A hero, a teacher, a mentor, a coach – both on and off the field. A good father – a father who loved his six children unconditionally and was proud of the adults they had become. He loved his grand children and his great-grandchildren. A man who adored his wife – and for the 66+ years that they were married he did everything he could to make her the centre of his world.
A go getter. An achiever. Someone who was all in no matter what he was doing. He figured if you are going to put in the effort – you might as well give it your all – because you just never know how far it will take you or where you’ll end up.
He was a kind man who reached out to his friends when ever he could. He was fun to be around and hang out with. He was a story-teller. He was not a saint or a sinner. He believed in God but didn’t force his beliefs on others. He was a proud Canadian who wore his colours on his sleeve and fought to defend our rights and freedoms.
He was my Dad. He passed away yesterday on his terms – quietly and at peace. I will miss him dearly. I have a lifetime of memories to keep me company until we meet again. Bye Dad – I love you – but you already knew that. 🙂
Enhancing Lives & Transforming Leadership 
Sorry for your loss Brian. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
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Thanks Barry – Writing is therapy for me. It was my way of expressing what I am feeling and helping me with the grieving process. .
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Please accept my sympathy for your loss – Reading about your Father made it clear that his was a life well lived, and he will continue to live on in the hearts of both your family and all of those who had the privilege to know him.
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Sorry to hear the news Brian. He left his mark on you and a very good one at that. Its that time of life for a lot of us, losing parents. Mine are still here and I call them every week. The older I get the more I appreciate who they are and all they have given me from birth till now. I,m digging into their lives with questions to know more who they are. Sadly when I was young they were just my parents. Now I realize they were and are much more than that. They are much of what made me. I recognize the good they inputted in me….the bad stuff…well I,ll take the blame for that.
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I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad Brian, it is a blessing to have such loving memories of your dad. Your description of him makes me think you were very much alike.
Marilyn
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Thank you Marilyn. I appreciate your kind words. I hope in my case that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. 🙂
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Thanks Dan. It was not unexpected because of the cancer. We knew it was just a matter of time. However, I thought I had a little more time – but God had a different plan. Be well my friend – we’ll talk soon,
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Thank you Beth for your kind words. You’re right – he will always be with me – always guiding me and giving me words of encouragement.
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Thanks Barry. I appreciate your kind words. I wish you and your extended family well.
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