Remembering Pop

[StrawHat]

A lot of threads today about ‘what are you doing for Father’s Day” etc. My Pop died in 1999, 82 years old. Today, I chose to remember him by carrying one of his knives. I always carry a slip joint knife, Barlow style, of various makes. Today I was sifting through my assortment and spotted Pop’s old two bladed Trapper built by aka Bar. A bit larger and heavier than my normal knife but it not only seemed right, it was a very comfortable carry. Like any day, I used it 6 or 8 times. Each time I pulled it out, it reminded me of Pop.

Happy Father’s Day, Pop.

And Happy Father’s Day to you all.

Kevin

 

[Rustyt1953]

My dad passed in 1999 as well. He was 73. It was a combination of severe heart disease, a debilitating stroke and prostate cancer.

Emotionally he was never a demonstrative man. He never told me he loved me until 1998 while in the hospital. It was my turn to stay the night with him as mom didn't want him to pass alone.

Those three words resonate with me still as they broke down a barrier.

 

[Jebus35745]

Good way to remember Dad Kevin. Hope your day was perfect, happy Father’s Day. Larry

 

[Rudi]

This is my first without him.

 

[greenwellg]

This is my first without him.

You got me with this short sentence Rudi. Pop passed 11/16/24, six days before my 74th birthday. He was 103, would have been 104 5/8/25. Actually he will always be with me, I carry their DNA and they BOTH live inside me for every breath I take until my days are over. I was the first of his 4 sons who kissed him on the mouth. Always told him that kiss was to let him know that I loved him and just in case it was the last time we saw each other that he was the bestest POP that ever lived and how I was the luckiest man alive to have been his son.
Getting a little emotional now just thinking about the fact he is gone from this world. The DNA thing makes me happy to know that part of him is still the BESTEST POP THAT EVER LIVED.

 

[WardenRoss]

The fondest memories of my life was when I was a wee kid, trying to keep up with my dad, walking the farm in the early mornings with the dogs.

Now that I'm retired, guess what I enjoy every morning?

It's as if he is still with me repeating his instructions for life.

I"m the richest man on earth, living the dream.

I miss you dad!

 

[JP@AK]

My father literally died in my arms in 2012. He was 89.

Dad was a WWII fighter pilot (P-38 Lightning). After flying fighter sweeps over the beaches on D-Day, his squadron was sent deep into France to skip-bomb German railroad operations. On one sortie, his right wing and engine were hit by flak, and he had to ditch. Ended up a POW until he was liberated by Patton's 3d Army, near Munich.

Here are some of the items I displayed at his funeral.
Air Medal and European Campaign Ribbon with two battle stars, along with some photos:


Luftwaffe-issued dog tags and aluminum spoon (issued by the Germans) along with his POW Medal:

 

[duke2002]

My dad passed when i was in my 30's left a big hole in my life. Firm but fair. The summer before he passed we went fishing. I had a family worked a double shift was dead tired but made my self go. If you still have a dad around enjoy your time with them.

 

[Golddollar]

I was lucky enough to know 1 great grandfather, both grandfathers and have my dad for 63 years. All of them are gone now.

I picked out a number of Pop's shirts and wear them a lot. I've learned about the relationships he had as an uncle to my cousins. One of my cousins sent me a picture of him when he was a little younger than I am now. I look at that picture and it's like looking in a mirror.