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.

[cheryl & oliver]

Dear Leigh, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing...What a wonderful tribute you gave him in the post you wrote...Hugs to you and your family. He sounds like a bery special person and Dad....Cheryl

[Heidi]

What a nice tribute to your father. He was from a special generation and we are blessed to have had a parents from this time period.

[Kyoko]

I am so sorry about your loss. I can see you were very close to him from your post...
You and your family will be in my prayer....

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He sounds like a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing this with us. We will hold you in our prayers in the days and months ahead. I'm sure that Allie will be there with extra hugs and kisses in the coming days and provide lots of comfort.

[shelly]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I did not see your original post. What a nice tribute toward your dad. He must have been such a great dad and granddad.I am sure you will treasure the many special memories!

[Denise U]

My deepest sympathies. Your Dad sounds like he was a wonderful man. Your story brought tears to my eyes as I could relate to some of the characteristics of your Dad, with my Dad. I hope that your memories bring you much peace.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Leigh, I lost my mom two years ago on Christmas Day. I understand your loss deeply and send my sympathy to you and your family. We got our doodle Thomas almost a year after mom passes so she never got to see or know him. I am sure your son and your doodle gave your dad great pleasure.

[Patty]

I love that photo! Having lost my mom earlier in 2009, I know what it's like to be a member of the club nobody wants to join. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you great grace and peace in getting through this very difficult time.

[Teri Fann, Goldens-n-Doodles]

Oh, Leigh, I am so sorry about the loss of your father. The photo of your dad with Allie is priceless - how wonderful that she has brought joy not only to you, your husband and son, but to your "purebred" dad, as well. Our prayers are with you. Blessings for a new year, albeit different from the others, Teri & Michael @ www.Goldens-n-Doodles.com

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Leigh- I am just now reading this as I have been out of town and didn't look at a computer the whole time. I am so very, very sorry.