Happy Father’s Day - 2016

I hate this day and have decided that it is the hardest day of the year for me.  Sure, it’s a time to celebrate the dads in our lives but there will always be that very special dad who is missing, except in our hearts. 

This morning as we were doing our weekly grocery shopping, we walked by the card section and even that early in the morning, there were people pouring over the Father’s Day cards.  Typically not being ones to procrastinate, we commented that those folks were sure waiting until the last minute to find that perfect card.  Then it struck me – at least they had someone to buy that perfect card for. 

So as I’ve done several times before in 2015, 2013 and 2012, I’ll take a moment to remember that special man, Gordon Levy, in pictures.

Here’s Dad on his 2nd birthday, February 11, 1929 (thanks again for labeling so many photos, Grandma).  I love his little friend!



By 1931, Dad was ready to drive.  And look how he’s sporting that cute hat! 



1936 brought a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia.  I’m not sure where else they might have visited on their vacation but they did stop for a photo.  And look, another cute hat!



Off again in 1937 – this time to New York.  There they visited Jack Dempsey’s restaurant which opened in 1935 and closed in 1974.



Wikipedia states “most nights would find Dempsey's famous proprietor on hand to greet guests, sign autographs, pose for pictures, and hold court with people from all walks of life.”  And look at that – he posed for a photo with Dad!  I seem to remember seeing this photo hanging on the wall at Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Fresno.



I’m going to guess this photo is from 1943-1944 when Dad was in his final years of school at Fresno High School.  He’s got the pose of today down with his hand on his hip.



Mom actually wrote on the back of this photo – Stanford Grad 1949. 



After completing his Bachelor’s and MBA at Stanford, Dad went on to have a successful career at Dean Witter & Co where he became Manager, General Partner, and Vice President.  I think this photo might have been a ‘marketing’ type photo from the early 1960’s.



Dad went back to New York in 1963 – hey, I just realized that I was there, too!  And on July 29th, he was back at Dempsey’s posing with a special someone.



One thing Dad never shied away from was a photo op with a celebrity or anyone who might become a celebrity and since one of his favorite things in the world was sports, it’s no surprise that I found this photo of him with John Wooden, famed UCLA basketball coach, in 1986.



But through it all, I think Dad’s proudest achievement was his children, and later grandchildren and great grandchildren.  While he didn’t tell us often that he was proud of us, he sure seemed to tell other people.  And deep down we knew how much we were loved. 

This photo seems to capture his feelings well – I just wish we had a similar pose after little brother had joined the family.  Although I’m sure if I give it time, I’ll run across one.  I’m not sure of the date but since brother wasn’t with us and Mom wasn’t pregnant, I’d guess this to be about 1959-1960.  A time when there was so much to look forward to – a growing family, a successful career, and a life full of happiness.



My dad was one of a kind and while I miss him every day, Father’s Day is the day I miss him most.  Well I do!