Papa, A True Legend And Lover Of Life

I’ve always thought my dad looked like some Hollywood actor, with his Clark Gable looks, charm and charisma. When I think of words to describe my Papa, relentless, indomitable, seriously driven, hard working, high achiever, lover of a seriously good coffee and wine come to mind.

Happy most when there was a home-made plate of pasta before him of any kind, but pasta marinara or seafood of any kind was his absolute fave.

When out of his work clothes, he rocked a suit and insisted on purchasing a new one for every wedding attendance, in spite of my Mamma’s protests. He was a great lover of fashion shoes, passionate about travelling, fishing, and adored the ocean, but his greatest passion was people, and meeting new people.

Dad excelled at whatever he put his hand to. He started cutting cane in Queensland before learning several trades starting with tiling and plastering. He even did some of the Griffith Base Hospital. Eventually, he chose the farming life which he was most successful at and was able to retire at 61 years of age. Truly astounding.

He was always generous and the first one to shout at any social event. He was always up for a challenge in their weekly card games and loved entertaining people, his friends, at home, regardless of his hard day’s work on the farm or in the packing shed.

He has taught me the art of giving and that consistency is key and that you can achieve anything in life without an education, through hard work, sheer determination, discipline and consistency.

I am yet to meet anyone with the same tenacity and resilience as him.

The funniest moment in my dad’s life would have to be when he went on a fishing trip with some family mates and insisted on driving the boat without any boat skills or experience and he accidentally pulled the trigger, causing it to spin rapidly several times with him in tow. Needless to say, he willingly, yet reluctantly, jumped off in one piece. However, it didn’t stop him purchasing a speed boat later on when he retired by the sea, where he improved on his boating skills.

A true legend and lover of life until the end. His laugh, passion and love of life will be forever imprinted on our hearts and live on in us forever.

• Topics:

• Father's Day