Dad passed on Saturday morning, August 15. There were so many questions I never asked him. I cherished many things about this man. Here were just some of the many fond memories of my father.
I appreciate about my dad…
• how he left his home country of Romania after World War II in search of a better life
• that he lived in Paris for 3 years, learned French and worked at a Renault car manufacturing plant
• how he emigrated to Canada through Halifax with some buddies to settle in Windsor, Ontario
• his power back rubs
* his mititei (grilled rolls of mixed lamb, pork and beef)
• how he helped me on my morning paper route when it was too cold and snowy, or I overslept
• his rustic sense of humor
• his home-made rolled cigarettes (which I often made for him)
• the home-made soups and stews
• how he caused me to become independent when I left home at 17
• his beautiful garden which fed us and made me appreciate gardening
• how his meat cutter job helped feed my 4 brothers and me very well
• that his meat cutter union paid for all our braces and medical issues
• his amazing ability to cook meats
• that his background became a source of pride for myself and led to 3 trips of my own to re-connect with our Transylvanian relatives
• that in spite of conflicts, he did make my mother very happy most of the time
• his low tolerance for bull shit
• how he enjoyed interacting with his grandchildren
• how he loved taking care of my miniature dachshund Scooter
* how he inspired me to learn to speak Romania
THESE PHOTOS CAPTURE ONLY A SMALL PART OF DAD’S 87 YEARS OF LIFE FROM MY VIEW
I love you and miss you dad!
Drum bun! (good journey)