One year ago today my dad passed away. I had known for 10 days that he was dying. Though I had known for nearly three years he was very sick, I was not expecting this. Part of me is angry with him for not telling me. For not allowing me to have those three years.
He was a really great dad as we were growing up. Until he and mom divorced. I have many happy childhood memories. And the not so happy ones I don't hold against him. I didn't come with an instruction manual and I know he loved me and did the best he knew how to do.
He was very devoted to Lance, Annette and me. We camped and fished (you do remember the fishing stories I am sure). We found out years later that he hated camping. But he knew we loved it and made sure we camped several times during the summers. He always had an activity for us to do. His motto was 'if I wear them out they will not get into trouble'. And we were good kids!
He was always willing to talk about his childhood and grandpa and grandma Duncan. Now I wish I had asked more questions. I loved the stories. This is the part of life moving on, day following day and year following year that I don't like. I am not one for change and my life has changed much since my first grandparent died nine years ago.
I enjoyed searching for these pictures and now I share them with you. A tribute to my dad.
Elmer Jesse Duncan 7-14-1938 - 10-8-2012
He was a really great dad as we were growing up. Until he and mom divorced. I have many happy childhood memories. And the not so happy ones I don't hold against him. I didn't come with an instruction manual and I know he loved me and did the best he knew how to do.
He was very devoted to Lance, Annette and me. We camped and fished (you do remember the fishing stories I am sure). We found out years later that he hated camping. But he knew we loved it and made sure we camped several times during the summers. He always had an activity for us to do. His motto was 'if I wear them out they will not get into trouble'. And we were good kids!
He was always willing to talk about his childhood and grandpa and grandma Duncan. Now I wish I had asked more questions. I loved the stories. This is the part of life moving on, day following day and year following year that I don't like. I am not one for change and my life has changed much since my first grandparent died nine years ago.
I enjoyed searching for these pictures and now I share them with you. A tribute to my dad.
Elmer Jesse Duncan 7-14-1938 - 10-8-2012
My dad with his older brother Edgar and grandpa and grandma.
Dad is the middle boy in the front row. I think this is third grade but not sure.
Dad and grandpa Duncan.
Grandpa Duncan was a great dad and a wonderful grandpa!
Dad was in the military...he served in the Army in the early 60's. We have a large box full of slides from Europe. Mainly Germany. Here are some of the pictures of him in uniform and one from I believe Germany. My dad was an avid photographer also...that is a blessing he left me. Lots of photos from his past.
My dad flew these airplanes long before we came along and then until we were in our teens. They were controlled from the ground by two wired attached to a wing. Dad won several trophies for how well he flew them. I have one of them hanging in my entry way now.
Dad loved fishing. The last major task he took on was some renovation to the LanAnnDes. It was a lighter weight boat and easier for him to handle as he grew weaker. Dad loved a good fight with the fish. And if they put up a good one he would release them.
Here is me at a year old. Dad sort of doted on me I think.
Thanks for sharing this time with me and my memories.
Thanks for sharing this time with me and my memories.