Condolences greatly appreciated

[Leigh & Allie]

I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and prayers. My dad passed away unexpectantly December 26th, the day before my birthday. Many of you saw my update as you were wishing me a happy birthday. I can not tell you how much those words and stories lifted my heart at such a hard and difficult time.
If you don't mind I would like to tell you a little bit about my dad, or daddy, as I have always called him. My dad was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He proudly and unselfishly served his country in WWII as a fighter pilot. This fact was not something he wore on his sleeve but if you asked him about it, he would gladly tell you many a story. He was an upstanding man who took care and provided for his family. He took pride in providing an upstanding education for all of us. He adored his grandson as much as his grandson adored him. My dad taught my son so much. Whenever we would leave my parents house, my son would run back in the house because he had forgotten to tell grandad "goodbye". Mark would just not leave without saying goodbye to his grandad.
To understand him was to love him. He had definite opinions on everything and would easily let you know if he felt you were doing something wrong. (He was usually correct). I knew I had a fight on my hands when I first told him I was going to get a goldendoodle. He was a dog lover but only purebreds would do. At first when we were waiting for our Allie (this was a long time, nine months, as we needed a multi generational dog due to my sons' allergies), I just did not bring it up with my dad because I knew we were going to have a round. One day I was sitting with him in the den and he asked me about "this dog" I was getting. I thought "oh no here we go". I quickly explained to him all my research about this goldendoodle and how they were first conceived because they were meant to be seeing eye dogs for blind people with allergies. I told him how smart they were and how I had picked the puppy I knew would be ours. To my huge surprise he said, "Well that sounds great". As you can see from the photo I published above, Allie and my dad made fast friends. He knew her for just a little while but I think he knew what joy she would bring to his grandson. He might have even known she would bring much comfort as well.

[Leslie and Halas]

So sorry about your dad. I hadn't seen your other posts, so thanks for sharing your story here - he sounds like a wonderful man. It's great that he and your son were so close.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I am terribly sorry for your loss. It is a very hard time right now, I know. I am glad your son and your doodle got to know him and he them. He sounds like a very special man.

[Kathy Spyker]

So sorry for your loss. It looks like you dad enjoyed Allie and she him. I am sure he will be greatly missed. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry about your Dad. Clearly he will always hold a very special place in your heart. I can see from the picture that he really loved Allie. It looks like she's giving him a special "Doodle Hug". The thing is parents like this never really leave us...they are part of everything we experience forever.

[Laura & Chewie]

My most sincere condolences to you and your family. It sound like you have many wonderful memories of your Dad to help you through this difficult period.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm glad your dad got to meet Allie. I often think how much I would like to have had my parents meet my dogs. When I was young my father always told me that I could have a dog when I had my own house. It took many, many years beyond that for me to finally decide the time had come. I am very sorry to hear about your dad but he will be with you in many ways forever.

[LINDA & TEDDY]

Leigh,

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your tribute to your dad. It really speaks volumes of just how special he was. His legacy to you was his love and all the wonderful memories he has left for you and your family. Those memories keep him with you and will continue to bring great joy.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

What a sweet story. Your dad sounds like an amazing man. You are still in our thoughts and prayers.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Leigh- Wishing you and your family strength and comfort during this difficult time. Great story about Dad. Thanks for sharing,

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Leigh, I am so sorry to hear that your dad passed away. The missing him feeling will always be there but the deep pain will ease with time. Your dad sounds so similar to mine. There is a book by Tom Brokaw called The Greatest Generation and men like our dads were good examples of these great men: gentlemen, opinionated, big doers rather than big talkers.

[Adina P]

Leigh, my heart goes out to you. You and your family will be in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this story.

[Rose]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, Leigh. This is a wonderful tribute to him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.