Son of Adam, Man of La Mancha,
Father Confessor, cutter of trees,
quiet teacher, busy builder, protector,
yes, he is --- all of these.

Healer of wounds, friend, head honcho,
Pop, companion, Dad, catcher of bees,
guardian, bacon-maker, disciplinarian,
he is also --- all of these.

Warrior, peacemaker, student and lover,
master craftsman, leader, raker of leaves,
someone's Pa, yet another's Brother,
again he is --- all of these.

Uncle, Grand-pop, cousin, inter-mingler,
hard hat, rigger, pray-or on knees,
helper, lender, game player, singer,
that's our Pappy --- if you please.

- Copyright: June 20, 1982 -

A Champion of Justice, like a Knight from the past,
he lived life to the fullest, right up to the last.
A gentleman Songster, off on a spree,
now resting in peace, for eternity.
A Carpenter, a Builder, a Man among men,
always your Buddy, old Pal, best Friend.

I see him smiling, I hear him "chirping" a tune,
as he builds us a mansion, not far from a saloon.
Pinochle, "Horses", a game of cribbage, or two,
a pause for a "breather", a sip of a brew.
A tender hug, a little hand squeeze, a robust kiss,
a tough act to follow, a man we’ll all miss.

You gave us good example, of how to be strong,
you gave us your love, and many, many a song.
You gave us your time, your peace, the shirt off your back,
now, it’s your turn to relax, while we take up the slack.
With all good memories stored deep down in our hearts,
we’ll keep them aglow for the while we’re apart.

As God The Father embraces you above,
we’ll always remember, Dear Dad,
and we’ll always, always Love!

Written: June 11^th, 1985 - Delivered: June 13^th, 1985

Thomas K. Hyland, Jr.