Never did he waver from his commitment to us. No matter what, he was there for us. Always willing to provide whatever we asked for and some things we didn't ask for...like terribly bad jokes that were just not funny, but we would laugh anyway because the fact he thought they were funny and the look on his face would ultimately crack us up.

He was a kind and gentle man. He never complained. He could fix anything we handed to him. And we surely handed him some stuff!

We learned so much from him...how to drive a car, drive a boat, play a few strings on the guitar, mow the lawn, morse code and of coarse...How to Fix Anything!

But most importantly, through the heartbreaking tragedy that he became ill so early in life, we learned that life is short. And that we must cherish every moment we have with the ones we love. 

Our father overlooked all of our faults and he till loved and cared for us wth such devotion. And we too must remember to do the same for each other. Appreciate the small moments of joy, despite any circumstances. Live, laugh and love. And remember to tell a good (or not so good) joke. 

Somewhere in the vastness of what lies beyond, our dad is smiling down at us. 

We love you Dad.