Sunday, January 5, 2014
A Memorial Writing from Kimberley, Don's daughter:
When I think of the many special memories of my dad the thing that stands out most to me was his incredible love for nature, and how he loved nothing greater than to share this with his family. Just about as soon as dad was home from work on a Friday afternoon he would leap out of his suit, into his bluejeans and hurry us to the car so we could speed off to our cabin on Lake of The Woods, Ontario, for the weekend.
It was here where his heart shone; It was here where i remember him most happy and most himself. Here he taught us how to swim, waterski, watch sunsets & stars, drive a boat, and, he would take us on the most magical mythical fishing trips! We would sit, floating in the sun, fishing for hours, cooling off with swims in the lake and a cooler stocked full with all of our favourite treats. Then, when the time was right, he would wish us off to an undiscovered island cook up a shore lunch like no one could imagine. On these islands we explored and discovered new worlds, and made arts and crafts from rocks and birch bark.
My dad was also a great lover of mountains and snow sports. I remember my dad teaching me how to skate and cheering me on at Ringette games; He even coached my team for a season despite his heavy work schedule.
One of my fondest early memories was when he taught me how to ski in ThunderBay, Ontario. I couldn't have been more than 3 years old on that sunny, crisp winter day. After spending what seemed like hours on the basics: how to balance, how to snow plow, how to steer and emergency stop, it was finally time for me to try a full run down the hill. Up we headed on the tow rope with eager anticipation. Much to his surpriseI raced straight down, building speed and momentum all the way, and headed straight for a tree - BANG! I hit the tree and ricocheted smack onto the hard packed snow. He yelled, "My Baby!" while frantically bounding down the hill, responding to what he thought were cries of pain coming from me … only to discover me laughing hysterically! I remember thinking that was the funniest moment of my life so far, how unhurt I was by hitting the tree, thanks to being bundled up so well, and how much the whole thing resembled a television cartoon! I laughed in utter hysterics, replaying the cartoon in my head, with tears of glee running down my face until i was able to tell him, "I'm okay, I'm okay. It's just so funny!"
To me, this really sums up the atmosphere my dad created for us in our early childhood - one that was so safe, so happy and fun that I could laugh in hysterics and see the comedy when running straight into a tree my first time skiing down a hill at age 3. Later that day he sat patiently with me in front of the fire, softly combing out my long hair, getting rid of all the tangles as gently as he could. I always went to dad when my hair was tangled. He was the one with the gentleness and patience to get the tangles out.
Dad always supported us in anything worthwhile that we really wanted to do. I owe my musical talents to the support of my father. He bought me my first piano & guitars, and the lessons to go along with them. He also encouraged me in school band and enjoyed listening to me performing songs on my instruments as I learned them.
I will always cherish the kindness and generosity my father showed us. I am also extremely grateful for the lessons in manners and respecting others he taught us, along with a sense of work ethic and resourcefulness that helps us cope with the world around us.
Life was not without its' difficulties and challenges for my father, and towards the end it was a turbulent journey. I can't help but wonder if maybe his gentle heart was sometimes just a bit too sensitive for this world.
May you sail peacefully towards the eternal sunset of infinite light Dad, knowing you are forever loved and cherished.
