...Dad's 96...

( Christmas last year with my SIL Cathy )

My Dad's birthday just passed on the 21st... I feel a story coming forward.. The family staged a BBQ ... he enjoyed that.. What can I say about this man my Dad.. he is a stoical rock in my family.. humble beginnings in a small settlement above Halifax in West Yorkshire UK . His family migrated to Canada.. his Mom died when he was 4 leaving him and his 12 year old sister to be brought up by his Dad and Uncle. No Mom influence in his life left a very open wound in him.. that I feel has lasted his whole life. Today he is still a force to be reckoned with.. living alone in a house my Mom and him shared the 60 years of their marriage before she passed in 2000. They grew together from this bus driver that spotted her sitting on her stairs one sunny day from his drivers seat.. to managing to ask this pretty girl out.. to marriage.. to a stint in the Canadian Air Force and back to Montreal to raise his family and retire from the bus transportation company where he progressed from bus driver to managing the metro underground train system in Montreal till 1967.. At 95 he still manages all his affairs .. his health is wonderful.. good genes he claims.. he just doesn't drive any longer.. Characteristics ..well read.. sports he likes hockey, baseball and golf.. in his youth he boxed.. also was a camp councellor he taught swimming and canoeing.. so outdoors was something he enjoyed.. so in 1962 when he was able to afford our humble/pioneer like country house he was thrilled.. he is an animal lover.. we always had pets.. dogs..cats.. hamsters.. guinea pigs.. rabbit.. fish.. birds were elusive in our house as Mom feared them. He had a strong work ethic.. retired in " 67 " just prior to our World Expo 67 Celebration .. he had worked from right out of school at age 16. Provided as best he could for our family of 7 children. Needs were few for this humble family.. we had all that we needed materialistically from this man.. and all turned out okay.. no bad apples.. actually all pretty good spirits.. community minded hard working people who made there way in the world .. a fair lot to be proud of for him & Mom. Most retired themselves now.. but still do a fair bit for community ..

You did a Great Job.. Dad Happy 96th.. !!!