Tribute to my father

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

Dad’s family, Sibot, Romania

I love you and miss you dad!

Drum bun! (good journey)