Thank you for being such a wonderful Dad.

Thank you for being such a wonderful Dad. You helped to shape me, encourage me and point me down paths that made me the person I am today. You have been a father, discipliner, friend and encourager. So many memories that will always put a smile on my face.

When I was young, you did not try to be my friend. You were my coach, my guide and discipliner when I needed it.You were,  well you were being a good Father. You put Angie, David and I first. You had the courage and love to do the right thing unlike so many parents today.

In Boy Scouts, you meant so much to so many kids. So many kids admired you. “Mr. Spring I’m miserable” on our backpack trips showed just how much love they had for you.  One winter camp, you gave me your jacket to stay warm even though you were probably cold. When we hiked mount Whitney, you gave me candy to help with the altitude sickness. To this day, anytime I have a butterscotch candy I am instantly transported back to that time. And how did I repay you? I made that darn marmot follow the tang trail to you. Ok that was so funny and a fun memory we shared frequently.

On a day off from camp, you came up to take me fishing for my 16th Birthday. You caught Steve Pechter and I looking at a Penthouse magazine in the cabin. Holy crap I thought. What was you response? "Be sure to bring it with us tomorrow". Whew that was a surprise! I still have the fishing reel you gave me that day.

As I aged, that Father/coach role turned to friend role. From the "clean-clean-clean" volkswagen rebuilding days to Star Wars in 1977, to motorcycle riding in the early 80's to the "watch out!!!! oh crap I crashed the plane into Jay" flying days of the 90's. Those RC Flying days are where we really bonded and I to know you as a person, not just Dad.

I could always reach out to you whenever I wanted or needed just to say hi. Phone call, text, email it did not matter. Our last conversation right before Thanksgiving was trying to help you figure out cloud backup for your data. I am so glad we had that call.

There are so many memories which are flooding back. These are just a few. You are putting a smile on my face and pushing the sadness away. I wish all kids had a Dad like you. We didn't always agree or see eye to eye, but your love for me, David and Angie never faltered. All of us knew you were there for us.

The morning of your passing, I woke up and saw you looking at me just in front of the airplane picture on the wall. I could not believe what I was seeing. When I blinked you were gone. A short time later, Barbara called with the sad news. I now realize you were stopping by to say "Bye and see you again someday". It is a moment that I will treasure for ever. But dad... you know I can no longer look at that picture without seeing you there. Ok, I truthfully hope to see you there but hope Alice does not catch me talking to the plane in the picture sometimes (ha, ha).

I miss you and will think of you always. I will never forget all that you did for me.

Thank you for being my Dad. Merry Christmas!

Love

Jay