Today, I stand before you as a daughter who is trying to say goodbye to one of the most important people in my life—my dad. There are no words that could ever truly capture how much he meant to me, or how deeply I will miss him. But today, I want to share some of the memories and moments that made him the incredible dad and grandpa we all knew and loved.
Being his only daughter, I always had a special place in his heart. And one of the greatest joys of my life was being able to give him his first grandchild. From that moment on, I got to watch my dad become an amazing grandparent, giving my children the same love, laughter, and unforgettable memories that he gave to us.
I think about our childhood and the late-night poker games, when candy was the prize. We would play and laugh, never imagining that one day those little candy poker games would turn into the big-time family poker games, where the top three would take home the money. Those games were never just about winning. They were about being together, laughing, teasing each other, and making memories.
My dad was always the fun parent. Definitely not the disciplinary one. I still laugh when I remember the time I was grounded—I’m still not entirely sure why, because I was such a good kid! I was sitting on the front step, watching the other three play hockey. They needed a fourth player, and of course, Dad decided that was reason enough to let me off my grounding so I could join in and even things out. That’s just who he was. He couldn’t stand the thought of anyone missing out on the fun.
He coached our sporting events, boxed with the neighbour kids, and played hockey with everyone. He was always ready to get involved, always ready to play, and always ready to make life fun.
But as I got older, I saw an even bigger side of my dad’s love.
When I needed help, he dropped everything. He left his life in Salmon Arm and moved to Kamloops to help me watch my children so I could focus on my career. That is something I will never be able to thank him enough for. He believed in me, supported me, and helped me become the person I am today. Anytime any of us kids needed him, he was there. No questions asked. No hesitation. He would drop anything for us.
And then came the role he was truly incredible at—being a grandparent.
My children were so lucky to have him. He spent so much time with them, creating the same kind of magical memories that he created for us. Walks on the wharf and around McGuire Lake, time together as a family, and the kids’ fishing derby that everyone looked forward to every year. Those weren’t just events on the calendar to him. They were opportunities to be together, to laugh, to watch his grandchildren grow, and to make sure they knew just how loved they were.
He was the best grandparent a kid could ever ask for.
He gave his time so freely. He gave his love without conditions. He showed up. And that is one of the greatest gifts a person can ever give their family—showing up, again and again, whenever they are needed.
Dad, I don’t know how we are supposed to do this without you. I don’t know how to imagine life without knowing you’re only a phone call away, ready to drop everything and come when one of us needs you.
I will miss the poker games. I will miss the walks. I will miss watching you with the grandkids. I will miss your fun-loving spirit, your willingness to play, your laughter, and all the little things that I probably never realized I would one day miss so much.
But more than anything, I will miss you.
I hope you knew how deeply you were loved. I hope you knew how grateful I am that you were my dad. Being your only daughter was one of the greatest gifts of my life. Thank you for everything you did for me, for my children, and for our entire family.
Thank you for dropping everything when we needed you.
Thank you for being our coach, our teammate, our biggest supporter, and the person who always made sure nobody was left sitting on the sidelines.
Thank you for being the best dad and the best grandparent we could ever ask for.
I will carry you with me in every memory, every story, every walk, every hockey game, every fishing derby, and every hand of poker.
I love you so much, Dad.
And I will miss you for the rest of my life.
I love you, Dad.