My dad

It was sudden, but peaceful.  He was 82.

I didn't know a lot of his early years, as life in the 30's and 40's in Prague and Germany was not something he wanted to talk about.  

 I learned he was a police officer before he came to Canada.

I learned he traveled by ship on the Neptunia to Canada to start a new life of adventures.

My dad was a very patient and kind man.  A hard worker and a love for the Canadian wilderness.  I remember him taking off on canoe trips and hikes in the middle of nowhere.  I remember camping in canvas tents with rivers of rain flowing through them in the middle of the night.  He taught me to whittle wood and make campfires.   I remember his love of animals and mother nature.  His absolute love of dogs....sometimes we wondered if the pets ruled the house.    Weekly trips to the library with stacks of books in his arms.   He seemed to be able to fix anything and everything.   His artwork, which he never showed off and kept it tucked away.    His love for his family, and his grandchildren.   A skeptic,  a man who questioned everything,  

My dad was a great father and a really great opa.   I am so glad I got to know him in his later years and had lengthy conversations with him - sometimes they drove me nuts, and sometimes they really enlightened me.  I would learn little snippets about him that made me appreciate him more.

Losing a father is never easy.  I take some comfort knowing that it was quick and painless.  That there was no long term suffering or loss of mind. He was still able to drive.  He was planning his next cruise.  He was aging, but he was still able.  

Losing a father is never easy.  I take a little comfort thinking and believing that he is with my mom now.  I miss him.