To My Daddy

Father’s Day is just around the corner. People all over the world are celebrating their fathers in many different ways. For many people, especially little girls, their daddy is their first love. I know my daddy certainly was and still is. If he were still with us today, he would be 95. But sadly he passed away at 82, in 2007. I miss you and love you Daddy. I will always be your little girl.

Many of you might know, my dad immigrated to the United States after WWII from Australia. He lived in the United States ever since, mostly in Pasadena, California, for the rest of his life.

My dad in Melbourne, Australia in the mid 1930’s. Like Paul Newman, my dad was always complimented for his beautiful blue eyes. Daddy would have been about 12 or 13 here.

Young Daddy - 2

At 14, Daddy ran away from home, lied about his age, said he was 16, and joined the Australian Army. He fought in North Africa in WWII. This was in 1939, in Melbourne, right before being deployed.

Daddy

The St. Kilda Boys. St. Kilda has always been a rough part of Melbourne. And now you can see why. This motley crew gathering together during a break from the war. I don’t know why my dad was not in his uniform at this time, like his mates were. More than likely, he was being the rebel that he was was always known to be. The gentleman to my dad’s left, in the Air Force uniform, was my dad’s best mate. Even though after WWII, they were separated by 1/2 a world, they never broke their brotherly bond. They were best mates their whole entire lives; probably still are too.

The St Kilda Boys 1942

After WWII, Daddy took to the sea. This was the first of his many seaman’s ID pictures. He was in the Merchant Marines, often doing military sealift commands, for the rest of his career. He loved the sea. It was his calling.

Young Daddy - 1

Before settling in Pasadena, Daddy was a vagabond, and tried living in various others parts of the US. I believe this was in New York, shortly after WWII, but I really can’t say for sure where or when it was. The Mob Daddy’s travels took him to Texas, where he met my mother. They stayed there for a few years, but the shipping was better in California, so they packed up and went to the Golden State, where they lived out the rest of their years. Plus my dad and my grandfather never got along. When my mom announced they were getting married my grandfather’s response was ” Why do have to go an’ marry a damn ferirner?”. They were off to California.

Port Arthur Texas, where my mother was from, around 1950, right after they got married

Young Daddy - 4

Living’ the good life out in California, mid 1950’s.

Young Daddy - 7

Young Daddy - 6

Mom and dad were married 14 years before I came along. It was just the three of us, plus all our fur babies, from that point on. This was in our backyard with most of our menagerie.

Old Family Photos

Daddy loved the sea. He sailed around the world many times over. The sea was a part of him. His last big sail was a cruise up and down the California coastline that we did together. I bought him a trip on an old fashioned Cutter ship replica. You can tell by his big smile that he was loving every minute of it.

All grown up, and living in Colorado. We would bring my dad out to stay with us all the time.

Daddy and the Dogs

Daddy walking me down the aisle on my wedding day in 2003.

Walking Me Down the Aisle

Our Daddy/Daughter dance.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Mr. Cool.

Mr. Cool

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people. View all posts by ajeanneinthekitchen