Papa

He was the most considerate, loyal man I ever met. He was intelligent, well-read and always searching to learn more about anything that interested him. He was eloquent and thoughtful. He loved children, birds, music, words and I loved him dearly. He wouldn't sit for dinner until Mamie was seated. He cut pizza with a silver pie server. He put so much thought into speeches given just to his family. He had jewelry made for his beloved wife. As children he seized every opportunity to watch us play and reward us for even the most mundane things we did. He laughed with our friends. He made it a point to know our friends' names. He told us all about the birds in our neighbourhood. He had a wonderful laugh with beautiful crinkles around his eyes and I loved him dearly. He swam in the ocean and skated on the lake with us. He grew tomatoes and made an amazing potato salad. He washed dishes by hand every day wearing rubber gloves. He loved to hold little babies. And I love him dearly.