore Levi's. Think I got my first pair of Levi's when I started Jr High.

[wdp]

1 hour ago, DitchPanda said:

 I'm fortunate enough to still have me dad...he just turned 68. He taught me how to fish , how to safely handle a gun and how to throw and hit a baseball. More importantly he taught me the value of hard work, it you want things you work for them because people don't owe you anything.

 Also instilled toughness in me, he's a very no bulls$%& type of guy that has no problem sticking up for himself or his loved ones. My father is nobody's doormat and I'm very happy that he passed that trait down to me. Honestly both of my parents were and are great...I'm the man I am today because of them.

 Funny thing is from the age of 15 to about 22 I would have sworn my dad was the dumbest man on the planet. Then one day I woke up and realized he had it figured out and I had my head up my a#$. Now at 40 my relationship with my father is less father and son and more buddy\buddy. Its pretty awesome.

 

I think we all break that wall thinking our parents are one way or another, whether it’s mean or dumb or whatever, at some point in our 20s. I think it’s the point we’re finally mature enough to see things more clearly ? & maybe less self centered. But it’s best too because we really appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made for us, for many years no less. 

[slonezp]

34 minutes ago, wdp said:

I think we all break that wall thinking our parents are one way or another, whether it’s mean or dumb or whatever, at some point in our 20s. I think it’s the point we’re finally mature enough to see things more clearly ? & maybe less self centered. But it’s best too because we really appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made for us, for many years no less. 

Children don't need to appreciate the sacrifices their parents made for them. They do need to recognize them. 

 

Parenting sucks. Yet, it an be the most enlightening thing anyone could experience. 

[NorcalBassin]

I've been incredibly fortunate to get to fish with my dad 40+ times/yr for the last 15 years or so and it's still something we both really look forward to. He's 78 now and been the epitome of a father, husband (married to my mom 57 years), and man for me to model after as best as I could (he's the OG senko, I'm a knockoff that generally does well but can't approach the performance of the original ?).

 

He still works a couple days per week, plays softball, cuts and splits all of their firewood, and helps more people than I can count at church with their projects or anything else they need. I could ramble on for another couple thousand words but will leave it there... I cherish all of the memories and count my blessings we're still able to make more of them.

[LrgmouthShad]

Dad is still alive. I grew up hunting with him and sometimes the rest of the family as well. He is quiet and raised me in a very “hands off” way. Far from neglection, I realized it was his way of just telling me, “You got it, you can figure it out.” He has given me great advice when he decides to, but otherwise he has let me grow into the man that I want to be, just kinda watching over my shoulder to make sure I don’t do something stupid, and if I did, he would correct me. Dad is also one of the smartest people that I know. He is incredibly sharp, well-read, skillful in many things - a true renaissance man. DIY is the way he runs his life. He’s competitive as well. He has a profound appreciation for the outdoors and understands on some level a spiritual aspect to this life. He also served in the Army for a long time, making a career out of it and serving overseas. I have a lot of respect for my Dad. 

 

Because of the way my Dad has raised me and allowed me to be who I want to be, we are quite different. And that’s okay. We both respect one another and we both understand one another. I try to fill his shoes as best I can.

[greentrout]

My dad was born in N. Ga. with a long list of ancestors.  Joined the Navy at 17 and served on a ship in the Korean War. Married Mom and my sister and I were born. He worked for the old Amoco Oil company for 35 yrs. -- retired at 55. Started in a warehouse after the military. Had a higher up see him who asked if he'd like to get into sales. He accepted and ended up being one their best in buying and selling real estate. Took me fishing at an early age to many farm ponds where I learned how to fish. One of his fishing buddies who went to the Santee Cooper on a regular basis taught me how to bass fish. He was honest and direct. Gave me an exposure to Church every Sunday. He was tough and sometimes hard on me. Glad he was. I miss him. 

[N Florida Mike]

My dad was the best man I’ve ever known. He was from SW Virginia. Scots/irish ancestry primarily.  He grew up poor esp. after granpa ran off. He was the oldest of the 3 siblings, and went to work young to support his mom and siblings. He was determined to have a good family, probably from his own bad experience. He met and married my mom in NC .

He worked 7 days a week for a long time with the railroad. When I was around 7 , he started getting sundays off , and half day saturdays. Not long after that, he got the whole week end off. He started taking me to church, modeled a life of  faith to me, how to be a man, and he taught me the basics of baseball and outdoor pursuits, esp. fishing. He worked me hard outdoors, which I still do a lot of. I work primarily because he set that example for me.

He was a strict disciplinarian, but never abusive. The discipline he gave kept me out of a lot of  trouble later on .  He treated my mom like women should be treated, with love and kindness. He never cussed me out , called me a name or ridiculed me in any way. That’s says a lot because I was a handful as a kid.  But He was strong physically and internally. He stopped my sicilian nieghbor once for yelling at me for missing a spot mowing his yard. He told him in no uncertain terms to stop, and he did. Last time that happened.

He passed in 2008. I think about him nearly every day. Could write another 10 pages about him…

 

[Scott F]

My dad was a pilot in a B-24 bomber. I heard from my mother that he lost a lot of good friends during the war and wouldn’t talk about his experiences. He was a quiet guy and never had a lot to say. He was a hunter, fisherman and golfer. He tried teaching me basketball but his knowledge from playing back in the 30’s wasn’t helpful to me, but he did make a pretty fair golfer out of me. He was the one responsible for me becoming a smallmouth addict. Dad passed away 42 years ago at the age of 57.

[TnRiver46]

My dad has been walking the streets paved with gold since the early 90s. He was a very loving family man, civil engineer by trade. He was from SW VA like @N Florida Mike’s dad